Antigua mechanisms durable???

[spol73]

The Antigua is fairly new in this market from what I understand and suspect its too early to ask whether the mechanisms (I don't mean corks and pads) are durable or are they going to wear out in no time. Analogy: both VW and Huynday are good when they are new but the later will end up in an auto shop a lot sooner. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Is the hardware easy to bend when it comes to an overhaul or is it made out of the brittle metal Germans used in some of their Barclay clarinets.

[DaveKessler]

One correction, the only "Barclay" clarinets I know of are a sub-brand of Winston. The Barclay brand is Chinese made.

I am a Very big Antigua dealer. I have seen everything you could imagine on them. I stayed away from your previous post (in the alto forum) because I didnt think it was appropriate for me to participate in that discussion since it might seem like I was trying to sell it rather then answer the question.

This question though I think I can answer and have my answer viewed as an objective answer.

I have had some problems with cheaper Antiguas in the past. However, those horns that we had problems with were, for the most part, fairly well abused.

I currently use the model 505 as my main rental alto saxophone. This is a ribbed model that only make for my company. We have been using it (as well as the 520) for about 6-7 years as our main rental to beginning sax players. I think that we can all agree that beginning sax players who are simply renting are probably the most dangerous persons to a horn.

Overall, they have been the most durable rental horn that we have ever had. They have held up very well in my rental fleet and make fantastic loaner horns when a performing player has to leave their pro horn for a few days.

Now, I have also had the cases where we have more problems with a model. This has been, for the most part, contained to the non-ribbed construction models (basic student), but the only commonality on the problematic ones are horns that were abused.

So overall, they are a horn that we can very hevily recommend in every regard. As long as they are treated well, they hold up wonderfully.

[spol73]

Thanks for yor opinion about the antigua alto sax Dave. You're probably right about the Barclay even though I've owned two of them so far, one of which I still have trying to sell it on Ebay. They both had Germany engraved on main parts. Anyway overhauling them was a disaster: hardware brittle, pad cups too shallow and finally terrible intonation. Back to the subject though. I'm saving up for a new soprano and its probably going to be the Antigua 590. I'm wondering what the value depreciation is going to be comparing to the "big four".

[DaveKessler]

Antigua 590. I'm wondering what the value depreciation is going to be comparing to the "big four".

I wish I could give you a firm answer on that. They have only been out on the market for a little over a year (we started selling them in Nov 2002, but they were released Jan 2003). So there arent really many used ones out there to judge that on.

My guess, is that I would be able to sell a used 590LQ at $750.00 when I am selling them new at $925.00

Overall, the depreciation percentage would be around the same or a little more percentage then the moajor name horn.... but you dont pay anywhere near as much for this Brand new as a major name horn.

[Dave Dolson]

In my opinion, new saxophones are usually not investment products. Even most vintage saxophones lose value. Yes, there are a few models that garner an increase, but most don't. DAVE

[spol73]

All right I've made up my mind about the Antigua 590LQ. I've just sent Dave Kessler an email in that regard and hopefully soon I'll become another satisfied customer. I'll keep you informed.

[saxguy9345]

My 590LQ should be here tomorrow :D

[Jack W.]

Let us know what you think, since some of us are contemplating a backup soprano sax. :)

[pknight]

Based on personal experience, and the comments of a number of Antigua soprano owners, your current sop may end up being the backup!

[Dave Dolson]

Jack W.: Maybe I should post this in the "Antigua" thread, but your comment makes MY comment cogent. I just spent four days playing at a really nice trad-jazz festival in Fresno, CA (their Mardi Gras). I used my Antigua 590LQ as my main horn (doubling alto and clarinet). It just could be that a new 590LQ will become your main horn and your other(s) soprano will be relegated to back-up status. That has been my experience - of all my sops (three vintage and two Yanagisawas), the Antigua plays the best. DAVE

[saxguy9345]

Dave Dolson, while this topic is hot I have a question.

I remember you saying somewhere that you play Selmer H? (J? I?) facings on your sopranos, and I was wondering what benefits you have found in doing so? I came across a Selmer S80 mouthpiece 'G' facing for $20, and I figured for that price it would be better than the mouthpiece coming with the Antigua, but I'm anxious on what to expect on a more open mouthpiece setup. Any comments welcome~ Thanks

[Dave Dolson]

saxguy: Yes, I have both S-80s and Super Sessions. The S-80s are various openings (C*, D, F, G, and J) but the best of them is G and J, the G playing more smoothly, but the J having more punch.

However, after lately alternating between the S-80s and the SSs, I've gone back to the SS and will most likely stay there. The SSs are J-facings. They play great for me using Java #2 or 2 1/2s, and Superial #2. However, I still shave down those reeds before they work for me.

