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C Melody Saxophone Forum / C-Tenor (C-Melody) Saxophones / New C Tenor Sax coming

Next 20 Messages Newest 20 Messages

Steve
User ID: 1069864 Jul 14th 3:03 AM
The new C sax design

I just got back from the factory where we discussed the new C sax production specs and time schedule. The development costs are way higher than I expected but within the realms of possibility still.

The new sax will be a narrow bore like my Conn but will be essentially an entirely new instrument.
The keywork modification will be extensive with a complete repositioning of mechanisms to enable ergonomic operation and incorporate modern advantages including high F#.
There will be an option of either straight neck or Tenor style with new octave mechanism. The necks will not be interchangeable with old Conn saxes. They will be designed to fit Aquilasax Classic mouthpieces.
The finish options will include Silver, gold, nickel, and black and some different combinations of bell and keywork. They will feature hand engraving and will have several different themes.

For other details we will have to wait and see.
Development will begin in October and production should begin early next year.

It will be a thing of beauty and easy to play!

Guy-UK
User ID: 9676623 Jul 14th 3:19 AM
So it is definately going ahead. Just one question at the moment, do you mean that each sax will come with two necks?

Steve
User ID: 1069864 Jul 14th 8:21 PM
No!
You will be able to choose between neck styles.

I personally prefer the tenor style but others may like the alto straight neck. I am getting both produced.

Can I get some feedback on prefered finish choices?
Most vintage Cs seem to be silver with a few gold ones, do people still prefer silver or is gold more popular?

I prefer nickel my self, being lazy!
Black seems to be more popular these days?

What say you all?

Guy-UK
User ID: 9676623 Jul 15th 7:48 AM
How about two-tone? Gold lacquer with nickel mechanicisms and inlaid pearl keys? Any good?

ukebert
User ID: 9523443 Jul 16th 6:55 AM
I like the two tone, gold body with silver keys or even better, silver body with gold keys. Will necks be avaliable seperately? Not to put on other Cs, but to have the option of two. I am very pleased about the keywork, does this mean that they will be repositioning holes, as well as mechanisms? Could I suggest that you produce a hard case? Gig bags son't provide the long term protection that I would want. Plus [if the length is the same as your Conn], you could sell it seperately for other Cs.

Very happy to hear of your success Steve.

Regards,

Owen

REDEF
User ID: 8785553 Jul 16th 8:46 AM
I'm excited! I plan to write charts for a west coast style octet... Trumpet, Bone, C-Melody, Tenor, Bari and rhythm section. The C-Melody would double lead with the atrumpet pretty much like the Guitar did in the "Dave Pell" charts from the 50's. In fact the C-Mel can play the Guitar parts directly.

So bring on the new C-Mel... I'll buy one.

Steve
User ID: 1069864 Jul 17th 3:18 AM
Yes Owen,
My plan is to get extra necks made for spares.
The holes will be repositioned with all tone holes on one side of the bell.

Hard cases are compulsory.
The body however will be slightly longer than a vintage c mel so putting vintages in the case will be possible but not optimal.

I also like the Silver body and gold keywork for looks.

WW2
User ID: 0847534 Jul 17th 4:44 PM
For Finish I have three preferences (in order of preference and with highest cost first):

1. Satin (Sandblasted) Gold Body with Burnished gold within the engraved areas and bell. Keys should also be of burnished gold.

2. Satin Silver with Burnished gold withing the engraving and bell. Burnished gold keys.

3. Burnished Silver with Burnished Gold keys.

I suppose an option of a bare brass (no finish) saxophone would be wanted by some.

I have heard of a clear lacquer being put on over the silver to keep it from tarnishing, that could be an option.

On Necks: Jupiter supplies a sterling silver neck with its artist models. This would be great as an option!

Will both necks be interchangable? It would be great to be able to buy the saxophone with both necks! This is similar to soprano saxophones coming with both straight necks and curved necks. Even my daughter's Gemiendhardt flute came with both a straight and a curved headjoint!

Steve
User ID: 1069864 Jul 18th 6:25 AM
Thanks for the finishes vote.

I was actually offered the clear laquer over the silver but am not sure how it will affect the tone.

The necks should be interchangeable so you can choose which you prefer.

I'll have to check about the possibility of solid silver necks.
I imagine the cost will rise considerably although the price of copper is rising rapidly.

ukebert Jul 18th 9:20 AM
Steve, science is divided about how material affects tone, the finish, in theory shouldn't make a difference. Now, somebody is going to say: "But my burnished gold sax plays better than all the others..."
Expensive materials generally means a good quality sax and careful setup.

It may be that material/finish does make a difference, but it is likely to be very slight. I wouldn't worry about it. A clear lacquer would be most desirable.

