sax rookie
11-19-2003, 01:14 PM
I decided about a year ago to resume playing the sax after a 20-year hiatus and I had many questions that I needed answered. Eight months ago, I accidentally stumbled across this web site and was instantly amazed at the volumes of information that was shared among its members.
I had decided to purchase a new sax. After reading these forums over these months and digesting all the information available to me I finally made some decisions. I had to be honest with myself about my abilities (a part-time honker for fun) and the available time I had to practice. I became intrigued with the C-melody and the potential to read from my wife's guitar and piano music.
I had surfed Ebay for months to find the perfect C-melody and never bid on anything in fear of buying a dud, or a horn that needed so much work that it would be a cursed money pit.
A couple of weeks ago Roger Aldridge posted that he was returning a CMelody to Dave Hoskins at Junkdude.com. He praised both the sax and Dave. Roger was very honest about the sax and a minor intonation problem that it had. I called Dave and discussed the sax and the intonation problem and Dave said that he would look into it.
Well, Junkdude shipped this baby to me and I received it Monday. I also received a Runyon # 7 Cmelody piece from Leroy at Runyon. The stock mouthpiece that came with the sax was a little stuffy but man, the piece the Leroy sent opened up this sax. I played the Buescher against a tuner and it has only minor intonation problems, 75% of which I am sure is me and my less than tuned chops, and 25% the sax. Since receiving the Buescher I have been burning through every music book we have around the house. It is cool to be able to accompany my wife on the spot while she plays guitar or piano. The family that plays together...yadi yadi yadi.
If you're interested in taking a peek at this sax, this is the link to Junkdude's site http://www.junkdude.com/saxes/bc133744.htm
In this last 8 months, I have learned so much from so many people in here and thought that a few Thank Yous were in store.
Harri and Saxpics- What a terrific site...a true labor of love.
Dave Hoskins (Junkdude) - you answered every goofy question I could come up with about the Cmelody. If anyone is ever interested in a professionally overhauled vintage sax, call Dave. Hes a very cool guy and a great tech.
Roger Aldridge - for all the info about CMelodies on this site and the CMelody site, and the heads up about the beautiful 1923 Buescher C-melody that you let go.
Dr. G - you took the time to privately discuss my options in Saxes and the pros and cons of the C-melodies and vintage horns. Sorry I didn't take up your offer to buy your Cmelody, but this Buescher was just too nice to pass up.
Gordon - you took the stigma out of buying vintage. I now realize that there are techs out there with a passion for what they do. I also applaud you vast knowledge of the instrument. Every day I read a posting by you and I am amazed how much you know about... everything. (As well as your patience with a poster named after a certain Tom Cruise movie and another "man" named after a certain French sax manufacturer)
Sigmund, Mojobari, Tim Price, Morry, Bootman, Singlereed, Dave Dolson, Paul Coats, Bill Mecca Hurling, Razzy et al, you guys are always on top of things and willing to jump in with suggestions.
I know there many more people in here that I have gleaned info from but have forgot to mention by name. To you as well...I say "Thanks"
All to often a good deed goes unpunished. Forgive this feeble and rambling attempt to rectify this.
Well, I have a great new Cmelody that needs warmed up, so I must go now before I get all weepy.
Sincerely
Mark Lahey
I had decided to purchase a new sax. After reading these forums over these months and digesting all the information available to me I finally made some decisions. I had to be honest with myself about my abilities (a part-time honker for fun) and the available time I had to practice. I became intrigued with the C-melody and the potential to read from my wife's guitar and piano music.
I had surfed Ebay for months to find the perfect C-melody and never bid on anything in fear of buying a dud, or a horn that needed so much work that it would be a cursed money pit.
A couple of weeks ago Roger Aldridge posted that he was returning a CMelody to Dave Hoskins at Junkdude.com. He praised both the sax and Dave. Roger was very honest about the sax and a minor intonation problem that it had. I called Dave and discussed the sax and the intonation problem and Dave said that he would look into it.
Well, Junkdude shipped this baby to me and I received it Monday. I also received a Runyon # 7 Cmelody piece from Leroy at Runyon. The stock mouthpiece that came with the sax was a little stuffy but man, the piece the Leroy sent opened up this sax. I played the Buescher against a tuner and it has only minor intonation problems, 75% of which I am sure is me and my less than tuned chops, and 25% the sax. Since receiving the Buescher I have been burning through every music book we have around the house. It is cool to be able to accompany my wife on the spot while she plays guitar or piano. The family that plays together...yadi yadi yadi.
If you're interested in taking a peek at this sax, this is the link to Junkdude's site http://www.junkdude.com/saxes/bc133744.htm
In this last 8 months, I have learned so much from so many people in here and thought that a few Thank Yous were in store.
Harri and Saxpics- What a terrific site...a true labor of love.
Dave Hoskins (Junkdude) - you answered every goofy question I could come up with about the Cmelody. If anyone is ever interested in a professionally overhauled vintage sax, call Dave. Hes a very cool guy and a great tech.
Roger Aldridge - for all the info about CMelodies on this site and the CMelody site, and the heads up about the beautiful 1923 Buescher C-melody that you let go.
Dr. G - you took the time to privately discuss my options in Saxes and the pros and cons of the C-melodies and vintage horns. Sorry I didn't take up your offer to buy your Cmelody, but this Buescher was just too nice to pass up.
Gordon - you took the stigma out of buying vintage. I now realize that there are techs out there with a passion for what they do. I also applaud you vast knowledge of the instrument. Every day I read a posting by you and I am amazed how much you know about... everything. (As well as your patience with a poster named after a certain Tom Cruise movie and another "man" named after a certain French sax manufacturer)
Sigmund, Mojobari, Tim Price, Morry, Bootman, Singlereed, Dave Dolson, Paul Coats, Bill Mecca Hurling, Razzy et al, you guys are always on top of things and willing to jump in with suggestions.
I know there many more people in here that I have gleaned info from but have forgot to mention by name. To you as well...I say "Thanks"
All to often a good deed goes unpunished. Forgive this feeble and rambling attempt to rectify this.
Well, I have a great new Cmelody that needs warmed up, so I must go now before I get all weepy.
Sincerely
Mark Lahey