‘General Info’ Category
Did you know South Jersey has a SAX SHED?
Posted by topsax in Friends, General Info on February 16th, 2009
I have been in the saxophone business for a number of years. I truly enjoy this business. When I built the Topsax Weblog I had a primary goal in mind. I wanted to talk about my friends, associates and customers that I personally know or do business with. I really get excited when these people send me sound tracks, links or articles relating to their love of saxophones.
One such friend is Skip Spratt. I love his website. Skip calls it the SHED. What do I enjoy about the site? For starters, it is full of information.. just like a great website should be. The Shed is designed to help people who want to learn the saxophone, get involved with transcriptions, read cool interviews and find other saxophone links.
The SHED also has a great section housed under “tools.” Just to name some of the categories there’s: Basic Scales, Study Guides, Practice Helpers, For Doublers, Jazz Scales, .. and more!
On a personal note, Skip is a BIG Facebook fan. I think he went skiing this weekend.. at least that is what is facebook page says!
If you looking for a fun website (Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet and Drums.. yes, he has other Sheds) then you can visit this link. I have been all over Skip’s website.. I ran across this neat photo.. It shows you what the SHED really looks like.
Skip, just one question? You look so organized.. how do you do that? 
Cheers,
Bob
Topsax Norway delivers the Bass Saxophone
Posted by topsax in Friends, General Info on February 11th, 2009
My friend and dealer in Norway (Runar Tveten) had an interesting proposition for me about 4 months back. He wanted to find a Bass Saxophone for a customer. Now that is a pretty tall order considering I didn’t know a single factory in China that made the “huge” Bass Saxophone.
It just so happens I was going to the China Music Show the following week and guess what? I saw the most beautiful Bass Saxophone on display at one of the factory booths. This thing was big, it was solid and it was gorgeous. The finish was an Antique Silver plate (looked like a shiny pewter with gray antique highlights.. buffed with a “brushed” finish). I was really impressed.
I made a deal with the factory and custom ordered the horn with the Legend name on it. Surprisingly they finished the horn up in about 2 months and shipped it to my office in China. When I got the box I was amazed at the size. I mean this box was very large — about 6 feet long and 2 feet wide.
I wasn’t worried about the quality — I could tell right-a-way this horn would make the grade. Of course the final opinion would come from the customer. I was delighted to hear from Runar that the customer was “extremely” happy. I have posted Runar’s letter in the Feedback section.
One last note: I was worried about the size of the box. All I could think about was the DHL Express shipping cost was going to be expensive. I am happy to say that I am a very good DHL customer in China so they gave me a “special rate” for the oversized box. Thanks to Jiangyong Jiang (Lilly) at DHL for all her effort on this project. Things went smoothly with Chinese Customs and the horn was delivered within 3 days of boarding a plane headed for Oslo, Norway.
Now if any of you folks out in saxophone-land are interested I have a very GOOD source for the Legend Bass Saxophone. You can save lots of money compared to buying a Bass from Germany — plus, I don’t think the German Bass has anything more to offer than the Legend at about 1/2 the price.
Thanks for stopping by,
Bob Campbell
topsax
Frank van Helvoirt playing the Blues with his Topsax
Posted by topsax in Friends, General Info on February 8th, 2009
I have a very good customer in Amsterdam, Netherlands who loves Silver horns. He purchased a Topsax Designer Series IV Alto and Saxello (both Silver Plated with Gold keys) from me about a year ago. I visited with Frank recently and was delighted to hear he is in good health and spirits. He constantly reminds me the TOPSAX “kicks ass.” Frank is no slouch at playing saxophones. You can tell by listenting to this great “blues” Mp3 track.
“Silver” Alto in this soundtrack.
I asked Frank to send me (in his own words) a short “bio” about himself and his passion for playing horns:
FrenQ is an unconventional composer and artist who plays in Western Europe. Mostly Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Emotion is the keyword. The European public knows FrenQ as a live beast on saxes. Even after hitting fifty years of age, FrenQ is still full of energy. Screaming saxes are combined with alternative romantic and instrumental compositions. The minor 7/9/13 chord is FrenQ’s lead in all he does.
FrenQ plays a Topsax Alto and Saxello live and sometimes a Alto Selmer Balanced action. He also has an Alto SML Gold Medal and Tenor Yamaha. He occassionally plays a Walstein Bauhaus Soprano but the Topsaxes are his first love!!!
Hey Frank.. it was wonderful hearing from you. Thanks so much for the great soundtrack.
