French Vito Beaugnier Thought? Opinions?

[Subphonic]

I am considering this French Vito.

here's the link:

http://usahorn.com/instView.usa?id=790&inst=Vito+French+Tenor+Sax+Lacquer

Just wondering if this is a good sax. I would be using it as a back up horn to my 1970 mk vi.

All thought and comments are appreciated.

Thanks-

Brian

[saintsday]

These can be very nice playing horns, but 1500 is nearly 3 times what the last couple of them went for here. http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?t=78948

[SAXISMYAXE]

As Saintsday suggests, a little bit more than I would expect to pay, but they are nice horns for the right price.

I find it curious that they mention the horn as sounding more "German" in quality, as I have always viewed the German horns as being very heavily influenced by the classic "American" sound ideal and design, sometimes almost clones.

[almost halfway]

I have an alto that's quite close in serial number to this horn. I've been hanging on to it as a backup, as it wasn't very expensive and it plays well. The tone isn't very complex, but it has a nice punchy response and really projects. Downright LOUD, actually.

The French Vitos are great, but for $1500 I think there are better choices.

[backer]

I have a later version of this tenor, in the 22xxx range IIRC. You can find such a horn for (much) less money than what you're looking at (though that is a nicer example). I found mine on ebay, and though it was not in perfect condition, it did have relatively new pads and played well (luck of the draw). Mine is similar to the one above except for a single-piece bell key guard, a curved key rod (looks like anyway) for a bell brace, and likely some other things. The LH pinky table appears to be similar.

I found it to be a very good horn. Most surprising was the action - light, fast, and snappy. Actually the LH pinky table is one of the best parts - the bell keys have very light action and the table is maneuverable. I have smallish-medium sized hands so this may be a factor too. The horn played well with many mouthpieces - mostly metal and rubber Links. I have been meaning to try a Soloist F and a few others on it. The horn is very responsive and has a deep, vibrant, penetrating tone. It is fairly dark and reminded me of a friend's Buffet SDA. Another interesting note is that it is a very light horn when compared to a Mark VI. The brass of the body and bell are still fairly stiff, much more so than on my King Marigaux (late SML) and about on par with the Mark VI, but there are no ribs. I suspect this may help cut down the weight.

I have not played the horn out anywhere yet as I have not had time to get it fixed up (and it is a few hundred miles away from me at the moment...). The neck tenon is loose and the neck had some funny-looking work done to it (may have had pull-down then been straightened, yet it looks somewhat cock-eyed). I found the intonation to be very good on the horn. The open C# was a little flat for me, but not by much and could be remedied. Altissimo, while speaking very easily and clearly, was also a little tricky as A up to C was almost a half step flat and required some different fingerings (basically the next fingering a half step higher - has anyone else experienced this on these tenors?). Everything else and register-to-register the horn plays very well in tune, so aside from negotiating a few altissimo fingerings, I feel comfortable playing it. One other difference is that the bell flare is somewhat shifted towards the stack keywork as you can see in the pictures. This feels a little funny when standing, but the ergos are still not a problem for me and are much more comfortable than with a lot of older horns. It almost seems as if Vito/Leblanc/Beaugnier borrowed some things from the Super Action/SBA/VI keywork (particularly for the bell keys) but while keeping the in-line tone holes. Keep in mind these are just differences noted from what I'm used to (VI), and I don't see of any of them as inherent flaws.

I tried my SML neck on the horn (which happens to fit better than the original). Not surprisingly, it took on some of the characteristics of the SML (a later King Marigaux) and became much more spread and less focused. My memory is not too clear on what happened to the intonation, but I do not believe it remedied my issue with the alitssimo notes (which is not so much an issue as much as I am lazy and wanted to be able to use the fingerings I am used to). I also have done nothing to adjust key heights yet - it is somewhat close as it is.

In general, it is a beautiful, BIG sounding horn. I feels "alive" in the hands and does not hesitate to respond. I had a lot of fun "burning" through fast tunes on the horn. Perhaps this is also because of the close (but well finished) setup. I should re-address these things after having the horn appropriately setup and the neck fixed. YMMV, caveat emptor, etc...

[Subphonic]

Thanks for the responses!

I would actually be trading my Buffet S-1 alto for the tenor and a french vito soprano. Is that a good deal? Both horns are in good condition and ready to play.

Thanks again!

