Author Archive
Just the right edge and a bit of mellowness..
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Aug 25 2008, Submitted by: Bob
Dear Bob,
I received you mouthpiece today and it is the greates idea! It also plays better than any other I have, just the right edge and a bit of mellowness as needed. Thanks for gettting it here so quickly. I shall leave you some positive feedback. Also, I like the reed you sent, do you sell those? Let me know.
Thanks,
Bob Wade
Kudos to a very well shipped package ~ Soprano GL
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Aug 20, 2008, Submitted by: Johnnie
Re: Series IV Soprano, Gold Lacquer
Good morning, Bob (eastern time zone U.S.):
I did indeed receive the Soprano Sax package safely yesterday ( August 19, 2008 ) approximately 10:35 am eastern time. I must say, I was extremely happy and surprised when I opened the box (Kudos to a very well shipped package).
I was not expecting a new horn, at all, and at first glance, was most
impressed with the look, feel and action of this Gulf Soprano Bb Saxophone. I was also very bewildered to find that you not only provided the one Impressive (Selmer 80 style) mouth piece, but included Three (3) others as well. The Case is also First Class.
The horn and Two (2) necks fit very well, and the reeds played well with all Four (4) mouth pieces. I played the this beautiful new horn almost for two (2) hours last night and was extremely delighted about the Tone Quality and ease of playability of this (right out of the box) soprano saxophone. The upper register above High B was somewhat a test form me, however I know that playing the straight soprano takes some getting used to at these levels. By straightening the horn and lowering the lower embosure and blowing somewhat harder, I was able to get these notes out with no problem.
What impressed everyone the most is that this horn is perfect tune.
Straight Sopranos are very unforgiving regarding their ability to be
played in tune, and in rapidly changing intonation and tone. This horn
is by far the easiest horn that I have played to control. The tone on
the lower register is simply beautifully mellow and smooth, and can be
easily controlled. The mid register is very easy to play as well and the changes between playing upper and lower are fluid and clean. This horn is very well made, very well constructed and very well appreciated.
Bob, you have really impressed me, as well as some friends of mine, who are fine professional saxophonists here in the Chattanooga area.
I hope to keep in touch with you. I am a fortunate player of the alto
sax since I was Four (4) Years old, Picked up the Tenor Sax at the age of 16, and now I am attempting to be a soprano player at the age
of 45. Thank you for making this dream possible. And thanks, once
again for the Two (2) well made hard plastic, one (1) TopSax USA hard rubber, and (1) golden metal 7A open face TopSax cougar mouth pieces.
Thanks you again, very much. I wish you all the best in the future and
great success in your music endeavors.
Sincerely
Johnnie S. Fritts
Saxophonist
Chattanooga, Tennessee
All 3 are keepers, I am planning on keeping them for life.
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Jul 25, 2008, Submitted by: Todd
Re: Saxello, Alto, and Tenor from Topsax
Hi Bob
It has been a month since I have received my third sax from Bob. This time I bought a gold plated curved tip soprano saxello. I cannot say enough good about these horns. The quality, communication, service and prices have been second to none. I have driven Bob nuts with emails (I have saved nearly every email from our communication in the last year and there is nearly 100 of them) and he has always been professional and courteous. When I was unsure of what I wanted in a horn Bob always helped me to choose (one of the reasons for so many emails). I had also bought a gold plated Legend series IV tenor in March 08 and it plays like a dream. The horn is so beautiful that it excites me every time I open the case. My main horn I purchased from Bob a year ago. It was one of the 3 ever made, a fully engraved Bluebird alto limited edition. I play this horn daily and it is rock solid and right on, not to mention beautiful.
All 3 are keepers, I am planning on keeping them for life. Bob has given me killer deals on all of these horns and now that I have a soprano, alto and tenor, I am waiting for the opportunity on a Bari. If the opportunity ever presents itself, I know who I will buy from. We’ll see.
Thanx Bob, and God Bless..
Todd Heagy
It changed my whole perspective on Chinese made horns
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Jul 23, 2008, Submitted by: Neil
Re: Copper Alloy, Legend Series IV Alto
Bob,
I just wanted say thanks for my Legend New York alto sax, it changed my whole perspective on Chinese made horns. I’ve been playing for over 40 years and this is by far one of the best I’ve ever played. Now…..if I can just get a Tenor twin to match I’ll be walkin in tall cotton!