Take Care,
Bob
Super Cool Book from Eric Daniel - Saxophone Survival KIT
Posted by topsax in Friends, General Info on February 2nd, 2009
Hey Guys, you have to check this out! Eric Daniel in Rome just gave me a download link to a really nifty book.
I downloaded it yesterday and started reading it. I am really impressed to say the least. This book is just what an aspiring muscian is looking for. It covers everything from A to Z about the business. Below is a short synopsis about the book.
The Saxophone Survival Kit (Eric’s new book)… is Available now as a FREE Download (until February 28th).
Description: “The purpose of this book is to help you better understand how to prepare yourself to become a professional sax player.”
You’ll discover that many types of playing situations are discussed in detail (”Live” playing, Studio work, TV work, touring of all types, musical preparation, etc) and with the insight gained from 35 years of professional saxophone playing in exactly these kinds of situations!
Hopefully, after reading this little book you’ll have a much more clear idea of how to proceed day by day toward your goal… It’s full of tried and true concepts that will definitely help you improve your chances for… Saxophone Survival!
This book will answer many of your questions about the world of Professional Saxophone Playing…so it’s up to you… Will you act now, or will you miss this great opportunity to discover all you need to know to get ready for a satisfying pro career?
For those of you that don’t know, Eric Daniel is one of the most respected saxophone players in the business. He knows what he is talking about and can help you. This book is priceless.. don’t let this opportunity pass to get your FREE copy. Use the download link above and you will be smiling.
Don’t forget to check out Eric’s hangout at MySpace.. he has some cool soundtracks you can listen to at the same time.
Cheers,
Bob
Freeblowing.com: Jazzy Topsax Dealer from the Netherlands
Posted by topsax in Friends, General Info on January 28th, 2009
I have a good friend in the Netherlands. His name is Henk Jelsma. Henk and I go way back. I remember when he started selling Topsax products in Europe. I remember Henk saying,
I am looking for a good quality saxophone that I can sell in Europe. Do you suppose I could offer your Topsax products on my website?
Doing business with Freeblowing has truly been a blessing. The folks in the Netherlands seem to really like my Legend Series IV saxophones, especially the Patina Matte model, more affectionately referred to as the “Reference 54″ finish.
I asked Henk to send me a short letter about his Freeblowing business. I have posted it below for everyone to enjoy.
Thanks again Henk — it is always a pleasure doing business with you — Bob
Located in the Netherlands my business is engaged in “selling and repairing” saxophones. Recently I started a small school to actually teach folks how to “shop” for a saxophone. My first 4 students enrolled this January and we had a fun time. It was really exciting to listen to and answer all the questions. Everyone got to try different saxophones, learn a few playing techniques, compare quality and prices without having any kind of sales pressure. Some of my students are already busy looking in music stores and second hand shops to take advantage of what they learned. My next class is already completely sold out!
Early on I was selling second hand saxophones which I would then do an overhaul on each instrument. I discovered TOPSAX at Ebay and was immediately interested in these saxophones. I could see right a way there was a good potential for these quality products in my area. I am particularily fond of the LEGEND saxophones and the TOPSAX Gold Plated mouthpieces.
So these days I only sell new saxophones from Bob. If you live in one of the European countries, you might consider buying a TOPSAX or LEGEND from FreeBlowing — I have already paid the Taxes for you !
Take care and keep blowing!
Paul Jimenez - Latin Flavor from San Diego
Posted by topsax in Friends, General Info on January 26th, 2009
My new friend is Paul Jimenez from San Diego. Now if you are an Arizona boy like myself then you know San Diego is God’s Country when it comes to climate and beauty. Every spring there is a mass exodus of Arizona folks to this wonderful seaside city.
Paul has a nice YouTube website which is where we met. He goes by the handle of SDSaxMan on the web channel.
The SaxMan has a vivid history. In his words,
I grew up listening to Big Band music that my Father always had playing on his record player. As I got older I got into Classic Rock from the 70’s & 80’s and R&B Soul.
Paul loved hearing the saxophone in many of these bands and decided it would be cool to learn to play the horn. He started with band in middle school and stayed with it for a couple of years until the kids he was running with in High School thought he was not so cool. Later in his life he realized that he had given up something he really loved.
Paul started playing sax again in 1996 around the time his Mother passed away. He found that playing the Sax helped him through the pain of his loss. A girlfriend took him to a family reunion in Palm Springs and entered him in a talent show.
When I heard all the people clapping and cheering for me, I knew I wanted to play on stage in a band. So I later joined a few bands where I played at some local events and street fairs in San Diego.
Some of his most memorable gigs were playing at the BB Kings Blues club in Hollywood, and Opening for Morris Day and the Time who starred in the Prince movie Purple Rain.
