Help with models of Antigua Winds sopranos

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I need help comparing these AW sopranos:

580LQ, manufactured between 1998 and 2001, supposedly top of the line for Antigua at the time.

A new(er) 586LQ, which is in their current line-up as their lower-priced soprano.

I know the current AWs are Yanigasawa copies. Were their older horns? I know the current horns have a great reputation on this site, but what about the older model listed above?

[DaveKessler]

The older models were like most all the other Taiwanese models. They were loosely based off of a Selmer Super 80 Series II (the double neck was added to the design by the Taiwanese). However, I say loosely because in actuality, they are not even close. They were one of the better Taiwan sopranos of the time, but compared to the Antiguas of today, they are no where close.

The 580LQ was the top model in Antiguas lineup during that time (and several years after).

Hope that helps.

[goodsax]

I need help comparing these AW sopranos:
...
A new(er) 586LQ, which is in their current line-up as their lower-priced soprano...

The 586LQ is the lower priced 2-neck straight sop with a high F# key, the 590LQ is the higher priced model keyed to high G.

The 582LQ is the one-piece straight AW sop keyed to high F# that's priced even lower because of no detachable necks, which some believe to be an asset.

There's also a difference in the cases that come with each model, but you don't play the cases.

[Dave Dolson]

Rob, et al: Thanks for the clarification. For some reason, I'm always forgetting those little details (uh oh . . .!!).

Anyway, I recently played a 586BC purchased from Kessler's by a fellow SOTW poster. It played every bit as nicely as my 590LQ, and was gorgeous, too. In retrospect, I see no reason to spend the extra money for the 590 series just to obtain the high-G keying.

But on the day I tested and bought mine, I only had three 590's and a fixed neck model (the 582) to compare. For the price paid, I'm still pleased with mine. For those of you still contemplating a purchase, I'd recommend the 586 unless you play music requiring high-G and can't do altissimo. The finish doesn't matter. DAVE

[Joey Gamelan]

Hi, everyone. I've been reading here for about a year, but this is my first post. This forum is great; thanks to all the interesting posters. I have a question that I felt I couldn't find the answer for in the discussion of finishes and maintence, so I'm asking here:

I am thinking of purchasing an Antigua 590, but can't decide about the finish. I understand from other discussions (and from playing) that tone comes from other places (mouthpiece, etc.), than whether it is black, silver, lacquer, etc.

Questions: how is the quality of the Antigua silver (590SPC) finish? Does anyone have any experience with how well it holds up and/or gets tarnished? Should it be cared for the same or differently as vintage horns (as in, certain cloths to keep in the case)?

Thanks for any help.
- joseph

[goodsax]

Dave Kessler might want to confirm or correct this, but I think the Antigua silver finish has a clear lacquer coating over it, making it resistant to tarnishing compared to vintage silver-coated saxes. You still have to take care of them, but they shouldn't be as difficult to maintain as the vintage models.

[DaveKessler]

Actually, the soprano does not have a clear coat of lacquer over it. The horn will tarnish but as for how quickly depends on several factors (enviroment, maintenance, care).

The best thing to do would be to make sure that you always wipe off the instrument after you are done playing it and properly swab it out (excess moisture does not help) and keep and anti-tarnish strip inside the case.

[Joey Gamelan]

Thanks, goodsax and DaveKessler, for the replies.