WW and BW Saxophones

[JEdge]

Had this post in Misc. Modern Saxophones and thought I would change it, mainly because I am anal and can not stand things out of place. Maybe someone has some oppinions this time??? :D

I read some of the discussions on this horn in the old forum but would like to hear some more opinions if possible.

How would you rate these overall? I am particularly interested in whether you think these Taiwon buil horns are better than the student model horns from Yamaha and Selmer? While i dont mind which model you give your opinion on I am more interested in the newer Matte laquer Woodwind Paris series....
Thanks!!

[Andrew]

I think that the WWBW horns are on the upper tier of "imported saxophones." They certainly aren't the best, but I think they get the job done when you need them to. I had a curved soprano for a little bit from them, and it was pretty good.

[pknight]

I owned a standard WWBW tenor, and I was surprised by its quality. It was a good bargain. However, I now have a YAS-62, and there is no comparison. The Yamaha cost me three times as much, and it was worth it. However, if you only have $600-$700 and want a new instrument, I would consider these instruments.

No experience with the Paris line.

[Stencilman]

I owned a standard WWBW tenor, and I was surprised by its quality. It was a good bargain. However, I now have a YAS-62, and there is no comparison.
What specifically made the WWBW tenor inferior to the Yamaha? General sound, intonation, keywork, construction? All the above?

[pknight]

The Yamaha has better intonation, easier low-end, clearer high-end, and considerably sturdier construction (e.g., the long rod to the F# key was supported by a plastic spacer on the WWBW). The Yamaha also has a much wider, easier dynamic range, and was more free-blowing.

Again, if I only had $700 I would consider the WWBW. For what I paid, I was very happy. And, the WWBW pro line may be better.

[Saxdaddy]

To answer Stencileman.
The construction is a couple of levels down IMNSHO, as is the tone.
The up side is that they are cheap, an dnot as bad as the really low end asian horns. They sound ok if you tweak them some, you just have to be really carefull playing them, as the keys tend to be pretty soft, and go out of adjustment easy, but then so do most taiwan, or china horns. Although these instrument makers are really catching up to the big guys fast. Use to be that they all made toys shaped like horns, now they make ok horns. Nothing to write home about, except for a handful(unison, canonball etc.) , but at least now most of them can be made to play and respond solid. If they would just make the keys a bit stronger, and put some R & D into the necks and tone column, they would be there.