Paul sent me a soundtrack which I embedded here for your listening pleasure. It is titled, “Siempre Hay Esperanza.” Enjoy!
Joe Edmonds - Fantastic Saxophonist from Canada
Posted by topsax in Friends, General Info on January 22nd, 2009
I met Joe Edmonds about 5 months ago. I had this gorgeous Silver “Burst” saxophone on eBay and Joe made an inquiry. I didn’t think much of it but was excited about the possible new sale.
Here’s a nice website with bio and photos of Joe Edmonds
We made a deal and I shipped the horn DHL Express to Canada. Joe was delighted with his new horn (actually it would be a backup for Joe.. he wanted something for doing a little studio and gig work without having to bang around his more expensive horn). Well Joe ended up telling me how sweet this Silver sax was. Naturally I was sold on Mr. Edmonds and I couldn’t wait to “beg” for one of his soundtracks.
Joe was most cordial when it came to helping out. He sent me a soundtrack playing the Silver beauty and a new relationship was begun.
To make a long story short Joe ended up buying a couple more horns from me (Alto and Tenor). The Alto was a Series III Topsax Ultimate, set-up just perfectly for Joe. What came out of this exchange was another killer soundtrack. I love this sound, I love this horn.. I tell people all the time, “this Ultimate beats the crap out of anything you can buy in the music stores for $2,000.00.” It is that good and it will last a lifetime if taken care of.
Here’s the track and a couple of photos of Joe’s Altos (ps: I think he sold the Silver beauty because he thinks the Ultimate is the next best thing to cotton candy).
Thanks Joe — It is an honor to know you!
Silver “Burst” Alto
Topsax “Ultimate”
The Bass Saxophone has arrived.. next stop: Norway!
Posted by topsax in General Info on January 19th, 2009
A good friend of mine (and Topsax dealer), Runar Tveten, contacted me awhile back and asked if I could get a Bass Saxophone for a customer. Well, it just so happens I saw a really nice Bass at the China Music Show this year. I said, “yes, I think I have a very good source.”
Now for those of you that don’t know much about Bass saxophones, for starters, they are HUGE. This baby stands about 4 feet high and weights about 40 pounds (I am guessing on the weight). They are also pretty expensive, but a hell of alot cheaper than a Bass from Germany (supposedly the best source for the big saxophones).
Believe it or not, the quality is really good. The German made Bass is probably better but then again I am not so sure. I am impressed with the looks, details and finish on this horn (Antique-Silver brushed). People know that I don’t fool around when it comes to quality. I looked long and hard at this product before deciding to purchase it.
Anyway, the Chinese New Year is upon us and I cannot ship anything until the end of January when the holiday is over. If you ever tried doing any business in China around the New Year just forget it. Things do not get done — a shipment will just sit on the dock until the party is over.
Around the 2nd or 3rd of Febrary I will ship the Bass to Norway. I can’t wait to find out what the customer thinks. The sax will go by DHL Express — pretty fast, about 4 or 5 days. When I hear back from the customer I will update everyone on the blog.
Until then — Bob signing off with a CHINESE NEW YEAR firecracker..
PS: the Chinese love firecrakers — they will set them off at 3AM in the morning right outside your door just to wake you up!
My hometown is Phoenix, AZ and the Cardinals are headed to the Super Bowl
Posted by topsax in General Info on January 18th, 2009
Now I know this has nothing to do with saxophones but I just couldn’t resist posting a few words about our NFL team in Phoenix — the Arizona Cardinals.
It is hard to believe but the last time the Cardinals were in playoff contention was 1948 (the year I was born in Phoenix). I am now 60 years old and for the first time in my life I hail from a hometown that will field a Super Bowl team.
This is certainly wonderful news. Best wishes to all the players, coaches and fans in Arizona. One more game to go!
Happy New Year,
Bob
Topsax ULTIMATE track from Vern Green in Detroit, MI
Posted by topsax in Friends, General Info on January 18th, 2009
Who says the Topsax Ultimate doesn’t deliver? I have known this for years. Pound for pound, note for note, the Topsax delivers the “goods.”
I just received a Jazz soundtrack from Vern Green in Detroit. His wife, brother, and he have a new production studio there. The sound track he sent me is just FANTASTIC! It is 5 minutes long and features a Topsax Ultimate as lead (PLUS he is using a new F-6 mouthpiece). I am going to cut a small portion of the track out to use as a website embed and will be posting it soon. You will really appreciate this man’s work and his fine sax playing.
