Thanks guys for the information, sadly i do not class myself as good enough to gig ( but i shall get there in the end!) and i am a late starter do no know if i will be blowing in 35 years. Also thanks to all who have answered. So the answer is that the unlacquered does not enrich the sound? as i am not that bothered about the aesthetics of the instrument just the sound?. As i have read that some professionals strip the lacquer off to get a better sound that was all. Regards Chris

Hi Chris, The unfinished horn will sound a bit darker and will feel a bit more "free" than its plated or lacquered counterparts. But since your question is whether "the sound is better," well, whether that's good or bad depends what sound YOU like. If you prefer and edgier "in-your-face" sound, then go for a different finish, but for a more warm / mellow sound, go the Mad Meg route. That's based on my experience, so take it or leave it. I've seen a lot of top notch saxophonists come here to our headquarters at Cannonball and try the "Mad Meg" (unlacquered) finish against the other finishes we offer. And through the years, players' reactions to the different finishes are surprisingly consistent. For example, our polished silver and polished black-nickel plated horns are always described as having more bite / edge / brightness. Go figure. In the end, you need to play as many horns as you can and stick with the one that you feel the best and sound the best on. Personally, I love the Mad Megs because not only do they sound great, but frankly I love that I don't have to polish them or worry about little scratches. It's a very practical horn from that perspective. Good luck out there! -Ryan