Aquilasax.com limited 
1919 Conn Satinsilver C melody Tenor.
Black beauty
Old Conn C mel and New Csax
prototype in bare brass.
The body is slightly longer to
allow for the high F# tone hole.
The production model will have
some slight modifications to the
key positions
Conn alto 6m and new C sax prototype
Left side below
RETRO octave key
New C sax with NZ Paua shell thumb button insert
Wide and comfortable with Selmer style octave key!
New RETRO with closer Bis Key
Silver replacement for Conns
Holton C mel, new neck
Engraver with sample.
Is this ok?
Below are some sound samples using the same song and the same mouthpiece so you can listen for the difference in metallurgy.
Silver plated C sax with new Wide Body mpc and straight neck.
Bare Brass sax, wide body mpc, curved neck
Nickel plated C sax, Wide body mpc, curved neck.
Patent number and serial #
Nickel with gold lacquered keys
Silver plate and Gold lacquered keys.
Black nickel
Bare brass, no protective coating.
Standard Gold lacquer.
Altissimo G is often the hardest note to get. On an Aquilasax C tenor try B and F# together.
Old Hard Rubber mouthpieces often develop a nasty salty/sulphur taste especially if left in the sun. Try soaking in hot sugar water to balance the ph.
STICKY KEYS can be improved by clamping a piece of paper between the keypad and the tone hole and drawing the paper out to gently remove any buildup on the tone hole rim or pad.
BURBLING LOW NOTES can often be caused by a poor seat on the octave pad on the neck. It is easy to disturb the seat when taking the neck off after use and also easy to bend it back into position. To reseat the pad, dip in warm water and clamp with elastic band until dry.
Some claim putting a small object into the bell disturbs the flow enough to prevent burbling.
Pushing the bottom lip forward on the reed usually removes the burbling tendency on low notes. (motorboating) The old curved neck's angle can cause the bottom lip to pull back naturally. Lift the sax upwards with the bell closer to counteract this.
PAD LEAKS on BELL KEYS can be caused by the bell clamp loosening and the bell twisting out of alignment. Student models don't have bell clamps.
the sax that made the 20's roar, has resurrected!
"C tenor, the sensible Sax" (user friendly)
Playing sax has never been easier!
The Patented new C tenor production began in 2007.
It is a narrow bore, as usual, with a completely modern ergonomic keywork design, going to high F#.
It has a curved neck as standard with a straight neck option. Adjustable thumb hook and balanced hook ring.
They will be available in a range of finishes including gold laquer, nickel, black and silver. (picture of prototype bare brass, Black nickel below) Plain or engraved.
Engraving is by hand and the first batch has an avian theme. (Pic of engraver below)
They will have genuine NZ Paua shell inserts on the thumb rest.
They will come in a high impact molded foam and fabric case as seen on good horns page, also available for vintage C melodys. Straight necks are available as optional extras and may suit taller players better.
Due to the devaluation of the US Dollar, the cost of the New saxes has gone up but I have decided to keep the base price the same and just charge extra for the extras. Mouthpieces will also be extras as most people have one already. I'll knock 3 dollars off a Classic mpc with the sax.
The latest batch has a new octave key called "Retro", similar to the vintage C mels. The cost of the latest saxes is higher but the earlier models remain at the old price.
Shipping should be @ $95. direct to customer.
They are being produced in China and will represent the best quality for the best price.
These are not student horns.
If you are interested, please go to the shopping cart and select your preferred option or email Steve with the subject line, "new C sax wanted" Email: aquilasax@yahoo.co.nz
What to Expect from the new C Sax.
My first impression of the new C sax was how shiny and new they look. Of course they have bright finish on them not like the matte silver on the vintage C mels.
The proportions look great, the neck doesn’t look too big like on the vintage models. Especially with the under slung octave rocker! Having a row of bell keys looks neat too. I also appreciate the look of the new key guards. The old ones looked like just a piece of wire had been used! The engraving is done by hand and is subject to minor variations and will be a matter of taste I guess but the quality is better than my old Conn.
The feel of any new sax takes getting used to as the key positions are slightly different. The most noticeable difference is the left hand palm keys which stand out more than the vintage saxes. The old C mels (and sopranos) seemed to have been designed for people with small hands the keys being very close to the body. If you have small hands, you may prefer a vintage C. The first 20 new C saxes had the bell Bb key too far south and was no easier to reach than the old C mels so that has been remedied on the subsequent batches. The new pinky table has a smooth fluid action which takes getting used to for a vintage player but much easier to use! The key action is so light and smooth compared to the vintage models and so easy to blow.