Brian

[rs1sensen]

You might want to check out this Beaugnier Special Perfect from DoctorSax: http://doctorsax.biz/specialperfect1033.htm

I've bought from him before, and he's one of the few guys I let work on my own horns. I'm not sure how the special perfects compare to your standard beaugniers, but I can guarentee that if it comes from him it'll be mechanically sound. He also might be willing to do trades, but I know he has a lot of projects on the table right now.

[tjontheroad]

I pretty certain I tried out last year that very same sax and was impressed with it. Beautiful sweet french tone. Plays very well up and down. Thought about it for days, but figured it a bit pricy. Even still, for the money, it was the best playing sax USA Horn had in the shop at the time. I'm sure you'll be happy with it. Mark is great guy to do biz with.

[backer]

I pretty certain I tried out last year that very same sax and was impressed with it. Beautiful sweet french tone. Plays very well up and down. Thought about it for days, but figured it a bit pricy. Even still, for the money, it was the best playing sax USA Horn had in the shop at the time. I'm sure you'll be happy with it. Mark is great guy to do biz with.

Did you happen to try this one too? It's quite a looker...

http://usahorn.com/instView.usa?id=176&inst=Vito+%2F+Beaugnier+++Tenor+Sax+Lacquer

[tjontheroad]

Did you happen to try this one too? It's quite a looker...

http://usahorn.com/instView.usa?id=176&inst=Vito+%2F+Beaugnier+++Tenor+Sax+Lacquer

That may be the one I tried. It's been a few months since and I don't remember the sn#. Looks like they've gotten more Vitos in since. I tried out about six or seven tenors that day.

[Subphonic]

But what about quality, sound, and price?

Is it worth trading a buffet s-1 alto for a french vito tenor and soprano?

Thanks!

[soybean]

In general, it is a beautiful, BIG sounding horn. I feels "alive" in the hands and does not hesitate to respond. I had a lot of fun "burning" through fast tunes on the horn. Perhaps this is also because of the close (but well finished) setup. I should re-address these things after having the horn appropriately setup and the neck fixed.Excellent review and thanks for posting it. Do you have any recent impressions of the horn?

I just bought a Noblet Beaugnier tenor… hasn't arrived yet.

[mhoyoux]

Hello !

What do you think about this one ??

http://www.usahorn.com/instView.usa?id=176&inst=Vito+%2F+Beaugnier+++Tenor+Sax+Lacquer

Really collectable ? What abouth sound, intonation, build quality ?


Max.

[soybean]

What do you think about this one??Probably not very collectible, since most players have never even heard of Beaugnier. It might sound great. Ask me in a few weeks how they sound. USA Horn describes it as a "classical" saxophone. So, maybe it has a dark sound and not very loud?? That particular tenor is in really great condition which is why they are asking a lot of money for it.

[goodsax]

I have one almost exactly like it and I use it primarily for jazz chair tenor in two big bands. I won't tell you what I paid for mine, but I will tell you that I wouldn't trade it now, not even for your S-1 alto without a soprano. That's how much I've become attached to this horn.

[soybean]

I have one almost exactly like it and I use it primarily for jazz chair tenor in two big bands. …I've become attached to this horn.So my guess about it being soft sounding was wrong. Now I really can't wait till next week when mine arrives.

Below is a link to the eBay auction for my new tenor (Noblet Beaugnier). I think the price was fair and the condition seems much better than most Beaugnier tenors. The only question is the condition of the pads, which could be quite old.

Goodsax, do you agree with the seller about the playing angle being higher than other horns? And how is the intonation on your "Bony"? The guy on Youtube brags about the intonation on his tenor.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=180257959139&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=008

[goodsax]

...Goodsax, do you agree with the seller about the playing angle being higher than other horns? And how is the intonation on your "Bony"? The guy on Youtube brags about the intonation on his tenor.
The Noblet looks good in the eBay photos. It could be a great buy. However, I thought the thread was about a French Vito tenor subphonic was considering. I have no experience with Noblet tenors, so I can't answer your question about playing angle. There could be a difference between Vito Beaugniers and Noblet Beaugniers, I'm not sure.

[mhoyoux]

I have one almost exactly like it and I use it primarily for jazz chair tenor in two big bands. I won't tell you what I paid for mine, but I will tell you that I wouldn't trade it now, not even for your S-1 alto without a soprano. That's how much I've become attached to this horn.

