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C-melody Tenor

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 has
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! (discontinued)

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 # under thumb hook.

Satin Silver and satin nickel comparison

https://aquilasax.3dcartstores.com/

Nickel with gold lacquered keys

Silver plate and Gold lacquered keys.

Black nickel

Bare brass, no protective coating.

Standard Gold lacquer.

EQUIPMENT TIPS
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.

https://aquilasax.3dcartstores.com/

Antique Copper finish

Antique Bronze

Antique Bronze finish with paua shell touches

Black Max with pearl touches

Aquilasax saxophones are all play tested and guaranteed to play out of the box or we make it right.
If your sax is damaged in transit or faulty due to manufacturing we give full purchase price refund on reciept of the sax. We aim for happy honkers.

The C-melody Tenor sax,
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 are 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 batches have an avian theme. (Pic of engraver below) We have added a generic floral engraving since 2010
They 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 went up so 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
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n99P-CxOyIg
Youtube intro link

What to Expect from the new C Sax.

My first impression of the new C sax was how shiny and new they looked. Of course they had 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 a mistake in making the necks.
Aquilasax refunded customers or replaced those faulty necks free of charge.

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. Gold and nickel, and Bare brass , Silver and Black. Nearly SOLD OUT, more arriving soon!

This is the link to the Shopping Cart. It has backorder registration ability so if the sax you like is out of stock, you can put your name down for the first of the next batch. https://aquilasax.3dcartstores.com/C-tenor-saxophones_c_9.html

Stealth sax in matte Black body, polished black nickel keys with dark pearl touches.

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.

Nathan Haines has done a short sound track for me on a new C tenor and it's called "C melody blues bounce"
Silver C sax and berg Alto mpc.

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

Sound comparison between Buescher and Aquilasax.

http://mal-2.com/aquila/

http://www.stormgods.com/music/aquilasax-c-melody-saxophone/

Aquilasax review

A "C" sax History
The C tenor saxophone began in the heart of Adolph Sax but the "Concert" community were not interested in his new fangled instruments. He began with an Eb Baritone for marching bands.
It wasn't until the early 1900s that American companies began to offer the C instruments as a practical option for orchestras and prohibition helped to fuel the home entertainment sales as well. By 1925 over 40,000 had been produced.
The end of prohibition and the great depression in the 30's ended home entertainment purchases, followed by WWII and an abundance of Eb and Bb instruments for marching bands, followed by the rise of the recording industry, the rise in popularity of the guitar (amplifiers) and the rise of the Japanese music industry all helped to keep sax manufacturers heads down.
.
Nowdays the army no longer controls the music industry and they are making a comeback as the perfect solution for new genres, Folk music, guitar bands (pop music) and churches where transposed music is rare. People who like the sax but don't want transposing trouble as well are buying old C mels.
Falling in the Centre of the Saxophone range, they are very useful as they span the most used range of music. Not too big, not too small! Just right!
And Ohh the wonderful sound!!
For a fuller account of the history go to: http://www.john-robert-brown.com/c-melody-saxophone.htm

Why I play C melody

I 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!
I bought a C mel to check out my theory. Not only did I find that playing with guitars was a lot easier but the sound of the C tenor is awesome! I’m sold!

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.
I intend to do all I can to solve the availability problem. Stay tuned!

Right Now, Nathan Haines

C sax shop: https://aquilasax.3dcartstores.com/C-tenor-saxophones_c_9.html

____________________________________

Customer feedback/endorsements 2012

Feedback New C tenor 2012

My tech has done a some little adjustments (like bending up the Bis Key, releasing the spring tension of the bridge on the neck). (cost 20 Euros)

This tech is very skeptical about saxophones made in China and he was in advance full of prejudices about my new instrument….

But…he changed his mind completely after examining the C-mel! Wonderful made sax with a lot of modern Selmer details!

I’ve played it and made some comparisons with my other Buesscher C-mels. The Aquila has a nice, focused and distinguished sound and is really in tune(!). And a lot of people like the dark colours! So I think I am going to have a lot of fun with it.

One point of attention is that the grey paint/texture (matte black nickel) of the body is very susceptible to scratches! So I (and my tech) have to be careful with handling it.

Steve, thank again for making this possible!