The tone is wonderful! Rich and woody sounding, deeper than an alto of course but going up to high F# and beyond into the altissimo range! I wonder if they could be used to double for Clarinets? They are louder than vintage C mels, having metal resonators as standard and the Aquilasax A Metalpro mouthpiece is not useful for practicing while the neigbours are home. Testing with the straight neck showed a wonderful ability to play softly or to scream at will with just a standard plastic mpc. The Aquilasax Classic matches beautifully.
NOTE: Aquilasax saxophones are made form high grade yellow brass with high copper content. There is no lead content at all.
Sound samples of new C Saxes further down the page!
The first few saxes sold in 2007 had an intonation problem caused by the necks. Aquilasax has committed to replace those faulty necks free of charge. New C sax neck production has re-commenced and we recieved a handful in some finishes. More finish options coming soon. The latest curved necks have a slight upturn to make the playing angle more comfortable.
New "RETRO" model now available! Has a top accesssed octave key to make it easier for smaller hands, also closer Bis key.
New C saxes are now in stock. Satin silver, Gold, nickel, Black and Bare brass , more arriving soon!
This is the link to the Shopping Cart. It has backorder registration ability so you can put your name down for the next batch. https://aquilasax.3dcartstores.com/C-tenor-saxophones_c_9.html
Black nickel and nickel silver above.
The first new C tenor production sax for 40 years.
Gold lacquer with Phoenix engraving below.
New C tenor in Fab case with both necks.
Engraver doing a sample for me to check. The skill of that lady is amazing!
Engraving s show better on black. Shiny curved surfaces are difficult to photograph.
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Nathan Haines has done a short sound track for me on a new C tenor and it's called "C melody blues bounce" Amazing grace with a sweet sound Lacquer sax and hard rubber mpc The following sound samples use the Same song, same nickel sax and the same reed, so you can check the differences in the metalurgy and mouthpieces. Hard rubber # 6 mpc. Hard rubber LR 4 mpc C Metalpro # 7 mpc. Nickel sax with wide body # 7 again just for reference. Silver C sax with "A" Metalpro # 5 and 2.5 reed. We found the A Metalpro # 5 the loudest. Followed by the C Metalpro and Wide body. The HR# 6 was pretty loud too. If you want to compete with electric guitars I suggest you do what they do and mic your sax. Alternatively, try an Alto Metalpro with the large baffle. Looking at the wave forms on the recordings, the C metalpro and HR # 6 had very even sound from bottom to top. Both the Wide Body and A Metalpro had more punch in the top end but the A Metalpro has a more alto like sound while the Wide Body sounds like a Tenor. _______________________________________________________ C sax shop https://aquilasax.3dcartstores.com/C-tenor-saxophones_c_9.html Saxophones hadn't changed much for 100 years until Jim Shmidt's innovation! For his all new C sax: Contralto! check out: http://cvip.fresno.com/~js210/contra.html To hear Alan's vintage C melody's playing JAZZ and an Aquilasax review, check out: http://www.cmelodysax.co.uk/ http://cmelodysax.co.uk/ Scott Robinson plays a 1918 C mel exclusively on his 1999 album, "Melody from the sky". https://aquilasax.3dcartstores.com/Music-CDs_c_25.html Rudy Weidoef is credited with begining the C mel craze in the 20s http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/music/artist/card/0,,641995,00.html For a modern style in C try "just maybe" by Nathan Haines http://myspace.com/nathanhaines Nathan Haines plays modern jazz, hip hop etc. on his album Squire for Hire. http://www.amazon.com/Squire-Hire-Nathan-Haines/dp/B0000AW0TY
To find out who made your C mel Stencil http://reviews.ebay.com/Saxophone-Stencil-List_W0QQugidZ10000000006282122 The C melody sax Forum http://pub6.bravenet.com/forum/static/show.php?usernum=431465883&frmid=90&msgid=973876
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A "C" sax History Why I play C melodyI began playing alto in a small band some years ago, piano, guitar, bass and drums. We played irregularly and didn't have much time for practice. There was never any music for sax so I just transposed the key from the piano music and improvised. This was fine for me but after a while I noticed more songs coming out in the keys of A and E. They transpose to the keys of F# and C#, my two least favourite. More often I found myself sitting thru songs as I didn’t want to blow it in public. A few good practices would have solved the problem perhaps but the reality is there was no time. Then I discovered C saxophones! “What a good idea”, I thought. You mean; when you play A on the sax, A comes out? You mean; when the guitar is playing in E, you can play in E! Now I’m wondering why Eb and Bb saxes are so popular and the only thing I can come up with is ignorant prejudice or inertia and the general lack of availability. C sax shop: https://aquilasax.3dcartstores.com/C-tenor-saxophones_c_9.html |
February
I am the proud owner of one of your black nickel C saxes with the eagle engraving! I recently recorded some songs on it with my rock band, Victor's Lament (htt://victorslament.com), and if you like I'll send you the tracks once we get them back from the studio!
