NAMM 2019 Saxophone Gear Roundup

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NAMM 2019 Saxophone Gear Roundup

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TOPICS By Zach Sollitto / News, Updates, and Brand Overviews, Saxophone Product Reviews, Special
Feature / Mouthpieces, Music business, Music Equipment, Resources, Saxophone Brand
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Introduction
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Podcasts This marks my 8th year attending the annual NAMM (National
Association of Music Merchants) show and it’s pretty remarkable how
Popular Music
much the show has grown in attendance year after year. Similar to the
Practicing 2018 NAMM Show, this year’s show was filled with exhibitors
Recording showcasing products new and not-so–new, including saxophones,
Reeds necks, ligatures, mouthpieces, reeds, neck-straps, cases and the list
goes on and on and on.
Resources
Saxophone Brand What was unique about the 2019 NAMM show in comparison to
Overviews
previous shows was a focus on saxophone products geared
Saxophone Lessons towards the classical player.
Saxophone Parts
Sponsored
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NAMM 2019 Saxophone Gear Roundup » Best. Saxophone. Website. Ever. 4/4/19, 6(37 AM
Saxophone Technique
Tone Production
Transcriptions
Video
With only four days to see it all, I tried my best to test out as many
products as I possibly could, but as anyone who’s ever been to NAMM
can tell you, making it to every single exhibitor booth, even for
merchants associated with a single instrument, is next-to-impossible.
Here are some of the product highlights from this year’s event, in no
particular order.
Balam Back Strap Premium
Since the 2018 NAMM Show when I checked out the Balam Back
Strap Classic, Balam has come out with a new Premium strap which I
was able to test and further discuss with Jack Finucane (Owner &
repairman at Boston Sax Shop). Jack informed me that the Balam Back
Strap Premium embodies many of the same features as the Classic
but with some nice enhancements as follows:
Sponsored
“The Premium strap features a newly designed harness system that

incorporates 4mm of foam padding underneath the bars, making it the
most comfortable Balam yet. The overall shape of the harness has also
been shortened and reshaped to avoid pressure to the front of the
chest when playing heavier saxophones. In addition, the brand new
slider features an optional locking mechanism which will prevent the
strap from slipping while playing and can be used on soprano, alto,
tenor and baritone”
I tried both the Classic and Premium in comparison to the JazzLab Sax
Holder. I did prefer the look and feel on the Balam Classic and found
the new features on the Balam Premium to be quite nice especially
with the new locking mechanism. In terms of alleviating and
redistributing the weight of the saxophone, the Balam Premium
accomplished this quite well. My one recommendation is to review the
instructions for adjusting the strap (see video below with Jack
demonstrating). I would like to thank Jack for taking the time to discuss
the new features on the Balam Back Strap Premium and if you are
further interested in this neckstrap, please check out Jack’s website or
visit his shop to further test (see link below).
Jack Discussing the Balam Back Strap Premium
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJSHIzPiQ3Q
Sponsored
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Boston Sax Shop Ambassador Alto

Saxophone Case
In addition to testing out the Balam Back Strap Premium, Jack showed
me his new Boston Sax Shop Ambassador alto saxophone case. Jack
informed me he has put countless hours working on this case which is
designed for saxophonist and built to last. The Boston Sax Shop
Ambassador Alto Saxophone Case exhibits the following features:
Sponsored
“The Ambassador case is made from a composite structure and

wrapped in a hard wearing automotive interior grade synthetic leather
which results in lightweight but very durable case. The hardware is all
steel and utilizes a full length piano style hinge as well as four butterfly
latches that require a two stage locking operation.” This design ensures
that there is no possible way for these latches to open independently
avoiding the unwanted and traumatizing instance of your saxophone
falling out of the case when you pick it up to leave your gig or rehearsal
(unfortunately this has happened to me). The interior of the
Ambassador case features a medium firm, memory style foam which
guarantee’s a tight and proper fit. When it comes to storing your reeds,
mouthpiece, ligatures, and other accessories, there is an YKK zippered
exterior pocket that provides ample storage while also keeping the
overall size of the case small which is important for getting it into the
overhead airline compartments.
Jack informed me he used cushioned double handles on either half of

