Yesterday, I wrote about the Hawk bass saxophone I happened to stumble across while doing my regular eBay search. I decided to see if I could find out more about this brand because I was somewhat intrigued. Well, I found more than I counted on: It was a most educational trip through some rather obscure Internet pages.
It seems that the Hawk bass saxophone is the creation of none other than the Pro Woodwind & Brass Division of the JINYIN Group. (JINYIN is a name we’ve heard before as the brand name of an American-designed, Asian-built bass sax.)
According to JINYIN’s website,
The JINYIN Pro Woodwind Division is now manufacturing the Kenny G and Rheuben Allen line of saxophones.
These instruments are made in the New Kenny G / Rheuben Allen workshop located in the JINYIN main factory.
All work is supervised by Rheuben Allen and inspected by Mr. Allen before being shipped.
The Hawk bass saxophone is being described as “new” by JINYIN.
Source: jinyinprowoodwind-brass.com
JINYIN goes on to say:
The “Hawk” features the bore of the vintage great bass saxophones.
Articulated G#
Added closing bar from the F to the F1 keys to help keep the lower register stable.
Contour case with wheels and a compartment for Mouthpiece and Accessories.
2 Necks with Neck bag that hold both necks
Double brace and springs on the low C key
Double springs on the low Eb key
The Low C and Eb keys have two springs
(One on each end of the key) to help insure quick response of these two heavy keys.
The Hawk is available in an antique finish by special order. (I think this is an interesting finish option.)
Source: jinyinprowoodwind-brass.com/hawk_bass
I’ve included a slide show of the photos of the Hawk bass saxophone. Enjoy…
Source: jinyinprowoodwind-brass.com/hawk_bass
You will notice that a number of these photos have appeared in my series on American-designed, Asian-made bass saxophones before. Most notably, the double necks and their pouch are the same photo used in the ads for the Orpheo bass. The rest of the Orpheo photos are the same as well. Therefore, it is safe to assume that Orpheo and Hawk are the same horn.
At this point I am speculating that the older Orpheo bass, the JINYIN, and the DLM are based on an older design by the JINYIN company. However, this is purely speculation.
In any event, JINYIN seems to be one of the actual manufactures of bass saxophones. Another one that I’ve come across is Canex.
It’s just a shame that these instruments are not available to try anywhere. Mail order appears to be the only way to play-test these new bass saxophones. I just would rather not have to buy 2 or 3 bass saxophones and return them, in order to see what they are like.
After writing as much I have about these horns, I must admit, I would love to try them out. It would be most interesting to see if I could be swayed to give up my vintage Buescher, for a new bass sax of either American or French-inspired design… Even if it is Asian-built.
