Posts Tagged ‘topsax’
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
Received soprano yesterday! Congratulations for fast shipping..
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Jan 31, 2006, Submitted by: Rudolph
Received soprano yesterday! Congratulations for fast shipping.
I didn’t have much opportunity to try it out so far, but seems fine instrument, nice clear high notes, low register ok, middle part misses a bit of brightness..
Have to try different reeds, mouthpieces. Action is great, very smooth. I’ll keep you informed about my experiences.
Thanks a lot,
Rudolph, Gourdon Musique
France
Hi, I am Karel from Belgium..
Posted by admin in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Fri, Jan 25, 2008, submitted by: Karel
Hi, I am Karel from Belgium.
I’ve been a (proud) owner of a Legend Series Tenor for a couple of months now. I did not want to give feedback immediately because (almost) every new instrument plays well (enough).
I have to say that the contact with Bob and Henk (the Netherlands) was very good. Fast answering on questions. Shipping was excellent. The case for the sax is GREAT. It’s just beautiful and has a lot of space.
The sax itself plays wonderful - not only because I am good at it.
It has a great tone, feel good in the hands, etc… The full engraving is a piece of art. It has everything I want in a sax.
People are amazed when they hear the price I payed for such a good sax
Thanks again,
Karel
Without question, the Topsax alto is better than either of them!
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Thur, Jan 3, 2008, submitted by: Steve
Hello,
I purchased a Topsax Alto, and have been very pleased with the horn. My son uses it for band, and I use it occasionally as well.
Thanks again for the great saxophone. When I was in elementary school I started on an old Conn alto, and used money from my paper route to purchase a Selmer Mark VII in high school.
Without question, the Topsax alto is better than either of them!
Sincerely,
Steve Murphy
You may recall I was intending to buy a Yanagisawa 991..
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Sun, Dec 23, 2007, submitted by: Jim
Dear Bob,
Just a note to let you know my Gold Plate Alto ( Series 4
professional model) arrived in New Zealand on Friday and I
have it in my possession. I am very very pleased with the purchase
indeed. All your claims have stood up plus. It is a wonderful instrument
to play and is definitely a step up from my 869 Jupiter professional.
You may recall I was intending to buy a Yanagisawa 991. I had one on
trial for a week - but could not get my head around the high price. I
think your instrument is better to play for me than the 991 since it is
more free flowing which I prefer. The instrument finish is excellent and
I have to say I am not only absolutely impressed with the product but
also your good service. No issues or charges with our customs either.
Thank you Bob for all your hands on assistance. I am sure I will be
buying either a soprano or a tenor from you within the next 12 months at
these prices. I would be only too happy to display the saxophone if you
were to get any other inquires from over my way.
Best wishes,
Jim Clough
Auckland New Zealand
I received my BLUEBIRD yesterday!
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Sun, Dec 16, 2007, submitted by: Todd
Hi Bob,
I did receive my Bluebird yesterday. I could hardly wait to get home to it. Here are my observations: It arrived very quickly, bascially 3 days. When I removed it from the box and removed the plastic, I really liked the case it came in, it is very nice. The sax was packed up extremely well, I could hardly wait to unwrap it. First of all the horn is solid, heavy which I think is a good thing. Heavier than my Yamaha. Now, the horn is beautiful. Some horns are so bright that the glare takes away from the beauty of the horn. This is different. It is a duller/darker brass color and the lacquer is very clear does not take away from the engraving, which is everywhere. Placing my fingers on the keys, the action feels heavy to me. Next to play her, which will not happen till later on as I have children to pickup. Ok, so now nearly everyone is in bed and I am itching to play her. I did not have very much success with the black plastic mouthpiece that came along. Maybe I need to get used to it. I could not play the lower register very well. I did not try the metal mouthpiece as I had about 10 minutes to play. I quickly switched to the Yamaha 4C mouthpiece which really made a difference. Now I could play her. I need to play it more to really compare. The action is harder than my student horn. This will need to be lightened up at some time. I had to have this done on my tenor that I purchased a few months ago also. I have read all of the posts on your forum and remember one musician comparing one of these altos to a ?? (was it a Yani), an upper end horn. He talked about the other horn having faster fingerings. Maybe his horn needed to have the action lighened up also. Overall I do like the horn, I will let you know my thoughts when I play her more.
