Cannonball Stone Cutter

[saxu4euh]

It appears that Cannonball is releasing a new Stone Cutter Series sax model. Anyone out there had an opportunity to see or play one of these new models?

Based upon input from the Texas Music Educators Association Convention where Cannonball had a booth with both the alto and tenor models, the reaction was very positive.

One attendee: "Very good intonation, very easy overtones, good mechanics, nice finishes, and a sweet tone." followed by: stones on the palm keys, stones have replaced every part on the horn that had "pearl" on it, there is also one on the anterior surface of the neck. The horns
also have a new engraving, which is cooler than the on on the big bells"

Just quoting the public outburst.

Anyone with any better data? 8-)

[KEN K]

I saw one at the NAMM show. Looks so good that a person that does not play would want to buy it just to look at it.

[Martin Williams]

What are the differences between that horn and the global series?

Martin Williams

[saxu4euh]

To attempt to answer your difference question. As I have been told, by a knowledge Cannonball source:

"The new Stone Cutter series is actually going to replace the current Global Series line of saxophones. The new line of saxes will be available starting in April,once the current stock of Global Big Bells are gone there will be no more. :shock: According to Cannonball, the new series is a better horn, also has more stones and will be available in all the current finishes.There will be one new finish, the Raven with an iced Silver bell. :D The Cannonball saxophones will still be big bell horns but they will loose the engraving on the lip and will have less engraving overall."

Cannonball is taking orders now for their first shipments. This is most likely the reason that there has been a limited number of Cannonball horns available at dealers during the past few months. Just my observation. April is not that far away. Dealer stock should be at a low point. Between restock and new horn launch - you would expect a significant number of new horn sales. It may be hard to find both "new" GBBS horns and new Stone Cutter horns for the rest of 2005. I would expect to see many high quality used Cannonball GBBS horns hitting eBay as people sell older models and buy new Stone Cutter horns. Again, just a humble opinion. :wink:

Hope that helps. 8-)

[saxu4euh]

I love the statement made by Ken K :

"Looks so good that a person that does not play would want to buy it just to look at it."

"Just to look at it !"

Wow, that's got to be one beautiful horn.

[okami]

Do you have any news about the new stone-cutter? I wanted a big bell arc soprano but now I am uncertain if I shall buy it, because the new stone cutter will be released. When can I buy a new stone cutter and how much is the price for it?


Thank you very much, Benjamin

[abadcliche]

According to the promotional flier I just got at work, it is called "Stone" series. Mechanically they seem to be identical to the the big bell series, with differences being in the stone key touches and different engraving. No pricing yet, but you can be assured it will be more than the current big bell lineup. The stones (looks like about 10 different types are available) can be ordered in different heights for the palm keys. The Gerald Albright series will also be moved to a Stone Series sax.

Cannonball will also be producing a trumpet under the name "Stone Series".

[okami]

Is the only difference between the old and the new line the new stones and the engraving? :roll: If yes, then I can buy an old Big Bell, too.

[abadcliche]

Based upon what we got at work, it seems that way. I haven't had my hands on one yet to compare, so don't budget for a new horn using info from me- try one for yourself when they come out.

I will try to find out more today and post here later.

[rwilliams]

I wrote to Cannonball to clear up the questions and Sheryl Laukat answered.

The new horns are called Big Bell Stone Series. They have the same body and bore as the current BB's. The Stone Series horns have a new guard design, new engraving and more stones in the neck, RH side keys and palm keys.

There is a new key design on the Bari's

The other horns have has palm and side key design changes to accomodate the stones.

The stone series will be replacing the BB series.

She made no comment that would lead me to believe that the new series would play or sound different than the current horns or that other than the looks that there are significant changes.

Best
RW

[Warder60]

I'd very much like to see pictures of the new features and engravings. I can't seem to find any on the net. So if anyone knows where to find any... or has one and can take a few shots real quick :) I'd love to see them

[brentsax45]

I haven't had any experience with the Global Big Bells, but I just got a Stone Series sop (a curvy :D ) and boy does this thing play! Better than the Yanis, Yamahas, and Selmers that I tried.

[altosaxguy1]

go to www.cannonballmusic.com to get info

[gary]

Well I'm sure glad you guys all cleared up the meaning of the new name.
I though it meant they had made an even larger bore horn and, in order to play it, you had to have some serious stones. :walk:

[martysax]

Well I'm sure glad you guys all cleared up the meaning of the new name.
I though it meant they had made an even larger bore horn and, in order to play it, you had to have some serious stones. :walk:

Does it get its name from its ability to blend in a section? I understand that, to appreciate it, you'd need to be seriously Stone(d).8-)

[Stacey]

Well I'm sure glad you guys all cleared up the meaning of the new name.
I though it meant they had made an even larger bore horn and, in order to play it, you had to have some serious stones. :walk:

Gary, that's the Big Ball Global Series you're thinking of.

[martysax]

Gary, that's the Big Ball Global Series you're thinking of.

Love the AC/DC reference!

[bobsax]

Remember the "Stone Cutters" secret orginazation on The Simpsons ?
:D

[Stacey]

Nope, never heard of it.

Who controls the British crown?
Who keeps the metric system down?
We do! We do.
Who leaves the Atlantis off the maps?
Who keeps the Martians under wraps?
We do! We do.
Who holds back the electric car?
Who makes Steve Guttenberg a star?
We do! We do.
Who robs cave fish of their sight?
Who rigs every Oscar night?
We do! We do.

[saxguy007]

I love the Simpsons!

I also love my new Stone Cutter bari. I posted pics of it in the yahoo cannonball user group pic albums.

With regard to its stunning appearance. Twice I have had a band-mate tell me that I could just leave it on its stand as an aesthetic beauty, most recently on a gig with a party band. Will update my other review in a seperate thread.

Jim Bjork

[blakngold4life]

i went to sam ash the other day to try out altos, the guy there said i should try this new cannonball tenor and i just happend to have a tenor piece with me. well i played it over the whole range, low stuff was easy, altissimo was there but may not have been clear due to the mouthpiece (yani 5) the key work was really strange due to the stones on the palm keys. the horn was alright, not outstanding. i didnt really care for its sound either. but thats just me, and i havent played a mk VI i liked either.