Prophetic_Sax
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Soprano Sax Brands....Good morning all
I am looking to buy a soprano sax within the next week or so, and I'm trying to figure out which brand to get.
Does anyone know how good the Antigua Winds are? I am not sure if I will be leaning more towards the Yamaha, but I am used to Yamaha, and I'm a die hard fan. Any suggestions of what could be better, without killing my pockets?!?!....LOL...I'm looking in the range of $0-2100....
Any help would be appreciated....
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JPSaxMan
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For $2,100 you can get an intermediate Yamaha; the YSS 475. You can also find a good vintage Conn or Buescher for that much but if you can, get the former instead of an Antigua. Nothing wrong with them, but you'll get more bang for your buck if you stick with Yamaha, a used Selmer or Keilwerth even, and good vintage horns (Conn, Buescher, The Martin, Selmer, Couf).
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Gandalfe
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If this soprano isn't going to be your primary instrument and cost is important to you, I'd go with the Antigua Winds. As a matter of fact, I bought an Antigua Winds 590BC last year and I'm luvin' it to death.
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Prophetic_Sax
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See, that's the thing....I'm playing my Soprano until I can get my tenor fixed, so I have been playing that lately....
But I will probably split time on both the instruments....
I want the Keilwerth "Shadow", but I heard there is a 5-6 month wait for them now  ....
My prefernce is between a Keilwerth or Yamaha....I did ask about the Antigua Winds, and most shops around here don't carry it...so I may go for a Selmer or Yamaha....I will probably check on eBay....
Thanks you 2 for the advice...
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JPSaxMan
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Gandalfe, are you happy with your 590BC? Do you gig with it etc? Would you ever want to get another horn?
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Prophetic_Sax
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Well guys, I think I have made my final decision regarding a soprano....
I tried out a Musica Soprano Saxophone last Saturday....it was ok, but I have NEVER heard of them, and it seems no one else has either....
I tried out a Cannonball Black Nickel Saxophone today, at the advice of someone, and I have to admit, it plays very nice....I would have to get used to the way the right hand pinkie spatula is, and they are going to adjust the left hand pinkie spatula for me...
So it's going to be between a Yamaha 475 and the Cannonball....
I'm leaning more towards the Cannonball, since it is a pro horn, and it has a dark mellow sound that I look for, which is part of my personality and playing style....I don't like the horn to be too bright....
I will admit, it can get loud when needed, which was cool....
Anybody got any input they want to add? 
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Gandalfe
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I only play my soprano as part of a quartet or quintet. I've toyed with covering oboe parts in our concert band when there is no oboe, but usually we let a flute player to it. I got mine from Kessler Music (they're online, look em up) and the shipping was free.
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Louis Scuderi
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Neither have I tried or seen a Cannonball horn but,
I'm planning on getting a sop very soon and I am torn beween the YSS-475 and the Antigua 586BC or 590BC from Kessler. I've heard great things about all three of these horns, and am VERY anxious to get one myself.
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reisio
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I'd probably go with Yanagisawa or a vintage one.
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Prophetic_Sax
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| Louis Scuderi wrote: | Neither have I tried or seen a Cannonball horn but,
I'm planning on getting a sop very soon and I am torn beween the YSS-475 and the Antigua 586BC or 590BC from Kessler. I've heard great things about all three of these horns, and am VERY anxious to get one myself. |
I went to try a "Musica" Soprano Saxophone (I have NEVER  heard of this brand), the Yamaha 475, the Jupiter (forgot which model, but it was the Silver with gold keys), a Selmer Super Action 80 II (I believe) and the Cannonball Global Big Bell Soprano....
I will be going for the Cannonball because I like a darker sound when I play, which is why I'm going for the Cannonball. The only thing that I will have to get used to is how they have the right pinkie cup set up....it is almost like a bowl, instead of straight, which will take some getting used to, but besides that, it is a excellent horn. Someone on the board suggested I try it, and I want to say thanks!!!!
To be honest, I have never been impressed with Selmers....I will admit, it plays very nicely, but it was too bright for me....the same can be said about the Jupiter....
When I pick by Soprano up next week, I will take a picture for you guys so that you can see it....she is BEAUTIFUL!!!!! 
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Altosaxophonerules
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Yamaha?I'm assuming you have tried the Yamaha YSS 475 soprano saxophone already 
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Prophetic_Sax
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Re: Yamaha? | Altosaxophonerules wrote: | | I'm assuming you have tried the Yamaha YSS 475 soprano saxophone already |
Yes I have.....just played it this past Saturday....I still love Yahmaha's, but I just won't be getting the soprano from Yamaha....
Since I am mainly a Tenor player, and Soprano being the next in line to play, I am putting more money on the Tenor, since I am getting the Yamaha 875B (Black Lacquer)....
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Altosaxophonerules
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Cool, post pics of ur new sax, can't w8 to see the shiny laquer.
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