 |
|
|
Signature Custom Alto Saxophone
Review by London freelance saxophone player Mark Buckingham
Solid Silver 925 crook with red brass body bow and bell.
The instrument arrived on Thursday afternoon in a rugged Hiscox case, which is supplied as standard for all Signature Custom Saxophones.
The quality of the finish is outstanding, a deep gold lacquer, which is 3 layers thick; the workmanship is faultless. |
|
All the Signature saxophones at the Trevor J. James workshops are made to order. They ask how I like my saxophones set up and they set all the side key springing perfectly as I find if they are too heavy the instrument moves when I hit them, affecting stability and thus tone.
The main finger keywork on first impression seemed a bit too light even for me, but the feel is growing on me. Being a privileged Signature Custom owner entitles one to the ‘after service’; Their technical manager responsible for the Custom instruments will adjust any keywork and set-up to the player’s requirements.
This is unique, as no other maker offers that. An element of the saxophone I also like is where the fingers and hands touch the instrument the keywork is rounded and smooth making it very comfortable to hold. |
Having complete faith with the Signature Custom I tuned it up in the afternoon then gigged with the sax that evening, a funk, jazz and jazz/rock gig in Clapham (I left my Selmer at home, I had such faith in it). The instrument was fantastic, straight out of the case and ready for professional work - not like certain makers with huge reputations where the saxes need to go to your repairer for pad setting etc.
The beauty of having one man as designer, builder and quality control separates the Signature Custom from all manufacturers.
On the first gig I made the mistake of using a Otto Link 7* instead of my normal 6*. The difference is huge and I did not realise the mistake until the next day. I felt my tone did not quite have the projection and power as normal. The next day I was totally knocked out when I stuck the 6* on the alto.
The power and projection is immense. Playing sub-tones and PPP is so clear it’s shocking. The solid silver crook has to be experienced, with such a clean sound throughout the dynamic range. Performers need to have very clearly projected tone these days so that they are able to carry their sound through electric guitars and drums etc., often at high decibel levels. The Signature Custom series will surprise even the most fixed player who insists on a particular brand (me included). It is so powerful. Volume is essential for most band work; if you are lucky enough to be working with quiet ensembles then the depth of tone of the Signature Custom at low levels will inspire you.
An incredible aspect to the Signature Custom series of saxophones, which I have also discovered with the tenor, is the balance of tone on every note throughout the instrument range, and beyond. This is a remarkable achievement for the Trevor J. James Company because nearly all saxes however expensive have tonal weak spots. |
| |
In conclusion, with regard to the initial performing and playing/testing of the Signature I am wholly impressed. I can find no fault and in many respects the alto outplays my normal alto. The tonal clarity, power and projection is superior.
When one considers value for money this alto wins hands down. Professional saxophones are very expensive even with retailer discounts and what you get with the Signature Custom is staggering. Just look at the cost of a silver crooked instrument and compare with Trevor J. James’s competitors!
I will be using the Signature Custom from now onwards, the asset of the power, clarity, projection and balanced tone over the whole instrument as well the inherent tone of the silver crook has won my favor.Anybody looking for a professional saxophone would do well to have an unbiased and unprejudiced attitude and blow a Signature Custom Saxophone from Trevor J. James & Co. |
|
|
| |
|
Mark Buckingham
www.gruntproductions.com
Read Mark's review of the Tenor Signature Custom |
|
|
|
 |
