Posts Tagged ‘legend’
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
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!
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!
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
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
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!