the exterior of the case to ensure that even if you forget to latch the
case and you pick it up, it will not open. One final but important
feature is, “the Ambassador case includes padded backpack straps
with locking carabiners in addition to braided steel wire loops that act
as a failsafe for the unlikely event of strap failure.” The Ambassador
case will accommodate vintage and modern Selmer’s, Yanagisawa, P
Mauriat, Yamaha, the King Super 20 and all Taiwanese “Selmer” style
saxophones. Overall, I am very excited about Jack’s Ambassador Case.
For me it’s a great combination between a Walt Johnson and Bam
Softpak case but with further enhancements that make it an all-
around better case. My one piece of feedback to Jack is if he could
make the case without the exterior pocket, that would be my
preference but I know many saxophone players want to carry
everything in one case. The Boston Sax Shop Ambassador alto
saxophone case is available for pre-order with the tenor version
coming out later this year (can’t wait!).
Ambassador Case
https://www.bostonsaxshop.com/cases/ambassador-alto-sax-case
Sponsored
Falcon Woodwinds Double Ring and

Florida Link
(Left: Florida Model Right: Double Ring

Link Model)
When I stopped by the International Woodwinds booth, I ran into

Eric Falcon who had on display his line of new Falcon Woodwinds
Florida and Double Ring Otto Link replica mouthpieces, in addition
to the 10mFan line of mouthpieces. Eric informed me that in
comparison to many vintage copies on the market today, his Florida
and Double Ring replicas are actual copies of an original Florida and
Double Ring Link, which Eric and saxophonist Doug Webb went
through both of their collections to find the best one. Eric said by
leveraging CT scan technology and his hand finishing work, he is able
to reproduce an exact copy of these highly sought after vintage Otto
Link mouthpieces.
I have played various copies of the original Double Ring and Florida
model Otto Link mouthpieces in the past and was excited to see how
the Falcon Woodwinds mouthpieces compared. Both Falcon
Woodwinds Florida & Double Ring Link models were a good
representation of the original vintage Links. I personally preferred the
sound characteristics and resistance of the Florida Model over the
Double Ring Link. Anyone who is a Link fanatic or has been searching
for an original Florida or Double Ring Link should give the Falcon
Woodwinds mouthpieces a try. I have included two videos below of
Doug Webb test playing both the Florida and Double Ring Models.
Website
https://www.falconwoodwinds.com/
Doug Webb on the new Falcon Woodwinds OTT…
Doug Webb on the fantastic new Falcon Woodwi…
Key Leaves
I have seen and heard about the Key Leaves product but have not
had a chance to try it out until now. While attending the last day of the
show this year, I ran into Nate Brown who is the president of Key
Leaves. Nate was nice enough to demonstrate how the Key Leaves as
well as the Vent Vine but I will be focusing on the Key Leaves
product.
Nate informed me that the Key Leaves is a durable silicone material

that will not harm or scratch your saxophone and is very easy to clean
if needed. The Key Leaves was designed to address the key pads G#,
Eb and Low C# to air dry and prevent them from sticking (which many
of us saxophonists run into this issue unfortunately). I have been using
the Key Leaves for the past few weeks and overall and happy with the
results. My G# and low C# keys which typically stick no longer do.
Sponsored
I find the Key Leaves product is easy to put on as well as remove and is
quite customizable whether you are using it with a modern or vintage
saxophone. If you want to prevent your G#, Eb, and low C# pads from
sticking, I would recommend using the Key Leaves product. If you
would like to find out more information, please see the website link
below as well as demonstration video
Website
https://keyleaves.com/
Key Leaves - prevent sax pad rot and sticky keys
Oleg Products (Sax Enhancers &