Regards,

Owen

WW2
User ID: 0847534 Jul 18th 11:53 AM
I have found that the reed (cane, or synthetic brand), mouthpiece, ligature, and my own attitude at the time I am playing has far greater affect on the tone of my saxophones than the finishes.

The biggest tonal difference is synthetic reeds versus cane. Cane gives a much warmer, woody sound that is appropriate for classical type settings. The synthetics give much more edge and harshness. These are appropriate in rock, jazz, and of course outdoor and marching situations.

So, I wouldn't worry about the lacquer over the silver affecting the tone too much. Afterall, pads, resonators, etc. are much more important!

Wade

ukebert
User ID: 9112483 Jul 18th 12:06 PM
Exactly Wade, when there are things that make such a huge difference in sound as those, the finish seems a little superfluous. The key is to make it good quality.

Owen

ukebert
User ID: 9112483 Jul 20th 11:34 AM
Steve, I wonder whether you've thought of some of the things in this cmel on alan's site, I'm very attracted to the LH pinkie diplication...

http://www.cmelodysax.co.uk/saxophones/oa-cmel.htm

Regards,

Owen

Steve
User ID: 1069864 Jul 21st 5:50 PM
Sorry,
That will have to wait for the low A model!

ukebert
User ID: 9112483 Jul 22nd 11:07 AM
Shame.

Malcolm
User ID: 9154853 Jul 22nd 3:38 PM
Hi Steve,

I am very interested in your proposal for a new C melody sax as the action and key layout on my 1921 Conn is difficult to adjust to afer playing my other modern saxophones. I will keep watching for further developments.

Graeme NZ
User ID: 9781133 Jul 23rd 6:12 PM
Hi Owen
If you like the keywork on my Oscar Adler C-mel (the one on Alans website) perhaps I could sell it to you when/if I buy one of Steve's new ones.... ;)

Cheers
Graeme

Steve
User ID: 1069864 Jul 23rd 6:25 PM
Looks very nice Graeme,
Are you keen on Nickel plate?

Off subject: A customer asked if a Buescher will fit in my gig bags?
I don't have a Buescher but I hear they are slightly bigger than a Conn?
Has anyone tried a Buescher in one of my gig bags?

Steve
User ID: 1069864 Jul 24th 6:41 PM
Hans emailed me,
Apparently Martins and Bueschers also fit.
Thanks!

Steve.
User ID: 1153984 Aug 7th 5:12 PM
I have received over 55 inquiries for a new C sax so far. the rate is going up!

I guess the hit rate depends on people finding this site and the more interaction we have the better.
A google search for C melody still does not list my website!!!
http://Aquilasax.com

