Allora Saxophones

[Helen]

Does anyone either own, play, or know anything about the Allora brand that WWBW is selling? They look a lot like a copy of a Selmer. Are they pro horns? Any experiences with any? Any thoughts? Any info. would be great. :?

[Joe Jazz]

Allora's are made by VMI in Germany, which also makes the B&S saxes and was making Guardala saxes. I think you'll find they are a good value for the price. I checked out a Guardala Artist Series alto a while back, and the sound and quality of construction were good. Should be the same on the Allora.

[John Robinson]

Did you purchase an Allora? How do you like it? I'm considering one and would like to hear other's opinions. Thanks.

[Helen]

I didn't buy one. I too would be curious to talk to someone who either has one or has played one.

[thehighend]

I did purchase an Allora from WWBW, as a potential replacement for my long-time companion: a Selmer SA80 that I played in HS and college. I'm not a professional sax player, but I've started playing casually again, trying to get my chops back to where they were when I was in college.

Somewhat to my surprise, I actually liked a particular Allora gold-plated 501 (which I did not return to WWBW) as well as my Selmer SA80. Unfortunately, I'm now thinking of selling all my alto's to purchase a Yanigisawa A-9937 that has triggered a severe case of GAS (gear acquisition syndrome). Based on my limited play-testing of the 9937, it appears to be even a step above the Allora and the SA80, but that's not too surprising since it's a $5000 horn.

The WWBW sells the 501 for about $1800, and I'll take offers on the horn (it's only 2 months old) above $1100. As I mentioned, it's effectively brand-new since I've had it less than 3 months, and my limited playing time has been spread across multiple horns (several alto's plus a couple of tenors). For what it's worth, I also play-tested several alto's from the WWBW before choosing the particular Allora 501 that I purchased... so it's "a good one". If I can't get close to what it's worth, I'll probably just keep it, since it's the first sub-$2k (new) alto I've found that matches the Super Action 80.

[John Robinson]

I'm impressed - I'm looking for a tenor, otherwise I'd be really interested. Thanks for the feedback.

[Joe Jazz]

I just purchased an Allora bari sax off of e-bay, from Music123.com. I'll let you know what I think after it arrives next week....

[Joe Jazz]

Got my new Allora bari today...I put my comments under baitone saxes...

[Mark R]

I playtested the Gold Lacquered Allora Tenor alongside the Codera "Resoblade", Guardala "New York" gold lacquered with nickelplate keys and a Guardala Earthtone sandblasted model.....All of these horns are made by B&S.

I would consider the Allora is more of an intermediate model...still very good but not quite as well made as the Guardala's. I would stack it up to like say a Yamaha 52 or Yani 901....still a nice horn but it's not an 875 or Yani 991 The tone was best with the Codera but I don't like the Resoblade keycups on the bell keys...seemed like with enough pressure they could become a problem and I don't need that on the road and at the mercy of whatever tech is closest.

The Guardala Earthtone is the same exact sax as the B&S Medusa series.
For the money the Allora is a very nice sax....just not quite as lush sounding as the Guardala's.

[Joe Jazz]

I just test-played an Allora sand finish tenor. Appeared to very solidly built, sounded good and looked very nice(especially nice engraving). Only complaint was the finish on some of the rods did not appear to have been evenly applied. They've been going on e-bay for around half price(around $1050-1100).

[Gene]

How does the key work feel is it comfortable is it similar to a yts 62-II

[Joe Jazz]

Keywork was comfortable. I would say the keywork is comparable to a YTS-62 but I have an old model, not the 62II.