OK, I need an "qualified" opinion about Jupiter sopranos.

[rodelliot]

I have read a few opinions about Jupiter sopranos. Many seem to be speaking from a lack of any real playing experience while a few actually seem to know, for better or worse.

Here's what I need to know:

I'm a pretty experienced player (30+ years now) and am looking to add a soprano to my collection of horns. I really don't want to spend a lot of money and have read mostly good things about Antigua sops, all good things about Yamaha and Yani (though too pricey for me at this time) and, of course, the rest of the best are all good too.

It seems that Jupiter 547 series sops are readily available from $400-$700 range. (Antigua sops are harder to find) I have read one review comparing it to the 847 Artist Series and the review was very favorable for the 547 aside from no curved neck options and limited finish options.

Who can give a reasonable endorsement for the Jupiter 547 series? Your input will be greatly appreciated!

[Al Stevens]

I have a Jupiter 547 soprano. I like it. Its tone and intonation are very good.

I am not much of a soprano player—I use it mostly for Dixieland gigs when no clarinet player is available—so I don't know how much my opinion counts, but two other fellows played my horn and liked it. They both own Mark VI sopranos.

One of them got his master's degree in saxophone performance on soprano. When his VI is in the shop, he borrows my Jupiter. He used it in our saxophone quartet in a recent community band concert.

The other fellow is mainly a big band tenor and alto player, but he plays all the reeds in shows and concert bands. (He plays oboe parts on his soprano, transposing in real time. Go figure.)

I hope this account is helpful.

[A Greene]

The only Jupiter soprano I played was about 15 years ago and it wasn't good.:cry:

Is there a reason you HAVE to have a Jupiter. Yamaha YSS-475 is a great little soprano and the Antiqua's have a good rep on SOTW at least.

[rleitch]

Hey Rod,

You should look up Merlin. I doubt anybody knows more about Jupiter saxes than he does.

Rory

[Merlin]

I own one of the 800 series Artist model Jupiter sops and have used it exclusively for the last several years. I have no hesitation in recommending it or the 900 series sops. If the 547 is current production (brand new), go for it.

My best advice to you with any horn is to play before you buy, and compare several brands and models.

BTW, there are some clips on my page of me playing my sop in jazz and classical settings.

[rodelliot]

Is there a reason you HAVE to have a Jupiter. Yamaha YSS-475 is a great little soprano and the Antiqua's have a good rep on SOTW at least.

Just the duckets man, just the duckets. The student model Yamahas are quite a bit more expensive than either the Jupiter Artist or the Antigua pro sops (used), that's why I'm considering the Jupiter and Antigua horns.

Thanks for the reference Merlin.

[jazzsax07]

I have both 547 and 800 Artist series Jupiter Sopranos. I love both horns.
I think I am a very accomplished player and able to judge make a good judgement about how horns play. I have owned the 547 for at least 10 years. It is a great player. I play tenor and double on soprano. The 547 has the usual intonation problems that I think all sopranos have but to be honest I find it very easy to compensate and it is second nature.
My Artist soprano is a wonderful horn. I have had it for less than a year and love it. The best soprano I have ever played. I had no intention of buying a soprano but tried 4 different horns one afternoon at a local music store and I was hooked on the Artist.I went back a week later and the owner made me an offer I couldn't refuse ;)
That being said for me the 547 is a more comfortable instrument in my hands.
P.S. the 547 is for sale.

[rodelliot]

That being said for me the 547 is a more comfortable instrument in my hands.
P.S. the 547 is for sale.

OK, I'll bite...how much?

[jazzsax07]

2 for sale in my area, no. CA., one for $875 and one for $775.
How about $700.
It is in perfect cond.
PM me for pics.

[Souportwenty]

I double on tenor and soprano and find I am really enjoying the soprano. I consulted Merlin about the artist series soprano and am very happy with this sax. This is a great soprano (IMO) that I really wish I had purchased earlier. I have the 947 and continue to get great comments about the tone and appearance of this horn. I have had it nearly a year now and play it about 7 hours a week.