Maestro Mouthpiece)
Oleg products have been around for over 30 years. When I first
started playing the saxophone, I remember that there were far fewer
accessory options available than there are today. With that being said, I
do remember looking for after-market necks, ligatures, neck-straps,
etc. and Oleg being one of the few unique offerings which include
such products as the Olegature
Olegature, saxophone enhancers, necks and
neck-straps. Since then, Oleg has introduced his own line of
saxophones and saxophone mouthpieces, and continues to make
enhancements to his existing products.
Sponsored
This year, I had the opportunity to meet with Oleg and Alan Markowitz
(Vice President of Oleg Products) to see what products were new at
the booth, and also to revisit some of Oleg’s popular sellers. The Oleg
Maestro mouthpiece was one of Oleg’s newest products with the
Maestro mouthpiece being designed for players who play jazz and
orchestral music.
The Maestro mouthpiece was designed to be easy to play in tune

across the entire range of the saxophone, be flexible at various
dynamic levels, and to help players produce the best sound possible
on his or her current equipment. I took the Maestro metal mouthpiece
for a test-play and was overall pleased with the results.
Without too much adjustment from my current setup, the Maestro

played well in tune across the entire range of the horn. With that being
said, when I went back and forth between my Slant Link and the
Maestro, I still preferred my Slant Link based on the resistance level
and overall sound.
I would like to revisit the Maestro mouthpiece when it is available in

hard rubber as well as test-play a Maestro in a 7 tip opening instead of
an 8 tip opening. In addition to the Maestro mouthpiece and Oleg’s
line of saxophones, The Olegature and Oleg Pro Sax Enhancers are
probably the most popular items Oleg currently offers.
Sponsored
I do recommend that, if you are looking to make some adjustments to

the key setup on your current saxophone, I would either talk to your
repair tech or try the saxophone enhancers specifically the F-Fork
Extension (works great on vintage Selmer’s & saxophones with front F
pearl instead of the tear drop design) and Palm Key Risers
Risers. I would
like to thank Oleg and Alan for taking the time to discuss their product
line and excited to see what new products they have in store for the
future.
Website
https://olegproducts.com/
Rampone & Cazzani Solista

Saxophone
The Rampone & Cazzani “Solista” is Rampone’s new alto

saxophone which is tailored for the classical saxophonist. Rampone is
known for making a line of saxophones that is used primarily by jazz
musicians. What is unique about the Solista saxophone is the fact that
it is made out of copper, which is than gold plated.
When I spoke with Claudio, he informed me the Solista still maintains
many of the features from his existing line of saxophones, but they
recently made some changes to the treatment of the necks which he
believes will further enhance the overall resonance of the saxophone
by further stabilizing the sound.
Claudio informed me that they also introduced and are experimenting

with a solid silver neck, a copper neck without the gold-plating, and a
solid silver neck with the gold plating. I had the opportunity to try the
various finishes on the horn and found I liked the standard copper
neck with gold plating as well as the solid silver neck with gold plating.
Overall, the sound of the Solista compared to Rampone’s R1 Jazz

Saxophones was more focused, with much clarity and warmth to the
sound. I found the R1 Jazz saxophone in comparison had more edge to
the sound as well as projection. The Solista I believe would work well
for jazz as well as any genre of music, but the copper material with
gold plating gave the Solista unique qualities that I believe the classical
saxophonist will find very attractive.
I want to thank Claudio for taking the time to speak about the
Rampone & Cazzani Solista Alto Saxophone and would be interested
in test playing a tenor Solista in the future.
Website
http://www.ramponecazzani.com/eng/index.php
Rampone & Cazzani Solista Alto Saxophone - N…
Weissenberg Saxophones (Ken

Beason Custom Setup) & OC
Saxophone Screw & End Plug
While walking around the show this year, I decided to stop by the
Weissenberg booth to check out the Weissenberg line of saxophones
that were setup by repair technician Ken Beason.
Weissenberg has been producing saxophones since 1989 and has

quite an extensive list of different models for soprano, alto, tenor, and
baritone saxophone. I had a chance to try out the tenor which had
Ken’s custom setup with his oversized Beason resonators. This model
in particular had a pretty high copper content with an un-
lacquered/vintage finish. At first glance this saxophone reminded me
of other Taiwanese saxophones at the show in terms of the parts used
and aesthetic.
I was impressed overall with the sound, intonation, response, and

ergonomicsof the Weissenberg Ken Beason Custom model .
What’s nice about this model is since Ken works closely with the
Weissenberg team, you have the ability as the player to discuss with
Ken what type of sound and setup you are looking for and Ken will
work with you to further customize that Weissenberg saxophone so it
meets your requirements.
In addition to meeting Ken at the booth, I had the opportunity to

