Jupiter soprano 847SG or 947GL?

[vishnuumusic]

Can anyone tell me if there is a real difference of sound (and which) between the silver-plated and the gold-lacquered version of the artist sopranos?
And does anyone have cleaning experience with the 847SG? I heard that the silver-plated finish requires quite a lot of attention and cleaning to prevent it from becoming black.
Thanks a lot,

[Kareeser]

I own the 869SG, which is a silver-plated alto.

It doesn't take much maintenance to keep it from turning black. It's just the hard-to-access places which end up tarnishing.

If you're the type who plays their horn and then throws it back in the case, I wouldn't suggest the silver plate. You do need to wipe it down after every session.

[vishnuumusic]

Thank you, do you know if the silver-plating brings a real difference in the sound? More silky or brighter or...?

[Pharmasax]

I own an 847SG: it is a very nice sounding soprano but if you do not place it back in the case after use it will become black very soon; this is just my experience....

I have not yet compared the sound of the 847SG to that of the 947GL, but a friend of mine told me that the differences between the two horns are subtle.

[vishnuumusic]

Grazie mille per la responsa!

[BeyondSax]

I keep a couple of 3M antitarnish papers in my 847SG case and have never had a problem with tarnish. These need to be changed out every six months or so. I do the same with my vintage horns. You can buy these in the dozen from Ferree's tools, they are called 3M T70 Protector strips. They sell them cheaply. Most local music stores sell them for one or two dollars each (a real rip-off)

[vishnuumusic]

Thank you for the good advice, I'm still hesitating making the choice but I'm also thinking of Yani 900/901.
Going to test them before I purchase.
Greetz

[BeyondSax]

The Yani S901 is a great horn and probably the best value for the money. The big difference between the Yani and the Jupiter 847/947 is that you get the two necks with the Jupiter. So, if you like to put some weight on a neck strap, the Jupiter with the bent neck installed allows you to do that. If you are not planning to use the bent neck, you could also consider the Jupiter 547 or the Yani (I would probably buy the Yani if money is not an issue). BTW, my only complaint with the Jupiters is the large size of the G# pinky cluster. Thus, I don't play my 847 that much anymore. See my current favourites in my signature line.

I have reviewed and compared the Jupiter 847 and 547 elsewhere a couple of years ago. They are very, very similar. Here's the link:

http://www.ozwinds.com.au/product_reviews_info.php?products_id=70&reviews_id=30

Finally, I do much more extensive testing now than I did then but I don't think my opinion would change much.

[Kareeser]

I've noted on occasion that my silver-plated alto can be a bit brighter than other saxophones. This is especially the case when I play on the stock mouthpiece that comes with the horn.

With a Vandoren Dark on a Selmer C*, the horn isn't bright at all, :)

Point of dispute however, because some say the material has no bearing on the sound.

Bottom line? Play-test if possible. That's the best way to find the right horn for you.

[Souportwenty]

I have a 947 that I love. It is the first soprano I have really enjoyed. I hated the Mark VI and liked the Yamaha 62 but I really love the Jupiter for it's intonation, tone and ergos. Merlin on this forum plays the 847 and sounds great on it. He has clips on his website. I took his advice and got a Vandoren S25 and it sounds good. I tried a bunch of mouthpieces as I wasn't struck on the tone of the stock Jupiter piece. I have a Yamaha 5C for legit playing and now use a prototype mouthpiece my teacher in Toronto is having made. They are not available yet but it is great. It has all the good features of the Vandoren S25 but seems to be easier to "shape the tone" as I like. My advice, if you decide to get the Jupiter artist soprano, is to try a Vandoren S25.
I found a bunch of the screws were backing off when I first got the horn. After a quick lubrication, these issues dissapeared. My only complaint now is the alternate high F. I have problems making it speak with my normal embouchure. I add the side key and it comes out without a problem. I think these Jupiter artist sopranos are great. I haven't played my Silversonic tenor in weeks!