Thanks to you, Mr GOODSAX !! : I'll sure you that I won't trade either mine S-1 alto for nothing (it's an excellent player, best ergonomics, and near 100 % perfect condition) ;)

I've seen this BEAUGNIER tenor too... https://www.junkdude.com/ProductDetail.aspx?id_product=910

It seems to have the body in excellent condition without repairs, but missing the clothing guard. It's more cheap than the one from USAHORN (but more of a player than a collector's sax). Is there anybody here who has playing this horn ????

[goodsax]

Thanks to you, Mr GOODSAX !! : I'll sure you that I won't trade either mine S-1 alto for nothing (it's an excellent player, best ergonomics, and near 100 % perfect condition) ;)...
My response was for Subphonic and his thought about trading his S-1 for the Vito Beaugnier and a soprano with USA Horn. Now, I see that the Vito at USA Horn is sold.
The Beaugnier you provided the link to is a very attractive horn with the issues you alertly observed. I haven't had the pleasure of playing an actual Beaugnier horn. But, just to add to my previous comments about my Vito Beaugnier, with a Morgan Excalibur 8E that I got from 10mfan, and a Fibracell Medium reed, it plays so easily down to a low Bb, and more telling, you can start on low Bb at a pianissimo level with no problem. And it does this without sacrificing power and fullness at the top end.

If all Beaugnier and Beaugnier stencil tenors play like mine, run don't walk to the nearest available example and at least give it a test play. I believe these horns are among least known, most underrated tenors being sold today.

[soybean]

I haven't had the pleasure of playing an actual Beaugnier horn. But, just to add to my previous comments about my Vito Beaugnier, with a Morgan Excalibur 8E that I got from 10mfan, and a Fibracell Medium reed, it plays so easily down to a low Bb, and more telling, you can start on low Bb at a pianissimo level with no problem. And it does this without sacrificing power and fullness at the top end.

If all Beaugnier and Beaugnier stencil tenors play like mine, run don't walk to the nearest available example and at least give it a test play. I believe these horns are among least known, most underrated tenors being sold today.I'm guessing that the Vito/Noblet/leblanc Beaugniers from the 1960s/70 are pretty similar. Maybe an expert out there can tell us, but they look very much the same except for the engraving and a few other details. If you haven't seen the two Youtube clips where the guy demonstrates and explains the way Beaugnier horns were built, you should definitely check them out.

[mhoyoux]

I'm guessing that the Vito/Noblet/leblanc Beaugniers from the 1960s/70 are pretty similar. Maybe an expert out there can tell us, but they look very much the same except for the engraving and a few other details. If you haven't seen the two Youtube clips where the guy demonstrates and explains the way Beaugnier horns were built, you should definitely check them out.

Hello !!


Can you put the link here, please ???????

thanks !

Max.

[kimslava]

Here's the first:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWQNh9O_G7g
and the second:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J44lnPGihsA&feature=related

[mhoyoux]

Here's the first:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWQNh9O_G7g
and the second:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J44lnPGihsA&feature=related

a BIG thank to you !!!!!! :)

[mhoyoux]

Here's the first:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWQNh9O_G7g
and the second:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J44lnPGihsA&feature=related

Hello !!

I have tried to undestand the whole thing he's saying on YOUTUBE but can you resume the whole thing briefly ?? American talking is not easy to follow sometimes...;)

thanks !

[soybean]

I have tried to undestand the whole thing he's saying on YOUTUBE but can you resume the whole thing briefly ?? American talking is not easy to follow sometimes...;)Yes, he's a bit difficult to understand. Basically, he is saying that the he has owned and built many saxophones, but Beaugnier is his favorite. It is the best of both worlds; vintage horns and modern horns. He also talks about the body tube being compensated to help make notes D and A more in tune. He says the harmonic overtones are very easy to play. He tells the history of the company being established in the same street as Selmer and used some of the former Selmer employess.

[Scott Marlowe]

I own a Leblanc Systemé Alto and a Late model French made Leblanc Vito tenor. Here's the basic types of horns that I've seen in person / on ebay / on SOTW and elsewhere.

Leblanc Systemé horns have soldered tone holes, often a mix of brass and nickel plated (mine is and I have seen it on several other leblancs). Used the Leblanc Systemé key setup. Very fast smooth action. Have left side bell keys with surprisingly light action. The LH pinky table is tall and narrow, but works quite well. Had a nearly useless high F# under the left palm that is about halfway between an F and an F# on my horn. Has a forked Eb that works and works VERY well. Has approximately one adjustment screw for every place on the horn that two pieces of the action meet. Maybe more. There were only about 1500 or so of these horns every made, so if you see a horn with Leblanc grandly scrolled on the bell, and a serial number under 2000 you might be looking at one of these. Have a very beautiful tone ala Johnny Hodges with a Soloist mouthpiece. Great intonation. Go for WAY less than they're worth on Ebay.

