Quote:

<...>I had never heard of this brand; I guess it's a custom brand?. Did you have to go there to make the design just right? What are the playing characteristics you like? Is it more like the Selmer saxes or the Japanese brands?<...>



It is a custom brand, made in Taiwan in the same factory that makes the very highly rated P.Mauriat saxes but to the Austin TX company's specifications. I've had 3 Selmers, 1 Conn, 1 Couf and 1 Grassi in my life (so far) and this sax sounds and plays as well as the best Selmer and Couf saxes.

The intonation is better than any other sax I've ever owned (they have gotten better at it through the years - I suppose computers helped in the design). I don't have my Selmer Mark VI anymore, but if my memory serves me well, I would rank this up in that category for sound and response.

It is incredibly responsive, has a somewhat dark and full tone, looks good under the stage lights (it is show business), has a finish that my hands will not corrode quickly, no lacquer, and engraved before it was plated, and that fulfills my requirements.

It came out a little heavy and vibrates very nicely in my hands and those are delightful bonuses for me. I had no control over the body itself, it's the Mac Classic body which I assume is bored just like the Mauriat. To custom tool the body and the hundreds of parts would be not cost effective.

I was a little timid about ordering it without trying it out, but the manufacturer gave me a no questions asked, satisfaction guarantee. So I figured all I'd be out is the shipping costs.

Anyway, the first day I got it, I liked it.

After playing it for a couple of weeks, I like it even more.

I wanted the nickel finish on it because they no longer re-lacquer saxes in Florida and most other US states. My old beloved H.Couf sax turned green because I couldn't get it re-lacquered (it's the one in my avatar). The gold plate started flaking off my Grassi. So I called an instrument replating company (Anderson) and asked them what the most durable finish on a sax is, they responded regular nickel (many saxes now use black nickel, but it isn't as hard and tends to discolor).

So I asked for two coats nickel plating with no lacquer.

I think this may be the last sax I buy in my lifetime, as I expect it to last at least 75 years (I have a 75 year old alto sax that still plays well).

Right now the best saxes you can buy are made in either France, Germany, Italy, Japan or Taiwan. Unfortunately the US hasn't made a pro sax since the H.N.White company went belly up (King). Right now Taiwan is the new kid on the block and where the best deals are.

Unfortunately, I doubt that I'll get compensated with any money for having the model named after me. If I asked for $$$ I'm sure they wouldn't be using my name (I'm not famous enough). And I suggested it as a joke anyway. So I'm just tickled to have my name on it the next time he gets a factory run.

Thanks all for the compliments. I think it's a beauty myself and they tell me the shiny nickel really looks good under the lights (I can't see myself playing it so I'll have to take their word). One lady called it a bling-ophone Saturday Night.

If you know anybody who wants a new sax, I highly recommend MacSax (even if you don't get the Bob Notes Norton Edition).

Notes

Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

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