Comparing the 2000 Series

[StvZ]

I decided to continue my posts in a new thread, seeing the original one was about the tenor saxes only and I'm interested in how the sax compares to the big name saxes from Selmer, Keilwerth, Yanagisawa, etc. Since I'm looking for my first sax, I don't want to rush out and buy an expensive top notch instrument. I'd just prefer to start on a pro level instrument because they are just more comfortable to play(experience I learned from my clarinet playing). So how do these Unison 2000s compare to the big name instruments and would it be worth buying as a quality instrument that will last?

[Dave Dolson]

StvZ: I wrote a bit about my experience with a new Unison 2000 alto on Tuesday (see my post in the versus section).

To specifically address your question, I played a Unison 2000 alto at Kessler's on Tuesday last. VERY nice horn, indeed. I did not have any of my altos with me to make a direct comparison, but I did bring my favorite alto mouthpiece and some prepped reeds. I was having them tweak my Custom Tenor and while they did that, I played some of their new horns.

The Unison 2000 looked great - a darker lacquer that, while not as dark and honey-hued as the Ref 54 altos, was noticeably darker than what one expects on new saxophones. The horn played very well - had good intonation and even response, top to bottom. Compared to other Taiwanese (and less expensive) altos I tried, the Unison was clearly the better sounding alto. It reminded me of my Ref 54 alto - strong, warm, with a full tone. The price quoted by Dave Kessler was $1399.00 (twice what he was asking for the other altos I played - and bought). I have no hestitation in recommending the particular Unison 2000 I played, acknowledging that every saxophone differs in some way from other examples of the same model. DAVE

[Dr.frogsax]

im a growing saxophonist and need more from my horn
i am a battle between 1.2.and 3rd chair at my middle school currently playing a selmer/conn bundy 2-very nice student sax i was wondering if the new unison 2000 at kesslers and sons is worth the 1295.00 and would be at a
level to get me through the rest of middle school and high
school since I am playing on a 30 year old sax I am hoping
this unison will bring me at my peak level

thanks Dr.frogsax:kermit:

[Dave Dolson]

Dr.Frogsax: Only you can make that decision. When I tried the Unison 2000, I was also trying the Kessler Custom and Antigua altos. Any one of them would have worked for my purposes (a starter-alto for my grandson). I bought the Kessler Custom and was VERY happy with its sound, response and intonation. The Unison was even nicer but twice the price (roughly).

I'd guess the Unison would last you through school, but much depends on your care in handling it. The one I played sounded nice and played nicely. Had I been inclined to spend that much for my 10-year-old grandson, I would've had no problem in buying the Unison. DAVE

[HUTMO]

Instead of the Unison why don't you consider the B&S CJS Alto from WWBW? You can purchase a B stock for under 1,400 and this will certainly take you as far as you would like to go. A steal at the listed prices.

I purchased a B stock CJS tenor for a student of mine and it was perfect. Do not let that scare you off. Made in Germany with exceptional quality. You have 45 days to decide if you like it.

Good Luck and practice hard.

HUTMO

[Dr.frogsax]

thanks you guys im going with the new unison a store
about 20 minutes away carrys it and im going to test
it im pretty sure ill like it best of luck to everyone

Dr.frogsax:kermit: :D :D