Older Vitos, Beaugniers, etc. with the Leblanc System. These horns are basically the same tube shape and keywork but have fewer height adjustment screws. All the ones I've seen have drawn tone holes, but I wouldn't be surprised if older models are out there with soldered tone holes. Since the height adjustment screws on the Leblanc CAN be a liability for going out of adjustment, these horns may be a more practical choice. Tend to have a variety of LH pinky table designs. Also go for way less than they're worth on ebay.

Later model Vitos etc. These horns lost the forked Eb and other features of the Leblanc Systemé but were designed to be much more ergonomic. They have a much more comfortable LH pinky table. The bore on these horns is bigger. Action is light fast and comfortable. Intonation is good. Versatile enough to play with a variety of mouthpieces and styles. Very very powerful sound, makes me think of Red Holloway when I play it. Or maybe what Maceo might sound like if he played Tenor. These horns have an offset bell design where you play the horn with the bell pushed to your left, and the neck pushed to let you play it that way.

Much older pre-Systemé horns are usually good sounding but the ergo might be an issue on older horns. These I'm not that familiar with.

I'm not that familiar with Vito VSPs, but I do know that they were made by a couple of different manufacturers at different times.

[warp x]

I agree with everything you said about the Leblanc, but high F# on mine is perfectly in tune. It takes a bit getting used to though. Also, the horn can scream and shout like any american vintage I've tried.

[Scott Marlowe]

I agree with everything you said about the Leblanc, but high F# on mine is perfectly in tune. It takes a bit getting used to though. Also, the horn can scream and shout like any american vintage I've tried.

Really? I can only hope that they fixed it on later models maybe? On my I have to lip it up so hard to be in tune I feel like I'm biting through my lip.

[warp x]

Well, the SN on mine is 430, so it's not a later one.
(We are communicating in two threads now, it seems)

[saintsday]

I agree with everything you said about the Leblanc, but high F# on mine is perfectly in tune. It takes a bit getting used to though. Also, the horn can scream and shout like any american vintage I've tried.

Same for me.

I'd be curious to see the variety of LH pinky tables on the Vito system horns.
All the ones I've had have been the same. I have seen variation on the non-system Vitos.
Here's a pretty nice one:http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i262/saintsday/21_3-1.jpg

[warp x]

Do NOT show me that picture again, that horn is waaaay too nice http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/grinser/grinning-smiley-037.gif

[saintsday]

OK. I won't post that picture again. http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i262/saintsday/ed_3-1.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i262/saintsday/88_3-1.jpg

[warp x]

Aw, ouch..:toothy7::toothy8::toothy7:

[Scott Marlowe]

Well, the SN on mine is 430, so it's not a later one.
(We are communicating in two threads now, it seems)


Hmmm. So, if you play a high F in tune, and without changing your embouchure play high F# how far out of tune is it, if at all? Mine was at least 20+semitones flat with a neutral embouchure.

[warp x]

I don't have to change my embouchure/airflow at all. It's just in tune. I never had a horn with a high F# key, in and surprised at how good and in tune it sounds. Are you sure your key is opening far enough?

[Scott Marlowe]

No, I'm not entirely sure it is. But it opens pretty wide. I do wonder if it's the smaller chambered mouthpiece I tend to prefer on this horn that contributes to this a bit. Or maybe the tenors "got it right" and the altos didn't. Time to start a new thread I guess.

[warp x]

Time to start a new thread I guess.


We might be the only ones in it. I don't know anyone else here except Mr. Fixit that plays a Leblanc regularly. But, it's a good idea. Better than mucking up a thread about Beaugniers I guess. :D

[soybean]

We might be the only ones in it. I don't know anyone else here except Mr. Fixit that plays a Leblanc regularly. But, it's a good idea. Better than mucking up a thread about Beaugniers I guess. :DWait guys, don't leave yet. That Vito (photos) is amazing! I've never seen one with that engraving. Is it original? Is that horn made by Beaugnier?

[saintsday]

That is the Johnny Hodges model, interestingly sold with his name but AFAIK he never played one with the engraving. I bought it as NOS and it is completely original and essentially unplayed. It has the original warranty card and some of the accessories have never been unwrapped. That is silver inlaid in the engraving. It is a system horn so the normal assumption would be that it was made by Beaugnier. If I am out of work long enough, it may end up in the market.