Next 20 Messages Newest 20 Messages

Steve User ID: 1069864	Jul 14th 3:03 AM The new C sax design I just got back from the factory where we discussed the new C sax production specs and time schedule. The development costs are way higher than I expected but within the realms of possibility still. The new sax will be a narrow bore like my Conn but will be essentially an entirely new instrument. The keywork modification will be extensive with a complete repositioning of mechanisms to enable ergonomic operation and incorporate modern advantages including high F#. There will be an option of either straight neck or Tenor style with new octave mechanism. The necks will not be interchangeable with old Conn saxes. They will be designed to fit Aquilasax Classic mouthpieces. The finish options will include Silver, gold, nickel, and black and some different combinations of bell and keywork. They will feature hand engraving and will have several different themes. For other details we will have to wait and see. Development will begin in October and production should begin early next year. It will be a thing of beauty and easy to play!
Guy-UK User ID: 9676623	Jul 14th 3:19 AM So it is definately going ahead. Just one question at the moment, do you mean that each sax will come with two necks?
Steve User ID: 1069864	Jul 14th 8:21 PM No! You will be able to choose between neck styles. I personally prefer the tenor style but others may like the alto straight neck. I am getting both produced. Can I get some feedback on prefered finish choices? Most vintage Cs seem to be silver with a few gold ones, do people still prefer silver or is gold more popular? I prefer nickel my self, being lazy! Black seems to be more popular these days? What say you all?
Guy-UK User ID: 9676623	Jul 15th 7:48 AM How about two-tone? Gold lacquer with nickel mechanicisms and inlaid pearl keys? Any good?
ukebert User ID: 9523443	Jul 16th 6:55 AM I like the two tone, gold body with silver keys or even better, silver body with gold keys. Will necks be avaliable seperately? Not to put on other Cs, but to have the option of two. I am very pleased about the keywork, does this mean that they will be repositioning holes, as well as mechanisms? Could I suggest that you produce a hard case? Gig bags son't provide the long term protection that I would want. Plus [if the length is the same as your Conn], you could sell it seperately for other Cs. Very happy to hear of your success Steve. Regards, Owen
REDEF User ID: 8785553	Jul 16th 8:46 AM I'm excited! I plan to write charts for a west coast style octet... Trumpet, Bone, C-Melody, Tenor, Bari and rhythm section. The C-Melody would double lead with the atrumpet pretty much like the Guitar did in the "Dave Pell" charts from the 50's. In fact the C-Mel can play the Guitar parts directly. So bring on the new C-Mel... I'll buy one.
Steve User ID: 1069864	Jul 17th 3:18 AM Yes Owen, My plan is to get extra necks made for spares. The holes will be repositioned with all tone holes on one side of the bell. Hard cases are compulsory. The body however will be slightly longer than a vintage c mel so putting vintages in the case will be possible but not optimal. I also like the Silver body and gold keywork for looks.
WW2 User ID: 0847534	Jul 17th 4:44 PM For Finish I have three preferences (in order of preference and with highest cost first): 1. Satin (Sandblasted) Gold Body with Burnished gold within the engraved areas and bell. Keys should also be of burnished gold. 2. Satin Silver with Burnished gold withing the engraving and bell. Burnished gold keys. 3. Burnished Silver with Burnished Gold keys. I suppose an option of a bare brass (no finish) saxophone would be wanted by some. I have heard of a clear lacquer being put on over the silver to keep it from tarnishing, that could be an option. On Necks: Jupiter supplies a sterling silver neck with its artist models. This would be great as an option! Will both necks be interchangable? It would be great to be able to buy the saxophone with both necks! This is similar to soprano saxophones coming with both straight necks and curved necks. Even my daughter's Gemiendhardt flute came with both a straight and a curved headjoint!
Steve User ID: 1069864	Jul 18th 6:25 AM Thanks for the finishes vote. I was actually offered the clear laquer over the silver but am not sure how it will affect the tone. The necks should be interchangeable so you can choose which you prefer. I'll have to check about the possibility of solid silver necks. I imagine the cost will rise considerably although the price of copper is rising rapidly.
ukebert	Jul 18th 9:20 AM Steve, science is divided about how material affects tone, the finish, in theory shouldn't make a difference. Now, somebody is going to say: "But my burnished gold sax plays better than all the others..." Expensive materials generally means a good quality sax and careful setup. It may be that material/finish does make a difference, but it is likely to be very slight. I wouldn't worry about it. A clear lacquer would be most desirable. Regards, Owen
WW2 User ID: 0847534	Jul 18th 11:53 AM I have found that the reed (cane, or synthetic brand), mouthpiece, ligature, and my own attitude at the time I am playing has far greater affect on the tone of my saxophones than the finishes. The biggest tonal difference is synthetic reeds versus cane. Cane gives a much warmer, woody sound that is appropriate for classical type settings. The synthetics give much more edge and harshness. These are appropriate in rock, jazz, and of course outdoor and marching situations. So, I wouldn't worry about the lacquer over the silver affecting the tone too much. Afterall, pads, resonators, etc. are much more important! Wade
ukebert User ID: 9112483	Jul 18th 12:06 PM Exactly Wade, when there are things that make such a huge difference in sound as those, the finish seems a little superfluous. The key is to make it good quality. Owen
ukebert User ID: 9112483	Jul 20th 11:34 AM Steve, I wonder whether you've thought of some of the things in this cmel on alan's site, I'm very attracted to the LH pinkie diplication... http://www.cmelodysax.co.uk/saxophones/oa-cmel.htm Regards, Owen
Steve User ID: 1069864	Jul 21st 5:50 PM Sorry, That will have to wait for the low A model!
ukebert User ID: 9112483	Jul 22nd 11:07 AM Shame.
Malcolm User ID: 9154853	Jul 22nd 3:38 PM Hi Steve, I am very interested in your proposal for a new C melody sax as the action and key layout on my 1921 Conn is difficult to adjust to afer playing my other modern saxophones. I will keep watching for further developments.
Graeme NZ User ID: 9781133	Jul 23rd 6:12 PM Hi Owen If you like the keywork on my Oscar Adler C-mel (the one on Alans website) perhaps I could sell it to you when/if I buy one of Steve's new ones.... ;) Cheers Graeme
Steve User ID: 1069864	Jul 23rd 6:25 PM Looks very nice Graeme, Are you keen on Nickel plate? Off subject: A customer asked if a Buescher will fit in my gig bags? I don't have a Buescher but I hear they are slightly bigger than a Conn? Has anyone tried a Buescher in one of my gig bags?
Steve User ID: 1069864	Jul 24th 6:41 PM Hans emailed me, Apparently Martins and Bueschers also fit. Thanks!
Steve. User ID: 1153984	Aug 7th 5:12 PM I have received over 55 inquiries for a new C sax so far. the rate is going up! I guess the hit rate depends on people finding this site and the more interaction we have the better. A google search for C melody still does not list my website!!! http://Aquilasax.com