FOR THE READERS: I requested a Legend model made of German brass and two necks, one underslung. It took a couple months to have it made but I easily saved $3000.00. This alto is modeled on the Selmer Super Action 80, Series II alto and would recommend these horns to all level of players.
Warmest regards,
J. Neil Montgomery
I bought a Topsax from you a couple of years ago..
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Jun 26, 2008, Submitted by: Jean
Re: Topsax ULTIMATE Alto saxophone
Hi Bob,
This is a comment actually. I bought a Topsax from you a couple of years ago and have been very pleased. Last week I took it in to a shop here in Chicagoland for a little tweaking. The tech, a gray haired man of much experience came out and said, “Every now and again I get a pleasant surprise.” He was amazed at the quality of your sax and floored when I told him the price I paid.
Thanks for the quality product. What’s new with you these days?
Jean Gram
Topsax Super F-6 Gold Plated mouthpiece
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Jun 20, 2008, Submitted by: Gerald
Re: Super F-6 mouthpiece
Hi Bob,
The mouthpiece works very good, it has a good and very forceful sound. The embedded ligature is very helpful.
Greetings from Vienna,
Gerald Gruber
Followup by Carl on the Honey Gold SAXELLO
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Jun 8, 2008, Submitted by: CC
Re: Followup on Prestige Series IV Saxello from Topsax
Bob,
After spending some time at home with Klose, a tuner, and timely feedback from Bob Campbell, I took my week-old Topsax out for a spin at a local (blues/swing) jam session night before last, and the opening set of last night’s gig (Monk’s “Well You Needn’t” if you have to know). At the jam session, not only was I able to provide impeccably intoned background support for a decent vocalist, but the Prestige (with stock mouthpiece and a 2-1/2 reed) was able to cut through the amplified band with NO microphone.
The horn is very responsive. Lightning fast runs are as easy to execute on the Topsax Saxello as they on my Big-Name-Brand tenor. If you don’t like conversation, either do not buy this instrument, or be prepared to explain the difference between a soprano and a saxello to inquiring minds of all shapes and sizes.
In the beginning, my left pinky wanted to rest on the G# key shank instead of the pearl.
My errant pinky has been forgiven.
The Prestige’s outrageously placed palm keys are so easy to play I wouldn’t pay 1 devalued US Dollar for a soprano that does not have this layout.
CC
This was my first purchase of a sight-unseen instrument.
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Jun 3, 2008, Submitted by: CC
Re: Prestige Series IV Saxello from Topsax
Topsax, Honey Gold Saxello:
This was my first purchase of a sight-unseen instrument. Bob Campbell responded to all of my pre-purchase questions in a very timely fashion. The bits had barely settled in my Inbox when the horn arrived. Initial (minor) concerns about the horn’s setup were answered within hours of my posting them, and Mr. Campell offered to pay for any adjustments (as well as any customs fees for which I assume I’ll eventually be billed if the US Government doesn’t go belly up before I do).
This horn felt good in my hands from the moment I lifted it out of the case (yes, before even removing the tissue paper and thoughtfully placed foam key wedges). The last soprano I played was a Selmer Mark VI - circa 1975 - and the Topsax felt every bit as good. My initial astonishment at how out-of-tune the Topsax sounded was dispelled immediately by Paul Coats’ excellent tutorial on Soprano Saxophone Intonation, a stiffer reed (2-1/2) and a Korg CA-30 Tuner. (Silly me for thinking I could play a soprano in tune just because my Selmer Ref 54 Tenor is reasonably close.) Practice sessions since then have convinced me that this is a quality horn that should put a big smile on the face of any professional saxophonist who is lucky enough to get his or her hands on one.
My only complaints …
1) The G# key is in an awkward position - unless you have very small hands, your pinky lands on the key lever instead of on the pearled key.
2) The octave key mechanism is unusually tight - some key oil and a minor adjustment to the octave key spring tension were needed in order to get a reliable response.
The question should not be “is this really a pro horn”, it should be are you really “pro” enough to play it?
Thanks, Bob.