[backer]

All the palm key notes (including high F#) on my Vito 35 alto are clear and in-tune.

[mhoyoux]

That is the Johnny Hodges model, interestingly sold with his name but AFAIK he never played one with the engraving. I bought it as NOS and it is completely original and essentially unplayed. It has the original warranty card and some of the accessories have never been unwrapped. That is silver inlaid in the engraving. It is a system horn so the normal assumption would be that it was made by Beaugnier. If I am out of work long enough, it may end up in the market.


Orignal magazine advertisement : http://cgi.cafr.ebay.ca/1968-Johnny-Hodges-Vito-Saxophone-Photo-Print-Ad_W0QQitemZ160232335777QQihZ006QQcategoryZ108749Q QcmdZViewItem

[Beastie]

Same for me.

I'd be curious to see the variety of LH pinky tables on the Vito system horns.
All the ones I've had have been the same. I have seen variation on the non-system Vitos.
Here's a pretty nice one:http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i262/saintsday/21_3-1.jpg
Wholly Crap!, That's a nice looking Vito horn.

Mine is nothing like that. Just an old stinky thing.... Case looks similar, ha!

[modman]

I am considering this French Vito.

here's the link:

http://usahorn.com/instView.usa?id=790&inst=Vito+French+Tenor+Sax+Lacquer

Just wondering if this is a good sax. I would be using it as a back up horn to my 1970 mk vi.

All thought and comments are appreciated.

Thanks-

Brian

My experience is with the Noblet Paris Alto. I really love the way it looks, the ergos, and the overall tone of SOME notes.

I find it to be much too light weight, not very meaty sounding (sort of tinny) and too bright for my taste, although the altissimo range is effortless.

All that said, I am not giving up on the horn and am in the process of trying different mouthpieces and necks.

I would say that they make better than adequate back up axes.

Good luck with your purchase.8-)

[sax-ony]

My experience is with the Noblet Paris Alto.

As I understand it, the French Vitos and Noblets (and the Rationales etc., for that matter) were all made by Beaugnier for Leblanc. I have an original Beaugnier alto and tenor, and they are both excellent in all respects. My French Vito curved soprano is "absolutely gorgeous" (comment by a professor of saxophone and soprano specialist who played it at my repairer's).

Piecing together various comments and the scant evidence available, I believe the Noblet saxes, clarinets etc., were made and marketed for a student/intermediate market. They appear to have very similar keywork to some French Vitos, but modmanselmer's experience with the light body and somewhat tinny sound would seem to support this hypothesis (thinner brass? different alloy?).

It's probably wise to choose French Vitos (and of course Rationales and Sytems) in preference to Noblets.

[saintsday]

My experience is with the Noblet Paris Alto.



It's probably wise to choose French Vitos (and of course Rationales and Sytems) in preference to Noblets.

Maybe so, but several years ago I had a Noblet alto that was a near great saxophone. A local teacher picked it for one of his students from a half dozen other horns, mostly Vito variants.

As to being lighter, I don't buy saxophones by the pound or kilogram. Why would lighter equate with inferior?

[modman]

My experience is with the Noblet Paris Alto.



It's probably wise to choose French Vitos (and of course Rationales and Sytems) in preference to Noblets.

Maybe so, but several years ago I had a Noblet alto that was a near great saxophone. A local teacher picked it for one of his students from a half dozen other horns, mostly Vito variants.

As to being lighter, I don't buy saxophones by the pound or kilogram. Why would lighter equate with inferior?

What do you mean? I have always bought the heaviest saxes. I really need my neck to hurt and my lips to bleed after a gig or I do not feel I am getting my money worth. :TGNCHK:

[Beastie]

By the pound! That's too funny & maybe too close too home.

Case in point: My H.S. Instructor had what he thought to be the Be-all End-all for the saxophone world at the time. A Selmer Mark VI (of course). He tried to get me to play it on occasions of public performance (instead of my old clunker Conn). I hated that Selmer. Nothing felt correct about it. I couldn't get it to speak out when I wanted it to, nothing about it made me happy. The side (R) keys would really tick me off to, they seemed way to flimsy, for the wholly grail of horns that is.

Well, when I was "out" on my own, making a living on that clunky old conn, it did what I wanted it to do. It was heavier than that selmer & I thought that was the difference. But I couldn't retionalize it, just as today, it doesn't make that much sense to think this.

