Is this a good trade?

[northman]

I was thinking about trading my 1927 pre Chu Alto and Asian Soprano for a Yamaha or Yani Tenor. I was wondering what people's opinions were about this 2 for 1 trade? The Chu would be the prize in the deal, a sweet sounding, especially on the lower end, plays top to bottom, and has about 90% lacquer. The soprano is about a year old and would be good for someone looking for a cheap soprano. I was approached a little while back and had thought about it, Recently, I had inquired with somebody else about the trade. I am VERY curious as to what people's thoughts would be.

[Andrew]

Let's put it this way...would the tenor be more beneficial to you? Like, would it be a better playing instrument for you? If so, then I'd say it's an even trade. Money-wise, it depends on which model Yani/Yamaha you are trading for. You can get the old stock yamaha tenor saxes (YTS-62, Custom, etc.) for really cheap now.

Andrew

[Roger Aldridge]

I have to ask a similar question as Andrew. Is the main reason for making such a swap because you want to switch from alto being your main horn to tenor? If your 1927 Chu (it's not a "Pre Chu") is in good playing condition and if you like playing alto I'd wonder what this swap will do for you.

You know, a Chu alto has a HUGE sound. When I first tried one it completely blew me away....having played Selmers for a long time. I just couldn't believe the sound coming out of that horn! I remember someone on the Forum posting a message about his 1920's Conn alto (it was either a Chu or an earlier model). He said that a trombone player on a gig thought that he played tenor -- from the sound of his horn as he warmed up -- but was surprised to discover that it was an alto when he turned around. Does anyone else remember that message?

Thus, it seems to me that you should be able to get a lot of music to come out of that Chu alto. But, if you really want to play a tenor instead of an alto then the swap could make some sense.

As an alternative idea, it might be fun to see if it's possible to work with your Chu to get an EVEN bigger, darker, and more robust sound with it. Have you ever tried a Morgan EL mouthpiece on it? This could be an amazing combination! I can't help but think it would have such a powerful sound that you'd forget about wanting a tenor. :lol:

[northman]

Thanks for the replies. I have recently acquired a nice alto (Mark6) and therefore do not need another alto. I have always loved the Tenor, but I have not had one in many years. I am a hobbiest ie. I do not need two altos ( I probably shouldn't of bought the Mark 6 :oops: , but I couldn't refuse.)

I would really like a tenor, hence the reason for my trade. I am looking for a Yani or Yamaha that is in perfect playing condition. Whether it is a Custom, 61, 62, etc, is not that important to me. I have even thought of considering a 275. I grew up playing playing a 62, so I am most familiar with the Yamahas. I thought the 2 for 1 deal would be fair to both parties as long as the tenor was in great condition. Don't get me wrong a LOVE the BIG sound of the Chu. I was absolutely blown away te first time played, but having a mark 6, I cannot justify the Chu.

[jd]

yes .i would make that trade . the chu alto and a cheap soprano for the yamaha tenor 61 or 62 . im not a fan of the chus at all and you would be getting a modern in tune horn for it. id go for it if you can find someone to make that trade. shoot, i would have given up my chu alto and a lot of money for a yamaha 61 or 62 tenor .but thats just me...