CC
P.S. One of my peers marveled at the tone of the stock mouthpiece, and all who have tried the horn can’t believe that it is real.
As my opinion goes, this sax stumps the YAS-52
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: May 28, 2008, Submitted by John
Re: Silver Plated/Silver Keys Series IV Alto
Bob,
Just wanted you to know I’m very happy with the horn you sent me. The low Bd – C are exceptional! You can staccato all day without a single shreek. Such easy sound production from a sax at this price!
The overall key action is fluent and comfortable; the sound stays consistent when altering registers, powerful clear sound on high notes and altissimo.
After trying out more than a few altos, I can easily say that as far as my opinion goes, this sax stumps the YAS-52, and is at least up to par with the $2000+ YAS-62.
Have a very good day,
John Even
Israel
Magnificent tone and looks and good setup!
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: May 25, 2008, Submitted by: Frank
Topsax Series IV Silver Plated Alto/Gold Keys
Hello Bob,
Received the sax.
In a few words : Magnificent tone, looks, and good setup!
The sax is playing better and better as I am really getting used to it.
Never played so much at home for the past few years.
It has an overall sweet tone and the Selmer sound!!! and as i wrote Henk, he asked how the sax played, it has the best and sweetest middle and high register of all my saxes. And a very easy altissimo.
I’ll send you a sound clip in a few weeks when i have the time to record something in my home studio.
I’m very happy with the Topsax!!!
Thanks,
Frank
The Netherlands
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Tyler says it plays better and more easily than the Selmer AS300 he was playing.
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: May 1, 2008, Submitted by: Jim
Re: Topsax Ultimate Alto
Hi Bob
Thought I would update you re the Topsax I recently purchased for my son Tyler. He is tickled to death wth it…says it plays better and more easily than the Selmer AS300 he was playing. I talked to his band director the other night and he told me that he was quite impressed with the Ultimate…Tyler told me in the beginning that he (director) played it several times the first day it was at school. I had asked him in an email to try it out and critique it for us, especially since I know nothing about a sax myself. Looking through the eyes of a tool & die maker, I must say that the Topsax looks to be a well made instrument, and that I believe it will serve Tyler’s needs well.
I see on Ebay that you have more items listed now. Do you have a web site listing your available parts and accessories? Would be handy to know when I want or need to purchase something (and I like to browse).
Thank you
Jim Fletcher
Though I bought an 875 EX, as I continued to play Bob Campbell’s Legend
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Apr 25, 2008, Submitted by: Gerald
Re: Gold Plated Series IV Legend Tenor
Just a supplemental note. Though I bought an 875 EX, as I continued to play Bob Campbell’s Legend, while there is a difference, the question is whether it is a $3,000 difference. Once I put the Yamaha custom mouthpiece on the Legend it improved tremendously.
I can hear and feel the difference between the Yamaha and the Legend but at the end of the day the Legend for the price is a great sax, and a great deal. Indeed, at times I still shake my head, wondering if I should have paid $4,000 (including tax to Canada) for a Yamaha, when the Legend was just fine.
I might add that it is my opinion, and that of my music teacher that Campbell’s Legend tenor is superior to the Cannonball. I tried a cannonball in the shop and really much preferred the smoothness and machine precision of the legend.
Yet I am still loving the Yamaha 875…so maybe it was worth it?.
Gerald
Yesterday it was in China and today it’s at my house in CA
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Apr 22, 2008, Submitted by: Rob
Re: Gold Plated Series IV Gulf Alto
Hey Bob!
Would you believe I already have the Gulf?!?! Yesterday it was in China and today it’s in my house at Westminster, CA, USA. How cool is that? Amazing!
All I can say is, “Oh my god!!!” What a stunning beauty this horn is. It took my breath away when I opened the very attractive and high quality case. It was as close to opening an arc containing the holy grail as I’m ever going to come.
And it didn’t end there. This horn plays in tune spot-on up and down the register without sacrificing any power. I used my Morgan 6E Excalibur and found it freely blowing top to bottom with a very pleasing and colorful tone.
It reminded me of a very similar looking alto I saw and heard during a swing band practice about a month ago being played by a substitute lead alto player. I thought it was a Selmer Reference 54 because of the honey-hued gold finish and asked if it was a 54. He just smiled and said it was a Chinese horn almost flinching when he said it. I assured him it was one of the finest looking and sounding altos I had seen in many moons.