speak with Don Trimble, who is the owner of Orange Coast Sax Shop
LLC and authorized dealer of Weissenberg saxophones. Don had his
own line of custom screws and end plugs for the saxophones at the
Weissenberg booth which he allowed me to test play.
The saxophone end plug, although a simple accessory, is important

item for traveling because it can protect the octave key pin as well as
fill up any open space in the case to prevent less movement. Don’s
metal end plugs were nicely machined, and since Don does the
machining in-house, he can make a custom end plug for your
saxophone and case combination.
We did discuss potentially storing cork grease within the end plug as
well as making the end plug adjustable in case you switch to another
saxophone case, but that is a discussion for another day. I have seen
quite a few saxophone screws from various vendors, so I wanted to
see how Don’s equalizer sound screws worked. Don makes these
screws out of various combinations of materials and mass to meet the
requirements of any player.
I have been pretty skeptical in the past regarding these saxophone

screws and if they made a difference in terms of how the horn
responds. I tried Don’s equalizer sound screw made out of a few
materials (brass, steel, etc.) and did notice a slight difference in how
the saxophone responded depending on the material and screw mass.
I believe the screw can make a difference in helping the horn play
more evenly, but this experience is different from saxophone to
saxophone, and I believe is dependent on having a properly fit neck.
I would like to thank Ken and Don for taking the time to review the
Weissenberg saxophones and Don’s equalizer sound screws and end
plugs. I believe Don’s screws and end plugs compliment the
Weissenberg line of saxophones nicely, and I hope to spend some
time later this year revisiting both of these products.
Website
Orange County Sax Shop FB Page
Marmaduke Feather Strap IV

Neckstrap
It was great to see Alex Miyatake at 2019 NAMM Show. This year Alex
introduced the Marmaduke “Feather” Strap IV
IV. The Feather IV is
the newly-designed followup to the “Feather”
Feather” III Strap which I’ve
tested in the past. Unlike its predecessor, the Feather IV has a one-
piece construction, shorter bars than the Feather III, and comes with a
new wing shape adjuster and fixed brass hook.
The Feather IV neckstrap offered by Marmaduke is my favorite strap of

all those that Alex currently offers. I find the Feather IV in comparison
to the Feather III uses a more comfortable leather material as is easier
to adjust. The larger bar (which I see more and more neck straps
leveraging) makes the Feather IV neck strap easy to adjust to the right
position, but I did speak with Alex about offering a slightly smaller bar
which he is going to shortly.
I want to thank Alex for taking the time to show me the new Feather IV
strap. I am sure I will see a Feather V strap at some point and am
interested to see what further adjustments or improvements Alex
makes to future neck straps.
Website
Marmaduke Music
AM Mouthpieces African Blackwood

7*
I had the opportunity to check out Arnold Montogomery’s AM

mouthpiece lineup at the 2018 NAMM show. This year Arnold
introduced the Vintage Series and a new Mystery Material option
instead of hard rubber for his Aras, Katana, Luna, and Blue Heron
models.. In addition, Arnold also had a few African Blackwood tenor
mouthpieces to test play.
I tried his new line up of mouthpieces, and particularly enjoyed the

African Blackwood tenor mouthpiece in a 7* opening. The African
Blackwood Tenor 7* mouthpiece has a moderately high rollover baffle

with a medium chamber. In comparison to my Slant Link, I found the
AM African Blackwood mouthpiece had a very dark tone in
comparison to Arnold’s other models. I found this mouthpiece was
quite free-blowing with warmth and clarity to the sound. This is in
contrast to the level of projection and edge which I get on my Slant
Link.
I have not tried a mouthpiece made out of African Blackwood in quite

some time, but would be interested in revisiting this material with
mouthpiece specs closer to those of my Slant. The AM African
Blackwood had an even scale, but I noticed more color to the sound
when pushed in the upper and lower stack on my horn.
I would like to thank Arnold Montgomery for allowing me to test out