BUT, When it came time to buy a "REAL" horn. I tried the name brands available (then 1979), and walked away with a Selmer Mark VII.

THAT THING WAS HEAVY! even compared to my old Conn. but it did what I wanted it to do. Which was to Bring the house down in a loud crazy bar setting full of rough neck loggers and farm workers etc... .

I loved the VII, hated the VI. "go figure." Still to this day, same story.

B

[modman]

VII's are heavy and they play great! I hope your neck hurts next time you play it! :TGNCHK:

[sax-ony]

Maybe so, but several years ago I had a Noblet alto that was a near great saxophone.

Which just goes to show I shouldn't have broken my own rule of not making generalized comments about brands! No doubt there are good and bad Noblets out there, just as there are good and bad examples of so many others.

I think "maybe so" makes a good stock response to a lot of postings, including my own!

[Beastie]

VII's are heavy and they play great! I hope your neck hurts next time you play it! :TGNCHK:

It does.
When I get to complaining about it, I strap on the Bari for awhile.

Works every time.

[modman]

VII's are heavy and they play great! I hope your neck hurts next time you play it! :TGNCHK:

It does.
When I get to complaining about it, I strap on the Bari for awhile.

Works every time.

No kidding. I have avoided Bari for that reason alone, not to mention carrying to gigs, hitting in on the floor, playing too loud and having to many horns already.

Have you tried Cebulla neck straps?

[Beastie]

nope, don't think so.

However I'll look them up.

[modman]

nope, don't think so.

However I'll look them up.

There are some SOTW reviews out there too.

Supposed to keep the neck veins from bursting, killing you and getting blood all over the audience.

LOL

[Beastie]

VII's are heavy and they play great! I hope your neck hurts next time you play it! :TGNCHK:

It does.
When I get to complaining about it, I strap on the Bari for awhile.

Works every time.

No kidding. I have avoided Bari for that reason alone, not to mention carrying to gigs, hitting in on the floor, playing too loud and having to many horns already.

Have you tried Cebulla neck straps?

Never too many horns...

there's never enough space to keep them all out.

[saintsday]

What do you mean? I have always bought the heaviest saxes. I really need my neck to hurt and my lips to bleed after a gig or I do not feel I am getting my money worth. :TGNCHK:

I have a new condition Cannonball Big Bell alto with three necks I could sell you.:D It's even better with the original case. Best value per pound that I know.

[Beastie]

"Cannonball" is an appropriate name for them.

After buying the stinky french Vito several years ago, I promised myself not to buy anything that I couldn't re-sell in a reasonable amount of time if needed, without loosing my shirt. that is.

But, I'm still mourning that little grassi I let go, back then. I loved how openly it moched the Mark VI. Ha Ha

[daddywagsmusic]

I have a bari (low B-flat) from this company - Vito Made in France by Beaugnier. Got it for an amazing price, fixed quite a few minor things, took it apart and chem. cleaned it (it smelled horrible!) and I got a new case for it (reunion blues leather). The horn is ugly! (ill get some pics eventually) but I love it! Video clip at my website on the blog page, www.bradwagner.net, (with horrible video quality due to the club's very low light...) on it's first outting. Oh, but I did get a Phil Barone reg. bari neck for it, and it really opened up the sound, and I am using a HR Berg (new) 120/2SMS with a FL Ultimate Lig and Alexander NY 3's. If I ever had the change to pick one of these up cheap in the other models - sop/alto/tenor - it would be hard to pass up as a back up fun horn.

[NissanMarkVII]

Well, I've finally found the a compromise for the Tenor of my dreams! Just picked up a 1966 (Beugnier) Vito Special Tenor for $400. Needs some minor work, but does play "out of the box"! The action is super fast, and the left pinky table is the best I've ever played on! Altissimo is effortless, and fingerings more closely resemble my Alto (woohoo! Learning curve gone!). Sound is huge, and would have to agree that it sounds more "German" the "French" (which is exactly what I like in a Tenor!). Though it has that "French niceness" in the undertones of the sound. This will be my last Tenor...finally!

[saintsday]

Congrats. The altos are pretty nice, too. I had a pretty rough one around here for a long time. I sold it this week and forgot until I was testing it how nicely it played.

[Bhadde]

I received the Beaugnier Vito from Saintsday and I've got to say I love it. I'm not to good yet but you know how it is practice makes perfect. One day I'm going to make it sing.

[NissanMarkVII]

Yep. My last Tenor. Finally! Way undersung!