I really love the sax. It has great tone and the action and overall feel is wonderful. I am looking for a good mouthpiece to beef up the sound, maybe get a little more tenor-y tone, so I'm considering one of your widebody mouthpieces.
Again, a fantastic horn, and thanks for bringing the C sax back into production at such an affordable price. I've been playing my The Beucheur TT for three or so years now (and I love it, passed down through family), but it was definitely time to upgrade since I've been performing and recording with my band lately. Aquilasax is a great company, it's been a pleasure!
Sincerely,
Josh F
I must congratulate you for making such a beautiful sounding C melody sax! Soon I'm hoping to play some music with a pianist friend without having to learn to transpose! Isn't that great?
Many thanks again.
Tim
January
By the way, I have played high end Yamaha Custom "Z" tenors and altos for years in performing groups. And when I switch to my C-tenor it always gets praised. It has an excellent tone especially with the metal pro mouthpiece. Thanks for a great instrument.
Thanks again!
Kent
Nov 2009
Bonjour Steve Thank for a fine sax.
I received my sax yesterday.
Iam very satisfied. The tone is very good and the instrument is beautiful.
Cordialement
Jean-Pierre D.
S-E Sunesson
Hello steve: sax arrived. Everything in good order. Plays better than expected. No weak notes as far as i can tell. i’m amateur alto guy so i should i played it better than i expected. Thanks for your diligence.. william.f
Hi Steve,
Arrived yesterday. A beauty, very good packed (undamaged)
I was indeed a happy honker. Very nice sound, in tune,
and my posture will benefit with the awaiting straight neck.
I’m very pleased and thank you for your perseverance in making this project work.
Hans
First things first: my new C sax looks and sounds wonderful. At Monday
night's jam session, people commented on its rich tone. I think that's the
most important thing.
The sound is very similar to my 1924 King/Cleveland, but slightly fuller,
which suits me fine. (Of course I'm using the same mouth, lips, mouthpiece
and reed, which probably account for a fair fraction of the tone quality.)
The keys play smoothly with comfortable finger pressure.
The colour scheme and finish are great, and the eagle looks very nice.
The plating reflects everything like a mirror, with a pleasingly dazzling effect.
Anyway: lots of little queries and adjustments, but basically I'm very
pleased with the sax, and looking forward to spending a lot of time with
it, and blowing a lot of jazz numbers to impress the Oxford public with it!
I'll send you a photo of the sax in action when I can.
Many thanks for all your hard work over the past three years. I feel sure
that thanks to your efforts, the C saxes are on their way to a comeback and
a legitimacy they've lacked since the days of Frankie Trumbauer. All it
needs is one or two young players to shoot to stardom playing Aquilasax C
tenor, and suddenly everyone will want one.
Very best wishes,
Stephen
19 June 2009
I played on my freshly re-padded and adjusted Buffet Crampon 1918 silver horn, and it sounds good, plays easily, etc, then immediately grab the Aquilasax, and the difference to me is remarkable! I just can't put it down until my lip is sore. I've completely adjusted to the key placements, the straight neck, etc, and it's simply a joy to play.
D.P.
Just a note to let you know I am thrilled with the sound of my C-sax.
I would never have been able to have such a nice horn at this time in my life (94 yrs) but for the deal your company is able to make on price. It is a bit heavy for me but I compensated for that with the Neo-tech shoulder harness.
Glen AZ
The BEAUTIFUL silver sax arrived yesterday - WOW that was quick delivery!! It was packaged very securely, and arrived without damage, and the case is very nice, too. This sax is exactly what I've been looking for. It has pure, bell tone highs like an alto, and the full lows of a tenor, and it just amazes me how beautiful it sounds playing softly, then when you want, you can blow the shingles off the roof! What a beautiful sounding, looking instrument. The tone is very even through both registers, too. Thank you so much for making the effort to produce this wonderful horn again. I don't know how you managed to produce this fine sax and keep the price where we can afford it. Great job!