his lineup of new and existing tenor mouthpieces and if you are in the
market for a wooden mouthpiece that plays on the darker side, I would
recommend reaching out to Arnold to see if the African Blackwood
mouthpiece will be the right fit for you.
Website
https://www.ammouthpieces.com/
ReedGeek Bullet
Since the Classic ReedGeek was introduced (still the tool I use
today), Mauro Di Gioia, President and Founder of ReedGeek has
expanded his line of products to include the Black Diamond “G4”
ReedGeek, DoubleGeek tool, Klangbogen, ReedGeek Plaque
& Gauge Set, and now the ReedGeek “Bullet” which I will be
reviewing.
When I spoke with Mauro, he informed me that the Bullet is his newest
and most advanced tool to date. The Bullet offers further advances to
reed adjustment and maintenance, and most importantly, is the most
effective tool for the adjustment of synthetic polymer reeds, both
single and double, and traditional cane.
As per their marketing materials, “The Bullet Utilizes diamond-like

alloys and exhibits an edge of 94 RC hardness, which is machined to
tolerances closer than virtually any reed or woodworking tool on the
market today. This is important because it allows double reed players
to adjust tip contours to achieve maximum vibration without
damaging the reed. With a built-in shank file for burnishing and
smoothing, every surface of the Bullet can be used for great

efficiency.”
I personally think the Bullet is the best reed tool that ReedGeek is
currently offering. I will say, if you have the Classic or G4, these tools
will more than handle further adjustments needed to those reeds that
are not playing right out of the box. But the Bullet felt most
comfortable in terms of handling, and with its further refined material,
you can make finer adjustments if needed.
I would like to thank Mauro for showing me the ReedGeek “Bullet” and
hope to pick one up later this year to leverage on not just cane but
synthetic reeds.
Website
https://www.reedgeek.com/product/reedgeek-doublegeek/
Eastman EAS 850DS Alto Saxophone
Since the Eastman 52nd Street line of saxophones were launched

and have grown in popularity, I decided to stop by the Eastman Booth
to visit Ralph Torres, Direct of Operations at Eastman to see if there
was anything new at the booth.
Ralph was excited to show me Eastman’s new EAS 650DS &

850DS alto saxophone
saxophone. The Eastman two horns are similar, but the
EAS 850DS, which I will be discussing today, has unique key touches
just to name one of the new features this saxophone offers.
The EAS 850DS was developed with the assistance of the Head of
Stringing & Body Making of Wm. S Haynes Co. Flutes, David Schipani.
Some unique features offered on the Eastman 850DS are as follows:
re-designed side keys
the alternate f# and high f# key placement
each palm key placed at a different angle for maximum comfort
left hand pinky table has a rised C# for a smoother transition to the
low B and Bb
uniquely designed octave mechanism
rounded tone whole cups
…and the list goes on.
The Eastman EAS 850 DS compared to the Eastman 52nd street line
of saxophones in terms of sound is focused and dark in comparison to
the broader-sounding 52nd Street – which Ralph confirmed was
indeed the goal. I found the ergonomics on the Eastman EAS 850 DS
to be incredibly comfortable. It boasts a a very even sound throughout
the range of the horn, and the intonation was great. Sonically, I found
the EAS 850DS maintained a dark, warm, and focused sound which I
think both classical players and jazz saxophonists will enjoy.
I want to thank Ralph for taking the time to show me the Eastman EAS
850DS alto saxophone. I am very excited to see how the tenor model
turns out and highly recommend you give the Eastman 850 DS alto
saxophone a test play.
Links
NAMM 2019 Sax.co.uk. Eastman 850DS saxophone
Eastman EAS-850 Alto Saxophone - NAMM 2019
SYOS (Shape Your Own Sound)

Signature Series Mouthpieces
I have reviewed the SYOS (Shape Your Own Sound) mouthpieces in

the past, but while visiting their booth at this year’s show, I was able to
try out their new SYOS Signature Series of mouthpieces.
The SYOS Signature Series allows you to play the exact same
mouthpiece that their lineup of artists play today. While at the booth I
was able to test play the SYOS mouthpieces played by Chad Lefkowitz
Brown, Dayna Stephens, Tivon Pennicott, Daro Behroozi, Eddie Rich,
and the list goes on.
I was hoping that one of these SYOS Signatue mouthpieces would be

