Saxophonist Steve Stusek

Buffet Prestige

I have two alto saxophones, a Yamaha Custom 875, and the the copper (rose brass) Buffet Prestige pictured at left. For most performances I play the Yamaha, but I enjoy using the Buffet for chamber music because it has a significantly different bore taper, resistance, and tuning, than modern saxes. These differences create sensations that often lead to new ways of approaching tonal aspects of the saxophone. Let me tell you about this instrument as it is interesting. The serial number is 38381. This number is also inscribed inside the bocal. The Buffet-Crampon company says the instrument 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 of this saxophone. It was purchased new by the Belgian saxophonist-conductor Norbert Nozy, who in turn sold it to Arno Bornkamp. Arno purchased 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 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 I play 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. One thing I have not been happy with is that the palm key notes are lower in pitch than I am used to, and it has taken some work to get used to. I have recently acquired a second neck which plays higher in this range, but with 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: Stock P. Mauriat  
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 YSS-475 
Mouthpiece: Vandoren Optimum SL3
Ligature: Vandoren Optimum
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 Optimum
Reeds: Vandoren 3

Tenor
Saxophone: Yamaha Custom YTS-875
Mouthpiece: Vandoren Optimum TL3 / Vandoren T6 (Jazz)
Ligature: Vandoren Optimum
Reeds: Vandoren 3

Baritone
Saxophone: Yamaha YBS-62
Mouthpiece: Vandoren B-27 / Otto Link 6* (Jazz)
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.