Earlier this month over on the Bass Saxophone Co-Op, Steve Goodson commented on the actual factories that are producing the plethora of American-designed, Asian-made bass saxophones currently. This is what he said:
There are two different factories making bass saxophones in China at present. Both horns are pretty good, and are significantly different. The “split bell key” horn has a more traditional design, and a bit darker sound. The “modern mechanism” horn is much more ergonomically friendly, and I find the intonation to be a bit better. Both horns have evolved over the production run, and both have improved substantially. I believe factories use Japanese brass…, and Pisoni pads from Italy.
This is very interesting. So if Steve is correct, and there’s no reason to assume he’s not, since he’s pretty much “in the know” with regards to saxophone manufacturing, all the bass saxophones that I mentioned in my previous posts, come from one of 2 factories.
BTW, if you’re looking for my previous posts on these horns, there are links to the posts in my Mason bass saxophone article. Just scroll down to the second-to-last paragraph.
Yes indeed they have. And, they’ve updated their photos too… Take a look at the photo they had originally in their eBay ad last October. (It’s the 2nd saxophone pictured.) That photo was obviously supplied by the distributor, and is no longer identical with what they have in stock now.
Wonder what’s up with that? Guess the manufacturer has added some improvements such as the triple neck strap rings. There might be other things too, but it’s hard to make details out in the photos.
The bass is now back under $4,000.. and not Orpheo either.
I&K Bass.
It appears they have been slashing their prices.. :O