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C Melody Saxophone Forum / C-Tenor (C-Melody) Saxophones / Rudy Model C Melody

jazzbug1 User ID: 1836024

Apr 12th 10:27 AM I enjoy my Holton Rudy Wiedoeft alto so much, I picked up a tarnished C Melody off EBay several weeks ago for $224, which was more than I wanted to spend. When it arrived, I was pleased to see that this model has gold keys on a blemish-free silver body and a nearly perfect case, neither of which were evident in the photos. I rebuilt it using Precision brand metal reflector pads from Music Medic (a great online supplier). I finished the job and two hours later played a four hour performance with a very up-tempo Django group, also using clarinet and C soprano. I had never taken the risk of performing a demanding session on a newly re-built horn, so I left my trusty Martin C Melody in the automobile. The Holton played so well, my Martin will be on EBay this weekend. A very full sound, with a smoother response than the Martin, as it took very little embrochure change from top to bottom. I used a metal Holton mouthpiece and a Goldbeck: same results. I have found the professional model Holton horns from the later 20s and 1930s (Wiedoefts began in the late 20s) to be very high on the quality scale. They have a brighter top end than the Conns and are the the most under-rated vintage saxophones from that period. The ergonomics are very good for that era, except for the small button on the pinky G#, which is less convenient than the bar-shaped key touch used by most other makers. Hats off to Holton and Rudy, who actually had nothing to do with the design of the horn. Happy Honks