Thanks again for the great horn and fast service!
Todd
We got a keeper!!
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Thur, 18 Sept 2007, Submitted by: Flo
Bob,
I want to sincerely thank you for all you have done to make our experience a positive one! I was convinced that your horns were good ones and that mouthpiece, reed, adjustments or my own embouchure (or some combination of these possibilities) were to blame for our problems.
We talked to Michael’s (my son) music teacher on Friday after school and found out that she knew even less about actually playing a sax than I did. But she has a friend that is a professor at a private, Lutheran collage (Concordia College) here in Moorhead that teaches sax! She helped us connect with him and yesterday (Monday) he checked out both saxes! (Both Michael’s teacher and her professor friend have recently heard rumors that there are some good China-produced saxes out there so they were curious and didn’t shut us out.) He used his mouthpiece and tried both of them. He was impressed especially when he found out how much we’d paid for yours! He went online and compared others at almost $1000 and over $2100! I think he was happy to have the chance to get his hands on them and judge for himself!
He thinks my embouchure might be part of the problem (I don’t touch my upper teeth to the mouthpiece). He also thinks a better mouthpiece would be a great help. He’s recommending a Selmer C* mouthpiece, I believe. He even worked with Michael’s technique!
Sincerely,
Flo
That was absolutely amazing.. 2 days shipping time!
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Thur, 06 Sept 2007, Submitted by: Rod
Bob,
Good EVENING to you, morning to me. You are probably in bed as its about 11pm something there in CHINA. Just wanted to say that the saxophone arrived today!! That was absolutely amazing. Just 2 days shipping time. I can’t say anything better than that. I am just so happy, I can’t wait to play it. You certainly have lived up to your reputation. Everything that I read about you was so positive. I will send you a picture of my family and the sax after church on Sunday night.
I appreciate all you did / do,
God Bless,
Rod
Sopranino in the Netherlands
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Wed, 05 Sept 2007, Submitted by: Sam
Hi Bob,
I just received the sax an hour ago. I just love it. Only the reeds
seem to be too light, but thats only a small problem . I’ll buy some
no. 3’s in the shop this afternoon. At first I thought it was
broken (couldn’t move any key’s), but then I noticed there was cork
everywhere to prevent it from damaging during shipping.
It was very well packed and it’s in perfect condition.
Anyway, thank you very much for everything! It was nice doing business
with you.
With kind regards,
Sam
Series IV Soprano.. thanks again
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Fri, 31 Aug 2007, Submitted by: Michael
Bob,
Just a note to say that Matthew is thrilled with the sax. His teacher
was also impressed with the quality. Matthew has a feature in the fall
halftime show, so the sax will get a lot of looks…
Regards,
Michael
I purchased it for my 9 year old daughter..
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Thur, 23 Aug 2007, Submitted by: Robert
Hi Bob,
The alto arrived yesterday in fine condition. As a retired pro I feel it is a great value. I purchased it for my 9 year old daughter who is starting on the sax in school. She loves it too and I’m sure her teacher will as well. It was a pleasure doing business with you. I left positive feedback yesterday.
Thank you,
Bob McGurrin
I don’t know who was more excited, me or her…
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Thur, 13 Sept 2007 Submitted by: Jennifer
HI BOB,
We received our Saxophone today and my daughter is thrilled. I don’t know who was more excited, me or her. She immediately said, “I don’t have to take my old sax to school.” The tone and the ease of play is wonderful. Her homework sounds like she has been paying for awhile. She was able to commit to her notes easier than with my old sax.
Thank you, I know she will enjoy playing in the band, this is how it all starts. Having the right tools to get the job done makes the work more enjoyable. I am sure her band teacher will have something to say about her new instrument. I will donate my old sax to her class for the school year for the child that is unable to afford a new one.
Once again, THANK YOU!
LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST!!
JENNIFER MOSLEY
Legend Alto Exceeds Expectations
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Sat, 21 July 2007 Submitted by: Rob
Hello, Bob. I wanted to share with you and your readers my pleasant surprise when I opened the case of my newly arrived Legend black chrome body with gold key work alto. My first reaction was to just sit there and gawk at it, it was that attractive. Even though I had some idea as to how it should look from the excellent photos you provide on your website, seeing it up close and personal was another matter. It is gorgeous.