Now, I have one, thanks to you.
I’m taking it to tonight’s Hollywood Canteen Swing Band practice and using it for our gig this Saturday night at DiPiazzas Lava Lounge in Long Beach. I’ll let you know how all that goes probably sometime Sunday.
Thanks again,
Rob
Frankly, I’m astounded. I’ve got both a Selmer Reference 54..
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Apr 20, 2008, Submitted by: Richard
Re: Series IV Gold Lacquer Alto
Hi, Bob,
The sax just got here. It had the good fortune to come on my day off. Unfortunately, I’m off to the airport, so could only play for 10 minutes or so, but, frankly, I’m astounded. I’ve got both a Selmer Reference 54 and Yamaha 82Z Alto, and have been playing with some of NYC’s top players and studying with a Buddy Rich/Benny Goodman alumnus. Your horn, at least after 10 minutes of playing, (with my usual mouthpiece) holds it’s own next to them. It’s a great horn at any price. Thanks. Tempted to sell my Selmer and get another of yours.
Richard
Played my new horn in Church last night..
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Apr 17 ,2008, Submitted by: Eric
Re: Topsax Series III Alto
Hey Bob,
I played my new horn in church last night and it was
awesome. I used the old mpc. but today I started
working out the 4-C and it sounds great! (still
struggling with the gold metal one but I am determined)
Write you later. I wish I could leave more feedback on
your e-bay page but I’ll hit some forums and let them
know how great everything is
See you here, there or in the air!
Eric
The Ultimate has a rich tone, great action; I couldn’t put it down.
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Apr 9, 2008, Submitted by: John
Re: Topsax ULTIMATE Alto
Bob,
I just wanted to drop you a note thanking you for everything with my new TopSax!! I received it yesterday in perfect condition, well packed with everything included as promised. I couldn’t wait to come home from work and play it. It was everything I hoped for and more! The quality of the Sax is outstanding and plays extremely well. It has a warm rich tone, great action; I couldn’t put it down. I have played several instruments over the years (Clarinet, Sax, Guitar, Drums, etc.) and must tell you this is the first time I was literally smiling with every note I played. I am glad I took the time to do the research and glad we found each other. I hope I can help spread the word of the value and quality of TopSax going forward. Please add me to your mailing list for specials and accessories that may come available.
Thanks again, you have been a true and honest gentleman.
Stay Well,
John Grasso
Reference 54 Patina Matte Alto ~ It’s a Beauty!
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Apr 4, 2008, Submitted by: Jose
hi,
i received the sax and its a beauty. it has a darker patina color than i expected but the sound its superb. i can get the altissimo notes with ease. thanks a lot. that’s the sax i have looked for all my life.
how come you sell them below 1000? whats the trick?
also have you ordered the saxophone model of the ref 54 patina soprano? i am looking forward to getting it too. let me know!
my sax looks like a $3000 horn to tell you the truth.. it looks better than the original ref54 from selmer.
thanks again,
jose
The Legend Alto and GP Mouthpiece really has the projection!!
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Apr 3, 2008, Submitted by: Bob
Follow-up: Legend Alto and Gold Plated mouthpiece
Hi Bob,
I had my first gig with the Legend last night. It was killer. The Legend with that metal mouthpiece is a monster. I can’t believe how much projection I get. I thought my Tenor was loud. The Legend Alto cuts through the guitars just great. I have had to custom form a Legere synthetic reed to get that sound I wanted, but it was worth the time. I also should note the dynamics are there too. I can get a full breathy subtle tone while playing quiet.
Thank you again,
Bob Hunt
P.S. I wonder if you might have a recommendation for a Tenor mouthpiece that would rival the one you sent with the Alto Legend. Now that I know I can get that kind of punch out of the Alto I would like the same for my Tenor.
The Legend arrived today about 10AM. I had to play it right then and there!