Vern gave me this bit of information about his production company:
“Our business in Detroit, Michigan is for all artists who require production, engineered and mastered music. (Jazz, gospel, hip hop, classical and more). We write, compose, and also play accompaniment for studio artists. We can also supply those with studio time that simply want to produce their demo.”
Engineering: Dezert Tracks (Pro Tools & Live 6) 313.483.2232
Operations Manager: Vernard Green (Sax & Bass) 313.427.0696
Special Thanks to: Vern ,Tia (Vern’s wife) and Brother.. I wish you guys the best of luck. Please stay in touch.
Happy New Year,
Bob
Soundtrack is now ready to listen to
It is awesome and of course Vern is playing his Topsax Ultimate Alto seen in the photos here. The soundtrack should download fairly quickly as it is only 0.7MB in size. I hope you enjoy the nice smooth Jazz on the track.
Below is the MP3 player with controls for starting the music. There is also a pause and volumn control. If you have any problems with the player please let me know.
Topsax and Legendsax trivia and history..
Posted by topsax in General Info on January 17th, 2009
The factory which produces the Topsax Series III and Legend Series IV saxophones has a rich and colorful history. Forty-five years ago everything started in Taiwan. When China decided to open its doors to private industry the company made its move. The factory has flourished and prospered since then. The company is small by most standards with around 300 employees. Its production is approximately 15,000 saxophones per year.
The key advantage to having a smaller factory is quality control. Most of the employees have been with the factory for years and have successfully honed their skills. The company is still operated on a daily basis by the original owner. The owner’s son is a United States citizen and educated in Engineering. This has given the factory a distinct advantage in doing business in China and abroad.
In recent years the factory entered into major partnerships with some very well known French, German, and American companies to develop, market and improve its products.
The Topsax and Legend is exclusively distributed by Topsax™ (a USA based company). We offer outstanding products, below market prices, direct Express shipping and a 100% money back guarantee. Buying a saxophone from Topsax is a wise investment. The quality in sound and feel will make you smile. Our saxophones are built to last a lifetime!
Feedback letters almost complete..
Posted by topsax in General Info on January 17th, 2009
It takes awhile to post something like 80 letters but I should be finished within the next day. Some of these letters are a couple of years old but I had fun reading them again.
Hopefully you will find some enjoyment reading some of these letters too. Remember, if you would like to add a comment or two then by all means please do. You don’t need to register — simply post a name and an email address. The email address is private and never given out.
Thanks again to all the great Topsax customers out there. Without you I would still be selling Chevrolets back in Denver, CO — ouch! I think the car business is a little dried up right now — not enough electric cars for sale I guess.
Cheers,
Bob
Tweaking out the Blog this morning..
Posted by topsax in General Info on January 10th, 2009
Hello everyone.. this morning I decided to tweak the new blogsite a little.. most of these Wordpress themes are really nice but they tend to be large in the byte department. A smaller footprint loads fast and clean in your browser.
I started with a theme from digitalnature. The theme looks good but the CSS file is a little bulky and there are some Javascript files that are not being used.. JQuery is a great platform but why load the extra 35kb of data if not using? [smile]
So in with the hacks and out with a new facelift.. the background header at the top (including the orange bar) is new… it is a repeating image that is small, much better than the original non-repeating image.. this header revision saved another 30kb.. I also got rid of the RSS feed for comments. There is still a good RSS feed for the posts which should be just fine for this new site.
I also added a couple of categories: Feedback and Tutorials. In addition to standard weblog posts I want to feature feedback letters from customers and tutorials (done by me) on how to adjust, tune and fix saxophones.
Please take a look and let me know what you think?
As always, thanks for stopping by!
Bob
Link to remember: blog.topsax.us
Posted by topsax in General Info on January 10th, 2009
By the way, I set up a sub-domain so it would be easy to remember the link to the weblog.. blog.topsax.us
All you have to do is type this address in the browser.. you don’t even need the “http://” part.. the browser should take you right to the Topsax weblog.
Cheers,
Bob
Welcome to the new Topsax Weblog
Posted by topsax in General Info on January 9th, 2009
This year I thought it be great to introduce something new. The Topsax website has had a Website Forum forum.topsax.us for a number of years. It has been used to post customer feedback letters. I feel a weblog will be more fun. In addition to allowing me to post articles, tutorials and Topsax news, people can now leave comments in the blog.
You can CLICK the FEEDBACK tab above to see where the customer letters will be posted from now on.
I sincerely hope you enjoy the new website..
Best Wishes for the New Year,
Bob Campbell
~~~~~~~~~ UPDATE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Forum web address (forum.topsax.us) is now being forwarded directly to the blog address: The Blog on Topsax