the right fit for me, but I think that many of us know we are all
different. So a mouthpiece, ligature, reed, neck, or saxophone that
works for our favorite artists might not necessarily work for us. With
that being said, I did find the Eddie Rich model was the best Signature
mouthpiece for me. I did see and hear quite a few players at the booth
who really liked Tivon & Chad’s Signature SYOS mouthpieces, which
was encouraging to see. If the SYOS Signature mouthpieces are not
the right fit for you, you always have the option of working with SYOS
to make a custom mouthpiece specific to your requirements.
I would like to thank the SYOS team for taking the time to discuss their
new Signature series mouthpieces with me and I hope to in the future
spend the time to customize a SYOS mouthpieces that suits me.
SYOS Website
https://www.syos.co/en/shop/products/signature-
saxophone-mouthpiece
Honorable mentions
Cannonball Artist Series: FB Cannonball Artist Series Details
Silverstein Works 2019 Re-sizable Ligature: Silverstein Works
Ligature
Kim Korea Saxophones: Kim Korea Saxophones Website
Jody Jazz Super Jet Soprano & Tenor: Jody Jazz Super Jet (S,A,T,B)
Vandoren Rose Gold M/O ligature for alto, tenor, baritone, and
soprano saxophone: Vandoren Pink Gold Ligature
WestCoast Sax Mouthpieces: WestCoast Sax Website
Sax Dakota 42(Alto) & 52 (Tenor) saxophones: Sax Dakota New

Website
2019 NAMM Video from Saxophonist, Brian “BriansThing”

Landau
!
Saxophones | NAMM Convention 2019
Final Thoughts
The 2019 NAMM Show was another year filled with exhibitors
showcasing their new and existing line up of saxophones, ligatures,
mouthpieces, reeds, necks, neck straps, sax stands and the list goes on.
Overall, I saw far more enhancements or minor tweaks to existing
products than I saw in terms of entirely new products.
Also of note was that this year in particular, the emphasis seemed to
be on products for classical saxophonist. With that being said, whether
you play classical or jazz, many of they saxophones at the show would
work well for both genres in my opinion.
As always, I was not able to visit every booth at the show that I wanted
to and spend the amount of time I would have liked to try all of the
products that looked interesting and promising. To any of the
manufacturers I met at NAMM, if I did not include you in this list, this is
not a reflection on your product, it just came down to time.
If you would like me to review your product specifically or have any

questions, please feel free to contact me using the information from
my author bio below. Again, another great NAMM Show in the books
and I can’t wait to see what NAMM 2020 has in store for us
saxophonists next year!
You might also like...
NAMM 2018 NAMM 2017 NAMM 2018

Saxophone Gear Saxophone Gear Saxophone Gear
Roundup Roundup Roundup- Part 2
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Zach Sollitto
Hailing from San Francisco California, Zachary Sollitto is a man of
many skills and many passions. His love for playing jazz is
paralleled only by his passion for the world of saxophones and
saxophone equipment. Perhaps more than just about any
saxophonist you're likely to meet, he maintains an up-to-the-moment awareness of
the latest and greatest products hitting the market for saxophonists. Whether it's
saxophones, mouthpieces, neck straps, or just about anything else, Zach is the man you
want to talk to. Manufacturers looking to have their saxophone products reviewed can
reach him by email at zach@bestsaxophonewebsiteever.com or by phone at 954-292-
2951.
« 1-Minute Tip for Keeping Fingers Susan Brecker On the Legacy of »

Close to the Keys Her Husband, Michael and the
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7 Comments
REPLY
Greg
MARCH 2, 2019 @ 8:37 AM
Best NAMM roundup reviews ever. Informative and nice variety of

product reviews . Liked the format ,
REPLY
jeff coffin
MARCH 3, 2019 @ 11:32 PM
nice article zach. i love the balam strap! been using it for a while now.
it’s the best. have u tried jack’s ‘heritage’ necks? wow!!! i won’t play
anything else. big thanks for all this great info. it’s hard to know what’s
out there sometimes but cats like YOU are making it a little easier.
thank you. peace, jeff coffin
REPLY
Zachary Sollitto
MARCH 5, 2019 @ 10:43 AM
Hey Jeff,
Huge fan! and very much appreciate the kind words. The
Balam strap is quite nice (especially the Premium). Jack’s
necks are great and I tested them last year as well as this
year (on my list of purchases and just need to get the
neck properly fitted to my tenor). Hopefully I am making
it easier for players to at least know whats out there while
they are researching gear. Let me know if you have any
questions or if I can be of further assistance!
REPLY
Nick Mainella
MARCH 4, 2019 @ 5:30 PM
Great reviews, Zach! Just wanted to put in my 2 cents on one of your

