Yesterday I happened to come across another stencil name for the American-style, Asian bass saxophones made by Jinyin. According to its website, Gear4music is a UK-based musical instrument and equipment retailer that was launched in 2003. Through their on-line presence they sell bass saxes which carry their store name.
Does this look familiar?
Source: gear4music.com
These bass saxophones—and even their cases—look exactly like the current crop of other Jinyin-made, vintage American-style bass saxophones.
Here is how Gear4music describes their horns:
Bass Saxophone by Gear4music, Gold – This is a superb quality Bass Saxophone from Gear4music. Combining fantastic build with a great finish, and a highly competitive price. This instrument is ideal for beginners to advancing players alike.
More Details:
Bass saxophone in the American Conn/Buescher style. A mighty instrument!
We have produced this quality instrument without compromise to give more people the opportunity to learn and play what is normally a very expensive instrument.
Each Gear4music Bass saxophone is now checked and serviced by a qualified technician before dispatch, to ensure you will receive a quality, ready to play instrument.
This sax features an innovative built-in instrument stand, which is particularly useful for younger or smaller players.
Bass Saxophone Outfit Specifications
Bb Bass Saxophone
Low Bb
Lacquered brass body and keywork
Good quality pads with domed metal reflectors
Adjustable thumb rest
Light gold clear polished laquer finish
Includes ABS saxophone case and accessories
14 day money back guarantee:
If you decide this instrument is not ideal for you, simply send it back within 14 days of purchase for a full refund.
2 Year Warranty (For purchases after 1st September 2007)
If you notice the case, this appears to be the same one that comes stock with the Hawk and Canex bass saxophones.
This same case is also currently being sold all over the ‘Net as a replacement case under names such as IW, Sax Gourmet, and Rheuben Allen.
Source: gear4music.com
Source: gear4music.com
Unlike the vintage American saxophones it was modelled after, this new Asian bass has a bis Bb key.
Source: gear4music.com
Notice how the bass on the inside of the case, and the one standing up on the outside are slightly different? The one outside does not have the attachments for a floor peg. This is, I believe, the older stock photo that has been used to sell Jinyin bass saxes.
Since that photo was taken, Jinyin made some changes to their horns, and the newer version of the sax is the one inside the case. (At least I think it is, based on the rest of Jinyin horns we’ve seen of late.)
Source: gear4music.com
If you want to see what the saxes look like, Gear4music has a really cool, interactive 360° movie on their bass page. You can stop it, and zoom in anywhere on the horn. It is the most detail I have ever been able to see on these saxes.
So if you’re in the market for an American-designed, Asian-made bass saxophone, or are interested at all in what they look like, check out Gear4music’s detailed, interactive movie. You will find it very interesting.
The price for these Gear4music bass saxophones is £2,899.00, which, at the time of writing, is $4,282.25 US according to XE.com. Delivery charges from the UK not included.