DTGAZ
12-20-2007, 07:11 PM
I am a new member and this is my first post so please be gentle!
I just received a new Amati ATS 83P 'Bravour' that I purchased from Interstate Music.
I just turned 58 years old, started playing clarinet when I was 10, and began playing alto sax about three years later. I played in a local Community band until University. I would consider myself as a decent average amateur. I have only played for my amusement for the last 30 years.
After University (Business Major) I kept my instruments ( Bundy France Clarinet) and a Boosey Hawkes Oxford Alto, that I believe is a Keilwert Stencil.
Growing up in the fifties and sixties I always wanted a Tenor but was never able to justify the cost. About nine years ago between wives, I discovered the Internet and purchased a Chinese tenor sax for $300.00US.
The Chinese sax looked beautiful, but after adjustments, modifications and a new mouthpiece it is still not enjoyable to play. I just stopped playing this tenor.
I have Czech ancestry, and when I was on holiday their in 2005 I visited the factory in Kraslice.
From my other hobbies in the past (Skiing, Dirt Bikes, Women!) I discovered Premium equipment can and will make you a better performer once you reach a certain level of competence.
So with the strong Canadian dollar I bought the best Amati Tenor I could. It arrived by mail, packed securely and safely. When I opened the Classic style wood and leatherette case, I was blown away by the beauty and the detail of the sax. It felt substantial and solid in my hands, (constructed of nickel silver alloy) it was beautifully engraved with other artistic details abounding.
I have not played any of the top rated saxes available today, so comparison is difficult, but the instant I began blowing all my positive initial reactions were confirmed. The sound, the action the feel were pure maple syrup; smooth, exotic and delicious. This is an outstanding musical instrument!
I believe these horns are on par with the best available, and yet are priced competitively with the top Taiwanese.
Considering that Keilwerth and Amati were at one time the same company, it is understandable that they both make premium saxes.
I think that these Amati horns are under-priced in North America and provide thousands of sax players like me the opportunity to acquire a top quality horn for less than the Big Four going rate.
I apologize if I sound like a huckster for Amati, but they really are great instruments!
Dennis
The sax was purchased from www.interstatemusic.com
and shipped directly from Amati's New Jersey warehouse.
Their Customer service line Tel: (908) 301-1366. Toll-free: (800) 721-7878.
Fax: (908) 301-1367.
Web: www.amati.cz.
I just received a new Amati ATS 83P 'Bravour' that I purchased from Interstate Music.
I just turned 58 years old, started playing clarinet when I was 10, and began playing alto sax about three years later. I played in a local Community band until University. I would consider myself as a decent average amateur. I have only played for my amusement for the last 30 years.
After University (Business Major) I kept my instruments ( Bundy France Clarinet) and a Boosey Hawkes Oxford Alto, that I believe is a Keilwert Stencil.
Growing up in the fifties and sixties I always wanted a Tenor but was never able to justify the cost. About nine years ago between wives, I discovered the Internet and purchased a Chinese tenor sax for $300.00US.
The Chinese sax looked beautiful, but after adjustments, modifications and a new mouthpiece it is still not enjoyable to play. I just stopped playing this tenor.
I have Czech ancestry, and when I was on holiday their in 2005 I visited the factory in Kraslice.
From my other hobbies in the past (Skiing, Dirt Bikes, Women!) I discovered Premium equipment can and will make you a better performer once you reach a certain level of competence.
So with the strong Canadian dollar I bought the best Amati Tenor I could. It arrived by mail, packed securely and safely. When I opened the Classic style wood and leatherette case, I was blown away by the beauty and the detail of the sax. It felt substantial and solid in my hands, (constructed of nickel silver alloy) it was beautifully engraved with other artistic details abounding.
I have not played any of the top rated saxes available today, so comparison is difficult, but the instant I began blowing all my positive initial reactions were confirmed. The sound, the action the feel were pure maple syrup; smooth, exotic and delicious. This is an outstanding musical instrument!
I believe these horns are on par with the best available, and yet are priced competitively with the top Taiwanese.
Considering that Keilwerth and Amati were at one time the same company, it is understandable that they both make premium saxes.
I think that these Amati horns are under-priced in North America and provide thousands of sax players like me the opportunity to acquire a top quality horn for less than the Big Four going rate.
I apologize if I sound like a huckster for Amati, but they really are great instruments!
Dennis
The sax was purchased from www.interstatemusic.com
and shipped directly from Amati's New Jersey warehouse.
Their Customer service line Tel: (908) 301-1366. Toll-free: (800) 721-7878.
Fax: (908) 301-1367.
Web: www.amati.cz.