review products, Key Leaves. As you know, I was hanging out at the
booth all week and the response was incredible. Great product and
one that I don’t leave home without! You should also review the
soprano key prop as it is an amazing product as well….
REPLY
Raffaele Sena
MARCH 5, 2019 @ 9:30 AM
Always good to read your reviews, but you should fix the spelling of
“Cazzani” (in Rampone & Cazzani)
REPLY
Zachary Sollitto
MARCH 5, 2019 @ 10:28 AM
Hello Raffaele,
Nice catch! I will have this updated by end of today and

thanks for reading.
REPLY
Zach Sollitto
MARCH 5, 2019 @ 5:15 PM
Corrected!
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Balam Back Strap Premium

“The Premium strap features a newly designed harness system that

Jack Discussing the Balam Back Strap Premium

Jamie Dech on The Reason “Licks” Became a Four Letter

Jamie Dech on How Did “Licks” Become a Four Letter

Eddy Bourjolly on A Killer 12-Key Workout Using

Martin on Is it Worth Buying a “Pro” Model Saxophone?

Larry Weintraub on Susan Brecker On the Legacy of Her

Boston Sax Shop Ambassador Alto

“The Ambassador case is made from a composite structure and

Jack informed me he used cushioned double handles on either half of

Falcon Woodwinds Double Ring and

(Left: Florida Model Right: Double Ring

When I stopped by the International Woodwinds booth, I ran into

Doug Webb on the new Falcon Woodwinds OTT…

Doug Webb on the fantastic new Falcon Woodwi…

Nate informed me that the Key Leaves is a durable silicone material

Key Leaves - prevent sax pad rot and sticky keys

Oleg Products (Sax Enhancers &

The Maestro mouthpiece was designed to be easy to play in tune

Without too much adjustment from my current setup, the Maestro

I would like to revisit the Maestro mouthpiece when it is available in

I do recommend that, if you are looking to make some adjustments to

Rampone & Cazzani Solista

The Rampone & Cazzani “Solista” is Rampone’s new alto

When I spoke with Claudio, he informed me the Solista still maintains

Claudio informed me that they also introduced and are experimenting

Overall, the sound of the Solista compared to Rampone’s R1 Jazz

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Weissenberg Saxophones (Ken

Weissenberg has been producing saxophones since 1989 and has

I was impressed overall with the sound, intonation, response, and

In addition to meeting Ken at the booth, I had the opportunity to

The saxophone end plug, although a simple accessory, is important

I have been pretty skeptical in the past regarding these saxophone

Orange County Sax Shop FB Page

Marmaduke Feather Strap IV

The Feather IV neckstrap offered by Marmaduke is my favorite strap of

AM Mouthpieces African Blackwood

I had the opportunity to check out Arnold Montogomery’s AM

I tried his new line up of mouthpieces, and particularly enjoyed the

Blackwood Tenor 7* mouthpiece has a moderately high rollover baffle

I have not tried a mouthpiece made out of African Blackwood in quite

I would like to thank Arnold Montgomery for allowing me to test out

As per their marketing materials, “The Bullet Utilizes diamond-like

smoothing, every surface of the Bullet can be used for great

Eastman EAS 850DS Alto Saxophone

Since the Eastman 52nd Street line of saxophones were launched

Ralph was excited to show me Eastman’s new EAS 650DS &

re-designed side keys

the alternate f# and high f# key placement

each palm key placed at a different angle for maximum comfort

uniquely designed octave mechanism

rounded tone whole cups

…and the list goes on.

NAMM 2019 Sax.co.uk. Eastman 850DS saxophone

Eastman EAS-850 Alto Saxophone - NAMM 2019

SYOS (Shape Your Own Sound)