Everyone reacts differently to mouthpieces, though. A good friend of mine recently switched to metal Link 8* on all of his saxophones (T, A, and S). He let me try his soprano set-up on his MKVI (with a #3 reed). After I played it a bit, we agreed the Link was really buzzy for me (just as is my Link 6*) and the SS set-up on my Antigua was rounder, smoother, and warmer. He made the Link sound great, though.

My objective is achieving a warm, New Orleans' style on soprano (Bechet-like, if you will). I come as close as I can with open hard-rubber pieces and soft reeds. One guy this past weekend came up to me and remarked that I was the closest to Bechet's sound he'd heard. Of course I thanked him but privately thought he was nuts. Still, it is nice to be recognized. That's what I'm looking for on soprano. DAVE

[saxguy9345]

Dave: I haven't had the pleasure of hearing Bechet yet, though I will look for some recordings. I told Dave Kessler that I had a S80 'G' on the way, and he suggested and sent me some V-16 size 2 1/2 reeds. I have a feeling I'll be doing some sanding, but now I'm confident I'm getting something good to start out with, thanks.

So the UPS man just brought my Antigua 590LQ :D :D, I played it with a Rico 2 1/2 reed on the supplied 4C mouthpiece, and :

1) It is a solid instrument. Absolutly nothing like the student Conn soprano I tried, this one feels like a professional instrument (not like tin foil under my fingers). The action is a little high (as is with most new instruments), but just the right stiffness in the keys, very consistant through the whole horn. It looks real nice too :)

2) Playing this thing with the 4C mouthpiece does the horn no justice at all, yet I could still keep it within 5 cents in tune (up to high F, way out of wack, although it might just be me). This mouthpiece makes it sound like an oboe, but I can still feel the resonance in the room. I am very pleased with the ease of play and sound produced with this horn.

I don't know what else I can say that hasn't been said before, other than I took a chance relying on other people's opinions here at the forum, and I have no doubt in my mind that it paid off. I'm keeping it. :D

[spol73]

Looks like Kessler has a line of their own soprano mouthpieces which is not yet indicated on their website. I've called Dave to order the 590LQ today and guess what he convinced me to try the new mouthpiece. Supposedly its a killer piece, a lot better than the one included whith the horn. Just wondering is it the same 4C that comes with the sax but reworked or is it a totaly different 4C. Mabe Dave should give as an update on their new line of soprano mothpieces.

[pknight]

Saxguy,

You are not alone in getting the oboe sound with the stock piece. I have good luck with a Selmer 80 in a D facing. I am going to try the Morgan 7J that Dave Kessler recommends also.

[Paul Coats]

You guys that like your new Antiguas... Randy Huey at Antigua would like your quotes for use in their ads.

randyh@antiguawinds.com

Be sure to mention what model you have, how long you have played, etc.

[Jack W.]

Based on personal experience, and the comments of a number of Antigua soprano owners, your current sop may end up being the backup!

It sure is looking that way increasingly. I made my "backup" comment before reading the other thread with a large number of comments on the Antigua sopranos, consistently positive and spanning several months. I am being won over by the sheer number of very detailed positive comments, coming from people who clearly vary widely in background and style.

I have my eye on the 582LQ because I have no need for either a curved neck or a high G key, in fact I've always been more comfortable with a fixed neck soprano. I was thinking in terms of a YSS-475 before this, but that other thread has really given me pause. Paul's comments elsewhere indicate that I will lose nothing if I go for the 582LQ over the higher models, apart from the high G key and interchangeable necks. And that I will have only one choice of finish.


... of all my sops (three vintage and two Yanagisawas), the Antigua plays the best.

And I know how well those other sopranos play too, from your other posts. There is a certain Pan American soprano here that would be feeling mighty nervous if it had feelings! :o

[DaveKessler]

Looks like Kessler has a line of their own soprano mouthpieces which is not yet indicated on their website. I've called Dave to order the 590LQ today and guess what he convinced me to try the new mouthpiece. Supposedly its a killer piece, a lot better than the one included whith the horn. Just wondering is it the same 4C that comes with the sax but reworked or is it a totaly different 4C. Mabe Dave should give as an update on their new line of soprano mothpieces.

Just to clarify, it was a Morgan Pro-Tone that I recommended. We currently do not have any immediate plans for a soprano mouthpiece because we REALLY think that Morgan has the best soprano mouthpieces on the planet and they are at an affordable price.

We only have our Alto mouthpiece line completed... We are still working on the tenor and have a promising blank now... but no immediate ETA for a professional calibur piece.

[Dave Dolson]

Paul: Did so. DAVE