John Lehner!

[Dr G]

I'm predicting that we're going to hear a lot more about these horns. Although I'm curious as to whether John is actually making them himself or was the design genious and finishes them before they leave his shop, I am really looking forward to hearing about them.

Why? After Bootman turned me on to John's flutes, I found, bought, and committed to one of John's nickel silver flutes with a sterling head. Net wisdom would have called this an intermediate instrument at best. Not so. It plays rings aroung most everything I've ever known - although I'll admit I've never even played a $10,000 Powell, Haynes, or whatever. I do work with a fellow that used to work in a flute manufacturing shop in Boston (hmmmm) that remains very impressed by my ol' Lehner.

Saxellos, altos, tenors? Bring 'em on! We're ready for the next new voice and pretty face.

[Bootman]

Sounds files have been made.

[butchc]

I spoke to John this morning and we chatted briefly about the new saxes. I'm probably going to be seeing him next week, so hopefully I might be able to see/play one for myself, or at least find out a bit more about them.

It seems that the saxes are made elsewhere (Taiwan?) to John's design and are individually adjusted by him. I wouldn't be too concerned about them being made in Taiwan though, because I just can't imagine John putting his name to something substandard.

John described the saxes as being based on a Selmer-like design, but incorporating some of the best features from other makes (like the double arms on that Yanagisawa use on the bell keys).

[ProfessorZeek]

Please do tell about your experiences. I was thinking of getting a saxello one of these days.

CKL

[michaelH]

I received a pamphlet through to post advertising TWG saxophones
which are supposed to be based in Edith Street, Leichardt, which
I thought was were John Lehner was based....(from memory. It's
been a few years since I lived in Sydney).

It is hard to believe there could be two saxophone makers in
Sydney all of a sudden. Can anyone confirm?

- Michael

[Dr G]

Does it say what "TWG" stands for? John was previously part of a company that distributed flutes (or was it exclusively headjoints?) that bore his handiwork. Maybe he's formed another partnership to distribute his saxophones.

[michaelH]

The Woodwind Group. I'll be in Sydney in a couple of weeks. I'll
try and pop in and check their stuff out.

- Michael