When I finally got my hands on it to lift it up from the case, I again felt a rush of excitement because of the robust feel of the instrument. It was heavy relative to many other altos with which I’ve had some experience. It just had an overall feeling of extraordinary quality.
I assembled the neck, my old mouthpiece and setup and gave it the first test play with such remarkable results my wife came in from the other room to confirm I was playing the newly arrived alto, and she had a big smile on her face when she saw me playing - she’s my most loyal fan and severest critic, so her impressions are important to me. After hearing a couple of riffs with the new horn, she gave it two thumbs up, meaning it’s a keeper.
I then a/b’d it with my other alto and the Legend edged out the other because of a lusher low register, more comfortable ergonomics and, without doubt, being the better looking instrument.
The acid test was my using it for a Sunday concert in the park gig with the Golden West Pops in which I play 1st alto with about four brief solos during the performance and it passed with flying colors. As of this writing, I plan to continue using the Legend as my primary alto and relegate the “other” alto to a back up status.
Congratulations to you and your factory for producing a quality horn that looks great, sounds excellent with spot on intonation from top to bottom, and all at a very reasonable price.
Rob,
Southern California:
Golden West Pops
The Doctor’s Big Band
Huntington Beach Concert Band
Jazz 4 Jesus Big Band
Beyond my wildest sax dreams!
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Thur, 28 June 2007 Submitted by: Ava
Okay, I could not resist the more than generous deal Bob offered me and he was so open, honest, and confident in his product. Bob sent me a Series IV tenor and it is beyond belief in every way. It is engraved like crazy; it is black with SILVER plate key work, not gold, so it looks killer alongside my clarinet on stage!!!
I am playing old Rock (Fats Domino, Little Richard [Lee Allen]) and because of the beautiful sound of my horn and set up, I hope to be a regular in a Glenn Miller tribute big band and yes, it is a paying gig!
I couldn’t pass up this opportunity.. I could never afford a Selmer, Yani or Keilwerth, but I always wanted a vintage pro horn. I plan on getting a “little bro” alto to go with the “Black Beauty” tenor.
I can’t describe the value here: if you’re a student, get one and you won’t need another horn– no matter how high you go. If you’re a pro, this is a great horn if you can’t quite afford the Selmer.
Did I mention this tenor resolved two HUGE issues I had? ONE, my old Conn tenor hurt my right hand for hours after playing. TWO, I had a terrible time getting that old horn to play below low E. Not a problem now, and the front F is so much easier than the old pearl touch, I can pop up there so easily.
With thanks, loyalty and respect,
Ava Lemert
New Arrival in Italy!
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Wed, 27 June 2007 Submitted by: Antonio
Hi Bob,
DHL delivered saxophone yesterday afternoon. It took me some time to let you know as I wanted to play test the sax. I have to congratulate with you for the good product you sold me!
First, I noticed it was very well packed and protected, with a good looking sturdy case, pad foam to keep keys steady and some useful accessories. The sax looks really nice and carefully engraved. Keys move smoothly and close well: everything seems ergonomically comfortable.
I played it a little yesterday and half an hour today and had no
difficulties in getting a good sound. Thank you for the metal mouthpiece you enclose with saxophone, although I couldn’t actually play it the way I like. Playing the sax with my usual mpc I could get a beautiful warm and round sound. Intonation seems good as well.
All in all, I’m very satisfied with the sax and think it was a very good
purchase; very well worth the price.
I have to thank you for your kind attention and care. I really appreciated the way you positively look after your customers trying to let them have the best. I really hope to deal with you again and I will speak about your products among my friend players.
I’m also going to leave a positive feedback on Ebay. Pleased to have traded with you.
Best regards,
Antonio
I guess that old instrument was holding him back after all..
Posted by topsax in Feedback Letters on January 18th, 2009
Letter Date: Sun, 11 June 2007 Submitted by: Tim
Re: LEGEND USA Series IV Tenor, Gold Lacquer
Hi Bob,
Just a note to let you know Alex loves the new Sax. He can finally hit
those low notes and overall he is really progressing in his play now.
I guess that old instrument was holding him back after all!
I was curious if this tenor is the same as a name brand instrument
made by the same factory? Can you give names?
Regards,
Tim