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Mar 20, 2008, Submitted by:Bob
Re: Legend Gold Plated Alto
Hello Bob,
Thank you very much for the excellent customer service. The Legend
arrived today at about 10AM. I had to play it right then and there. Even
cold the Legend grabbed me by the throat and screamed PLAY ME!. After I
got home this evening I played for about 3 hours. The metal mouthpiece
provides a big fat strong tone that I wouldn’t have expected. Thank you
for including it. That made a big difference in my first impression.
The best results initially came from using the cane reeds you sent with
the instrument. I tried a 2 1/4 Legere Studio Cut and it was stiff and
didn’t allow free blowing. I worked on the reed with a razor knife and
sandpaper. I used a micrometer to get the tip evened out to about .013
of an inch . Now the Legend is even more responsive and strong. It will
be great for the R&B and Blues I am doing now. I am betting I will like
it even more as I get my Alto chops back to par and get used to the feel
and response.
The horn is beautiful. I like the rich gold color and the engraving is
magnificent. The case is very nice too.
The only negative thing I can say about this Legend at the moment is
that the gold finish on a couple of the keys is slightly flawed. It’s not real noticeable and for the money and I will not complain. The overall finish is still
better than the Taiwan Tenor I have (Woodwind Brasswind Pro Tenor
-Super Action 80 copy).
I will give your Service and courtesy 5 stars. The Legend’s playability
is 4 1/2 stars. The appearance is 4 stars.
Thank you Bob,
It was a pleasure doing business with you and I wish you well.
Bob Hunt
There was the sound I was looking for!!!
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Feb 29, 2008, Submitted by: Russ
Re: Topsax ULTIMATE Alto
Hi Bob!
I wanted to add that I got to play the horn a bit this morning with the JAVA 2.5 reeds, and BOOM! There was the sound I was looking for!!! And this is still with the stock mouthpiece! The JAVA (a bright reed from my tenor experience) was immediately visually different than the Salazar reeds in that the cut out part was significantly longer which I assume lead to the additional resistance I felt with the Salazar. That’s why I didn’t really comment too much about the horn’s sound in my earlier e-mail.
The sound is great. I personally think the action is awesome. I think this horn and I will get along just fine.
Thanks,
Russ
Thanks so much for the great deal, super fast shipping..
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Feb 28, 2008, Submitted by:Marty
Hi Bob,
I just wanted to let you know my sax came today (unbelievably fast!) and it’s beautiful! I am a 45-yr. old woman who just likes to play for fun, and the only sax I have ever played was an old King Cleveland that I bought at a pawn shop back when I started playing in school! It had gotten pretty much un-playable lately, but I didn’t want to give up playing, so I was so excited to come across your offers on Ebay. My ‘chops’ are shot after playing a short time today, but I hope to work back up to being able to play for extended periods, then I can give the sax a true test. The ‘feel’ of the sax is different than I’m used to, and the octave key is COMPLETELY different, but I’m sure I’ll adjust without too much trouble. Thanks so much for the great deal, super fast shipping, and excellent communication! I look forward to many more years of beautiful music now that I have this beautiful new horn. I will be leaving positive feedback for you very shortly.
Sincerely,
Marty Davis
Problem with the sax case.. issued resolved!
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Feb 28, 2008, Submitted by:Juan
Re: One of the zippers didn’t work right on the case
Dear sir, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for letting us keep the old one that is a great gesture, you know kids now days can be a little rough and the old one will be a great back up, now a little more on the instrument that you are going to be pleased at, my son is in our churches chorus as a sax player and today we heard him above the rest of the instruments the horn had a beautiful melody coming from it, so that is another great review from us and the chorus, well that about it once again thank you.
Juan Villarreal
Another happy customer!
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Feb 26, 2008, Submitted by:Kourtney
Bob,
thank you the sax got here fine and desiree is playing
already .. thank you from another happy customer.
kourtney & desiree pumfrey
Received the sax yesterday!
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Feb 24, 2008, Submitted by: Rita
Bob,
I received the sax yesterday and it proves to be in
excellent instrument.
Thank you. Rita
Everything worked out good!
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Feb 12, 2008, Submitted by: Mark
Re: Problem with octave!
Hi Bob,
Everything worked out good, I took the sax to Boogie Music
and they saw the problem right away. They sent the sax off to get the octave key realigned. They seemed very knowledgeable and the repair cost was very reasonable.
Thanks again for your help and fast customer service.
Mark
