Equipment
|
|
|||
Buffet Prestige
I have two alto saxophones, a Yamaha Custom 875, and the copper (rose brass) Buffet Prestige pictured at left. I especially enjoy using the Buffet for chamber music because it has a significantly different bore taper, resistance, and tuning, than modern saxes, differences I enjoy. The tone is focused, pure, ringing, almost bell-like. An old friend recently described the tone of these instruments with "slender brillance". The serial number is 38381, and the number is also inscribed inside the bocal. The Buffet-Crampon company says it was completed on September 26, 1991. As such, it may be one of the last of the Prestige horns built soley by Buffet. I am the third owner. It was purchased new by the Belgian saxophonist-conductor Norbert Nozy, who in turn sold it to Arno Bornkamp. Arno bought it as back-up for his Buffet. I bought the instrument from Arno in 2007. There is no indication of whether this instrument is pitched at A440 or A442, but I believe it is tuned to A442, even though there is no "E" (for European tuning) after the serial number. The instrument has only a few post-production modifications. Arno added a small adjustment screw to the bar just above the foot of the low-D key. This allows the player to easily lower high B, G#, and G a specific amount by adding the D key (right ring finger) to these notes. I use this quite often when playing softer passages. I like this improvement so much that I have had it added to all my saxophones. By changing the adjustment I can also more easily play certain quarter-tone notes. I have recently acquired a second neck which plays higher in the palm-key range, but it has a smaller, more compact sound (not as rich as the original neck). This new bocal also has a slightly different angle than the original.
Sopranino
Saxophone: P. Mauriat L'aloutte
Mouthpiece: Vandoren
Ligature: P. Mauriat
Reeds: Vandoren Soprano 3
This instrument is new to me and my first experience with the P. Mauriat brand. I purchased it on the advice of Farrell Vernon, who plays much sopranino and has a very good recording exclusivley on sopranino saxophone. Farrell said that it was the best sopranino he has ever played. I have only played a few, but I can tell you that the workmanship on this instrument is simply exquisite! When I become more acquainted with it I will write a longer review, however, I feel very positive about the P. Mauriat sopranino.
Soprano
Saxophone: Yamaha Custom YSS-875
Mouthpiece: Vandoren Optimum SL3
Ligature: Vandoren M/O
Reeds: Vandoren 3
Alto
Saxophone: Yamaha Custom YAS-875, Buffet Prestige (see above)
Mouthpiece: Vandoren Optimum AL3 / Meyer 7 (Jazz) / Rousseau JDX
Vandoren A28 (for concerto performances)
Ligature: Vandoren M/O
Reeds: Vandoren 3
Tenor
Saxophone: Yamaha Custom YTS-875
Mouthpiece: Vandoren Optimum TL3 / Vandoren T6 (Jazz)
Ligature: Vandoren M/O
Reeds: Vandoren 3
Baritone
Saxophone: Yamaha YBS-62
Mouthpiece: Vandoren BL4 / Otto Link 6* (Jazz)
Ligature: Vandoren M/O
Reeds: Vandoren 3
Bass
Saxophone: International Woodwind 661
Mouthpiece: Selmer C# baritone mouthpiece
Reeds: Vandoren 2.5
The 661 is a copy of the Selmer Series II bass and produced in China, but for less than half the price of the Selmer. I haven't had much time to play this instrument yet, but after about an hour I am very impressed. The low range in particular (and lets face it, with bass, it's all about the low range) is clear and very free blowing. I would recommend this instrument to anyone, including Selmer players.