Things that I've already come to appreciate are the location of the neck strap loop - seems really well balanced. The right thumbrest is quite comfortable, and the left thumbrest and key pearls are simply beautiful. The finish is GREAT - I love the bright silver finish, rather than the matt finish that was so common on the older horns. Nice engraving work - not too much, just enough. The left pinkie table is at a perfect angle and operates very smoothly, with a nice, positive feel. I love the way the horn feels alive in my hands. It's very responsive, with a simply beautiful tone. Every bit what I was hoping for. I like the bracing system and guards for the keys and rods, especially the one in the center of the long rods between the left and right hand placements. I also like the bell keys being on the right side of the horn. Makes me feel safer laying it down on it's left side, and it looks great that way, too.
It took a couple of hours getting accustomed to the keys after playing vintage horns for so long, but everything is falling into place nicely.
It just blows me away how it can go from tearing the paint off the walls to a nice sweet mellow tone with ease.
Later, Danny
Whether it's the new neck, or maybe just a slightly better sax, the bare-brass has more range of sounds - I can really push it in the daylight...
It's a lovely sax, thanks for building them !
Alan http://cmelodysax.co.uk/sounds/mercy-mix1.mp3
. My saxophone , when it arrived, was in excellent condition. It is indeed a beautiful instrument and plays very nicely. Indeed, it has a nice rich sound.
It sounds much like my tenor, but plays like my alto.
Judy
Hi Steve,
I received the c sax today, and i tried it all the day.
This is very good!!
Very good sound, beyond my expectation. I think I made
best choice (no lacquer).
I don't care of its looks, I have 3 mark6 they have no
lacquer and are rusty.
I intended to use Tenor's Ottolink, but your mouth piece
is also good.
I'm going to post my playing to youtube, I hope it become
a remarkable new c sax example!!
Thank you very much!!
Naoki
Hi Steve,
yesterday the saxes were here, so very quickly !
My sax-friend and I played yesterday evening with this new instruments (photo) and enjoyed it :-)
They look very good! And they sounds good !
Elisabeth DE
Hi Steve
I hope my comments about a few things were helpful...I try and use a lot of saxes !
Just to say that I am so glad it arrived in time...I am using it in a show all this week, and it is proving great and a JOY to use the sheet music direct !!!!
THANK YOU for getting these made !! A 'C' baritone next ?!!!
David UK.
its arrived and its play fantastic !!!
THANX!!!
fred Italy
Hi Steve
New baby arrived on Dec 23rd, just in time for Christmas - aren't I a
lucky boy !!
She looks and plays beautifully - and is improving all the time as she
finds her voice.
I am still trying to get used to the different octave lever, just a matter
of time I suspect.
Many many thanks for your super quick processing and delivery -
brilliant.
Best regards
Simon
My sax got here in a week and a half and it is great!!! It plays easier, blows easier, and sounds very good.
Monday after school, our Christian school band starts up practice for the year, so the timing is right on.
Thank you for all of your help in getting it made and coming through this last year.
Chris K Alaska
I received my c mel a couple of weeks ago, and have been playing it almost every day since. I am very impressed with the quality, and also it's beautiful tone. Please let me know when the black lacquer model comes in so I can order an other one
Thanks, Bill
Hi Steve ! Thank you for saxophone tenor C .Very good sound . When will be straight neck. Myron.
Got the new black C-mel, and it plays fantastically!
Tommy
http://cmelodysaxuk.wordpress.com/aquilasax-c-2008/
The Sax is very exiting to play. The action is fast and the intonation is excellent... now that I am using the right reeds. I appreciate all you have done in developing a really playable C-Mel and am looking forward to the straight neck.
Richard
My sax arrived a couple of hours ago, and I wanted to tell you right-away that you have a winner.
I am greatly impressed. When it arrived I was just finishing the set-up on a vintage King C Melody I restored this week.
I laid down the King and picked up a mouthpiece that was on the bench, and man what a pleasant surprise!
It is an awesome revival of the C Melody.
I know C Melodies! You would find it difficult to find anyone who knows more about them than I.
No doubt, I have repaired, restored, re-padded, rebuild, played and setup every brand ever made, and still very much impressed with this one.
I only found one thing I was not totally pleased with, the Octave key was a little awkward for me.
This was overshadowed by the reality that a C Melody with a curved neck could be played comfortably.
It seems that it being just a little shorter makes all the difference. At first, the sound was a little tinney for me,
so I made a couple of very minor adjustments and now the bottom end is awesome, and the sound I have always wanted from a C Melody.
I was shocked that almost any mouthpiece sounds good on it.
I give it an A +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++.Thank you for what you have given the world!
Tom B.
