Unison vs....

[G-dawg]

OK - so this is a VERY informal and not tremendously scientific post about unison saxophones.
I normally play on a VI. My set-up is a Ponzol M2 with Ultimate Lig and ZZ reeds.

I tried out the following horns at the TMEA convention in San Antonio this past weekend:

Unison
P.Mariat
A. Winds
Selmer
Yamaha
Jupiter
Cannonball

No Keilworth... :(

I just played whatever was on display without really looking at specific model numbers, finishes, etc. I spent about 5-10 minutes on each horn. I did not have a tuner. It was on a loud convention floor. The horns had been handled and played by many people, including high school and younger students. (I am pointing this out because it is possible that the horns on display needed some adjustments from being handled.)

I played the full range of the horn, experimented with altissimo, tried matching overtones, then just played.

For the money - the unison models were the best ones there. There were several to choose from - and all of the horns played with a consistent tone top to bottom. Intonation seemed very good. Response was excellent. My only complaint was the feeling of the palm keys - they felt very spread out.

The Selmer and Yamaha horns played outstanding; no, the unison does not stack up against the selemer or yamaha. P. Mariat was nice, too. Those horns are much more expensive, and understandably so.

I am considering getting a unison tenor as a back-up horn or for times when I have an outdoor gig. I play alto very infrequently, but the quality of the horn for the price would be excellent for my needs.

My 2 cents...

[bradshawm]

G-dawg. I'm curious on the Unisons, where they fell tone wise. Were they closer to the Yani's, the Ref 54's, or ?

[G-dawg]

Selmers - Probably Reference...(IMO)

I did not try out Yani's and don't know much about them.

[rispoli]

It was also my impression, when I briefly tried a couple of weeks ago a Unison 2000T, that the tone is very much on the Selmer side. I own a serie III and that Unison sounded so close it was scary.... (for the price difference).
By the way, I thought that it was superior to the Mauriat 66R I used to have. Not the same sound, though.

[SaxJazz12]

Cannonball...for sure. Not even close!

[SAXISMYAXE]

By the way, I thought that it was superior to the Mauriat 66R I used to have. Not the same sound, though.

I'm surprised that you would say that Andrea. I liked the Mauriat 66R horn I play tested recently, so your observations makes me think I really should try out a few of the Unison models again.

I'm not in the market, but like to stay up to date with the latest offerings.

Cheers.

[rispoli]

I'm surprised that you would say that Andrea. I liked the Mauriat 66R horn I play tested recently, so your observations makes me think I really should try out a few of the Unison models again.


IMHO the Mauriat 66R was too "static" in tone and more resistant up high.
The Unison was easier to play up and responsive like an 82Z, but with a Selmer tone. I remember the Mauriat having a better, more booming low end, but that's the only advantage I'd give it.
I am looking forward to have the chance to play it again during another group class. It goes for just 1500$....!

[G-dawg]

I'm surprised that you would say that Andrea. I liked the Mauriat 66R horn I play tested recently, so your observations makes me think I really should try out a few of the Unison models again.

I'm not in the market, but like to stay up to date with the latest offerings.

Cheers.

Mike,

When you are in the market, I would encourage to give the Unisons a second a look, especially at that price.

[Sax.Geek.And.Proud]

Personally, I like the sound of the Unisons more than other horns, not that I've tried many. I've got two Unisons and that's what's working for me so far, lol. They're pretty macho when the want to be. (IMO)

[SAXISMYAXE]

Mike,

When you are in the market, I would encourage to give the Unisons a second a look, especially at that price.
Thanks G-Dawg,

Really the last thing I need is another horn, I could quite literally open and stock a music store with what I have now (OCD I suspect;)). I just like to keep abreast of the current market and what is being offered.

Cheers and thanks.