Earlier Unisons

[lamar reeves]

There is a Unison alto in really nice condition in Sacramento.The lady says
it is an intermediate model and going on eight years old.Are these early
saxophones up to the more recent horns?

[goodsax]

There were a few Unison models and the quality depends on which model you're referring to. I believe the top of the line model number was 300 in those days, unlike Selmer USA which used 100/110 for top of the line and 300 as student level. Unison has a 2000 now that's supposed to be their best.

I've owned both alto and sop 300's (pro level for Unison) and they were excellent horns.

[Dave Dolson]

Lamar: I owned the Unison 300 alto Rob mentioned, before Rob. It was a really nice horn. But eight years old? No, it was more like three years ago that I bought it new. Some folks have since reported some finish-issues with their plated Unison saxophones (ours was a nice matte-gold plating with polished keywork -very striking in appearance).

I can't vouch for Unisons from eight years ago. Check with your seller for a model number. DAVE

[goodsax]

Dave's was one of the Unison 300's I've owned, but I had two others prior to that, one other with the matte gold finish and another with gold lacquer. They probably weren't eight years old either, but older than the 300 Dave is referring to. However, I think the central point is that if the model you're looking at is not an AS300, I have no knowledge as to its quality or other characteristics.

[lamar reeves]

The serial number the lady gave me was 83235.She said that is all that is stamped on the body of the horn.Putting the picture side by side with
W.W.S less expensive horn they look almodt alike except the cluster rollers are a tan color instead of black.I have been asked to play alto in the section because the lead left the Island and I don't have one and this would be inexpensive.I have been playing a borrowed Yani stencil called a Martin Galaxy and it's not bad so I would like an instrument at least as good.

[goodsax]

Lamar, I think you should start a new thread asking about inexpensive alto saxes for the reasons you just stated. Many SOTWers have opinions about that who may not even look at a thread about "Early Unisons."

I'm partial to LA Saxes right now, but I know there are other equally attractive options, and many of them probably are better for you than an "early" Unison, IMO.

Maybe your thread could be: "WTB: Inexpensive alto <$____" (you fill in the amount you don't want to exceed to purchase the horn.

Good luck.

Rob