in need of a C-Melody neck...

[OCdt TANG]

Hi,

I just recently became very interested in buying a C-melody sax, and am ready to buy 1 in particular but it has no neck. At first I thought no big deal, but after some looking around it seems quite difficult to aquire one... I know there are custom made necks out there but I do not want to fork out 500US+ for it. Is the top opening of the sax really that different in size from an alto or tenor, or is it maybe possible to use an alto or tenor mouthpiece?... (the bore size on a c-mel is more like an alto I here, so would an alto neck not fit?)

Any advice on where to find a neck useable on a c-mel would be greatly appreciated, particularly a 1922 Conn New Wonder.

Thanks a lot,

Ryan

[TenTenTooter]

Replacement C-Mel necks for around $100.

http://aquilasax.com/Accessories_sale.html

[OCdt TANG]

Wow, that was easy. Thanks!

(if anyone knows of others I'd be ineterested in hearing as well.)

Also, I have heard that bass clarinet reeds work well for c-mel. Is this true? I suppose the size should make sense...

Or preferably I would like to just use my alto or tenor mouthpieces more because of reeds... I like to use specific reeds, (also like to experiment), but do not think there is enough easily accesible c-mel reeds out there.

thanks again,
Ryan

[OCdt TANG]

One more thing for TenTenTooter, (or anyone else)

how long does it take for shipping from aquilasax?
and it seems any idea on how quickly restock normally happens?

thanks,
Ryan

[tbone]

Ryan, I can put you in an original neck for $150.00 US + S & H.

Silver plated with a working micro tuner.

PM me if you're interested.

[OCdt TANG]

hm, thanks for the offer, I am definitely considering it.

After some more research I have to question though... is there a real benefit to going with an original? I know it's made for the sax so in that way it should work exactly as it's ment to, but I've also heard that getting a replacement neck actually improves the sound on these older model saxes. Here's how I see it now (but any opinions are more than welcome):

Pros to new replacement:
-supposedly enhances sound (originals having somewhat of a more muffled sound)
-cheaper by $50 US
-should be able to find alto or tenor mouthpieces of great variety to use on neck
Cons:
-will obviously look stange on a vintage sax
-must hope it fits/works as it should

Pros to original:
-should look close to the same as sax body (hopefully)
-should fit/work just like originally ment
Cons:
-micro-tuner?... don't really know much about this
-would force me to use orignial mouthpieces only I think because of the micro-tuner (only enough room for a short shank mouthpiece)
-$50 US more

I am going on things I have read so I may be misinformed. Please let me know if I've got soemthing wrong. Thanks

Ryan

[tbone]

Ryan,
I use a modern Runyon C-mel piece and a Babbit made c-mel piece (both use tenor reeds) on a micro tuner neck with no problems. Also, you forgot another pro for the original. It's a whole lot closer to you so shipping should be a lot less.

[OCdt TANG]

I do like the idea of an original better... but is it possible to fit on alto or tenor mouthpieces? I heard no, but I can't see why not...

and also, I'm worried about the condition just because I don't want to have to worry about repairs on a simple neck. (the microtuner would be expensive/hard if even worth fixing I assume). Is this one you have in very good condition?

If this works and is all fine with the original you have then I think I'll go this route. ...but could I possibly talk you down on price at all? $150 really hurts the budget. Maybe you could cut a deal for a fellow sax player? lol

Thanks for your help.

Ryan

[tbone]

I do like the idea of an original better... but is it possible to fit on alto or tenor mouthpieces? I heard no, but I can't see why not...
I've used tenor pieces without a problem but not all will play in tune. As with any mouthpiece the volume of the inside of the piece has a lot to do with proper intonation.


and also, I'm worried about the condition just because I don't want to have to worry about repairs on a simple neck. (the microtuner would be expensive/hard if even worth fixing I assume). Is this one you have in very good condition?

The one in question is in very good shape. Straight, plating fine, micro tuner turns freely, cork is fine and tenon is in good shape. It's totally playable. If you're unhappy then mail it back to me for a full refund less postage.


If this works and is all fine with the original you have then I think I'll go this route. ...but could I possibly talk you down on price at all? $150 really hurts the budget. Maybe you could cut a deal for a fellow sax player? lol

Thanks for your help.

Ryan

The best I could do is the $150.00 including postage and handling.

[TenTenTooter]

One more thing for TenTenTooter, (or anyone else)

how long does it take for shipping from aquilasax?
and it seems any idea on how quickly restock normally happens?

thanks,
Ryan


I've never ordered anything from AuilaSax myself so I wouldn't know, but I've got one of their C-Mel mouthpieces and some of their C-Mel reeds and I can say that they are top quality. I'm pretty sure AquilaSax has a username here on the fourms, maybe look them up and send them a PM?

-Scott

[OCdt TANG]

Alright, I can't really argue with that lol. But if you don't mind I'm going to think about it and look into it a bit more. (looking for opinions on the issue).

Also, I first have to win the bid on the sax, and then I will get back to you most likely tomorrow. Would you mind posting a pic? (or emailing it to gnat_nayr@hotmail.com).

Thanks.

[OCdt TANG]

and thanks for the Aquilasax info tententooter:)

[OCdt TANG]

TBone,

Thanks a lot for your help and offer. I decided I was going to take it for sure if I got the sax, but that's what changed... I decided against the sax I had in mind, just to take some more time exploring what's out there for the c-mel, and reading up on more thigns about it and different brands.

Sorry for the trouble, but I appreciated the help.

Ryan

[tbone]

TBone,

Thanks a lot for your help and offer. I decided I was going to take it for sure if I got the sax, but that's what changed... I decided against the sax I had in mind, just to take some more time exploring what's out there for the c-mel, and reading up on more thigns about it and different brands.

Sorry for the trouble, but I appreciated the help.

Ryan

Ryan, Probably a good move on your part. Chances are that a horn without a neck probably isn't in any kind of playing condition. Then you end up looking at a re-pad also. If I can be of assistance in the future, just ask. ;) 8-)

[Bernards20040]

I'm pretty sure AquilaSax has a username here on the fourms, maybe look them up and send them a PM?
-Scott

Aquilasax = Saxmong

You're welcome;)

[Bootman]

The reed choice when you run out od C-melody sax reeds is alto clarinet, not bass clarinet. I have some original C-melody reeds here which I may be prepared to sell.

When buying a C-melody look for a Conn straight neck model. Mpcs are available online still. HR Berg tenor mpcs of a 85 to 90 tip also play well on C melody saxes.

[OCdt TANG]

The reed choice when you run out od C-melody sax reeds is alto clarinet, not bass clarinet. I have some original C-melody reeds here which I may be prepared to sell.

When buying a C-melody look for a Conn straight neck model. Mpcs are available online still. HR Berg tenor mpcs of a 85 to 90 tip also play well on C melody saxes.


Alto clarinet reeds, cool. I think I would rather try things like this or cutting down other modern reeds maybe rather than going the original c-mel reed route. Reason being the lack of reed choice. Reeds obviously make a huge difference, so I like to test some out and have easy access to more of the same ones once I find a preferred type.

That being said, I've gotta get myself the sax first;). Almost bought a Conn (and seperatly a straight neck to go with it), but recently heard some better things about Martin C-mels, and figured I should spend more time looking around/researching in general before buying.

thx for the info

[Grumps]

I think it would absolutely nuts to buy a C Melody without a neck, when you can probably find another one with a neck for less than $200. It's not like they're going anywhere.