Saxophone Forum |
||
---|---|---|
Eastman 52nd Street Alto EAS652RLI was looking for a backup sax for my '65 Buescher 400. I tried a vintage Buescher True Tone from 1930 but the keywork felt so different from the more modern keywork on my Buescher, it felt much more difficult to play. Fortunately, the shop I purchased it from had several others to choose from. I found one that has turned my Buescher into my backup horn. I read about the new Eastman saxophones and at just about that time, the shop put one up for sale. I got a good price on a used Eastman 52nd Street alto and I have to say, I love this sax. I've only ever played three saxophones but I have good knowledge of brasswinds and this sax felt like a pro instrument the moment I picked it up. It's just such an easy horn to play, free blowing and flexible, I feel it's improved my playing by months, as would any horn of this quality, I'm sure. This unlacquered horn vibrates in my hands. The wood floors vibrate on low notes. It is built like a tank and is heavier than my Buescher but my JazzLab Sax Holder takes care of that easily. Intonation is flawless throughout the full range from Bb to F# (I haven't visited altissimo yet.) The response is instantaneous. You think it. The horn does it. And the verdigris is absolutely stunning. I don't know what exact key system they mimicked but the left pinky spatula is simply genius. You can roll any note combination. Some say it's too close to the large bell but I don't mind. It seems to have helped my technique by keeping my pinky closer to the spatula. Less wasted motion. Smoother action. I could go on. I love this horn. I can't put it down. I play Vandoren V16 mouthpieces. A 5 medium and I just got a 5 S+ that I am really liking a lot so far. |
||
Replies | ||
|