An Amazing Day Of People & Unusual & Rare Instruments

Yesterday was an amazing day ❗ For a sax player who doesn’t live in Seattle, it doesn’t get much better than this…Two memorable things happened, both things that I will remember for a long time to come…

First up…Jim was able to organize a get together with Jay Easton and Paul Woltz. Suzy, Jim, Jay, Paul, and I met for lunch at the Coho Cafe. I so appreciated the opportunity to meet these 2 amazing players. Thanks guys for making the trek to meet me! I really appreciated it!

    Paul Woltz (left) & Jay Easton (right)

    Suzy Glass

 

    Jim Glass

Ever since hearing the Deep Schrott bass sax quartet from Germany, I have had the idea percolating in my head to do a bass sax quartet with Jay, Paul, Jim, & myself. We were thinking of trying to pull it together this time around, but Jay got a last minute gig doing Shrek The Musical, so our tentative plans for an afternoon get together this coming weekend were changed to a luncheon.

    Paul Woltz, Jim Glass, Jay Easton, & I at the Coho Cafe.

Yesterday Jay and I talked about the possibilities of what a quartet might look like music-wise; instrument-wise; and also schedule-wise. So we’re thinking this spring. We’re also thinking perhaps it should be an original composition or two. We’ll have to see. Stay tuned…

I really enjoyed meeting Paul. I’m looking forward to hearing him play next month when the Uptown Lowdown Jazz Band plays at the Vancouver DixieFest. I will definitely be going to hear him play the bass sax there.

I also really would like to figure out a way to have him do the tweaking necessary on my bass sax. My poor bass has languished with its leaks since the move from New Brunswick. After having played Jim’s bass, I now know what a Buescher can play like. I now also know that this is the man to work on my bass. I just have to figure out the logistics of it. I’m thinking spring…

After lunch was over, the second stop of the day was at Jim’s friend’s house. Matt, AKA quinntheeskimo Vintage Horns from eBay, is a dangerous man if you’re a sax player and you have a cheque book with you. Luckily I left mine a safe distance away.

I went there specifically to see the nickel plated Buescher bass that has had a low G  extension added, but more on that later this week. While I was there, Matt showed me one of his Buescher straight altos (a gold plated one)…beautiful horn, but I’m not enough of an alto player to justify getting yet another alto that I don’t play…Even if it is straight.

Matt asked if I wanted to see the Conn-O-Sax he had for sale. As he pulled it out of the case, I looked at this most amazing horn, and was astounded at how any instrument this old, could look this good. It must never have been played.

NB: All the following following photos were taken by Jim Glass.

    Matt & the Conn-O-Sax

It has had a repad, but with the original type white leather, non-reso pads, so that it would sound authentic. The horn has not got a mark on it. It looks absolutely new. Matt said that he believed there are only about 20 or so, of the approximately 200 Conn-O-Saxes made, still in existence. After seeing this one, I would have to agree with him when he says there is likely not one in better condition, anywhere in the world.

If you have the necessary $100,000, give the man a call. The horn could be yours.

Then just as we were going to leave, I asked Matt if he had any sarrusophones. He said yes, but none that are currently for sale, only his private one. He got it out for me, as well as his alto rothophone (also not for sale). He then also generously let me (attempt) to play both of these rare instruments.

    Conn Eb Contrabass Sarrusophone

As I held the bocal (above) I was amazed at how thin and fragile it was, compared to the bassoon bocals that I’m used to from my bassoon playing days. It is not surprising that many of the sarrus bocals have been damaged or destroyed over the years.

I have been fascinated by the sarrusophone for more than 20 years, and have seen them in museums. However this is the first time that I’ve ever had the opportunity to hear one being played, touch one, & of course play one.

    Matt playing his Conn contrabass sarrusophone

    Matt showing me where my fingers go on the front of the horn…

    …and then showing me where my fingers go at the back of the horn.

    Me trying to play the sarrusophone

I don’t know what I was expecting, but I was hoping that it would be a bit more intuitive for me. We did play it with an original Conn sarrusophone mouthpiece which helped matters, so I didn’t have to contend with the double reed, since it has been more than 20 years since I have held a bassoon reed in my mouth.

I had been secretly coveting a sarrus for years, but now that I’ve had the chance to actually play one, I must admit, I’m not so sure anymore…

But now this beastie on the other hand, is another story altogether…The rothophone I did fall in love with. I only regret that when Dr. Paul Cohen sold his collection a few years ago, I did not know more about them…

This alto rothophone, also known as a saxsarrusophone, carries the brand name Bottali. Although I’m full up on altos, if Matt was to willing to sell it, I would be willing to make an exception to my “no more altos in the house” rule. 

    I’m thinking to myself: It really does look like a saxophone with an eating disorder, and feels like it too.