Stanley NE

My new Aquila saxophone arrived safely on New Year's Eve, just in time
to bring in the new year at the MGM Grand Casino in Detroit.
There are a few minor issues with the instrument, but nothing that
can't be adjusted.
With my alto mouthpiece, the instrument plays beautifully..... all is
good with the world :-)
I'm a very satisfied customer. I will give you a full assessment of
the instrument at a later date, after I've run it true its courses and
put it under the microscope.
But clearly this is an instrument of very good value.
I very much appreciate the care and interest with which you handled my
questions and the manner in which you dealt with this sale. I will
most certainly recommend anyone looking to purchase a Melody or
C-Soprano to contact you.
Have you considered bringing back the F Mezzo Soprano ?
Thank you again.

Most sincerely,
Ray CA

Customer Feedback/Endorsements
2011

I really am still in shock ... it arrived ... outer box loose ... Canada Customs Inspection (yellow sticker) on the bottom ... you may not know ... we normally do not enjoy Sunday mail. However, it happened, I immediately unpacked and disassembled (all screws, rods and keys ... off ... and back on ... re-oiled and greased ... my own mouthpiece ... total bliss and joyful noise.) So, after four hours of bliss, I swab out the horn & re-cork the neck ... smile and wait for the glue to dry.

Good on you!

Only very best wishes!

Walter CA

Hi Steve, Its arrived and its wonderful. Haven't had time to play it properly yet, but will do after I have sent you this. Not sure how long it will take to play in, but will enjoy doing so.Thanks again

May. UK

Hi Steve
Thank you for the sax which i recieved today. It is truly fab. I play bagpipes, flute and oboe in C but was raised on B flat tenor as all my family play jazz. This c sax will enable me to combine my folk interest with my jazz upbrining and i have you to thank for that. Its sounds great and i can now key change easily without swapping instruments.
I can only imagine how much work you have put into this!
Thanks!
Best regards
Gafin UK

We received the Silver Plate C-Melody in great condition and have been playing with it - a lot! The workmanship is very nice indeed and I'm in fact surprised....it is incredibly nice. I'm getting used to the octave key... My last purchase was a Selmer Ref. 54 Tenor (which has become my left arm) and this 'little' C-Mel is a marvel for your price.... I have other saxophones as well with Yamaha in there too. I use various mouthpieces with these saxes depending on where and what is going to be played....

I ordered a Wide Body #6 mouthpiece and would like your advice on another choice. The Wide Body is a little 'dark' (but not totally objectionable because it plays great). Will I note any difference going with your #6 CA Metalpro? The narrower chamber may lighten it up some - correct?

Thanks for a great saxophone and you're right; I will enjoy this C-Melody sax for a long time....I know already!

Kind regards,

Bill Clemens

Hi.

I got my order, the sax is lovely and plays like a dream.

Thanks,

Mike

Good evening!

My new C melody arrived today and I can only say one thing, WOW!!

I am very pleased! The outer box was a little bit beat up but the inner box was fine as was the horn! The picture on your website does not do any justice at all to this beautiful instrument! I really like the silver and gold (not a brass look) combination. I removed it from the box, read the very nice letter that Steve wrote that came with it, soaked a reed for a few minutes and began to play several songs with my wife (Nancy), she plays the piano! I have no doubt we will have many enjoyable sessions together with this FINE instrument!

The quick delivery was very much appreciated, I commend you on great service and will definitely be doing more business with you and definitely recommend you to anyone who is looking for a horn or assistance!

The C is definitely a worthy instrument and will be a great addition to my assortment I am sure!

Thanks again and keep blowing!

Dave Hartford

USA

Hi Steve,
I've been busy so haven't had a chance to report back. I am doing better with the C Tenor. I believe the straight neck has better intonation and playability because of the position of the head, jaw and embouchure. Other than the octave key I think the horn is a very nice instrument for the price especially since you engineered a sax in the key of C. The wide Metal pro works well on the straight neck. I like the compromise I get between free blowing and and the big fat sound. It's a winner. I don't think there is anything you could do differently with the exception of the octave key. (not even sure I will use the curved neck) .
This sax has forced me to practice more hours than i have in a long time, so it is improving my overall playing which is a very good thing. People that hear it like my tone. As I get more proficient and more brave I will get it out even more. Last Sunday I played a benefit gig and only took the C sax . It worked out well. I was worried that people would think I was playing an Alto but even with the straight neck not even sax players seem to notice. Ha ha!
Best regards,
Bob Hunt
http://www.saxmagic.net

Dear Jenny and Steve -just got my hands on the tenor and its lovely! the soprano is also starting to behave itself -both sound great! many thanks for your service .
kind regards Kevin

Hi Steve - the sax arrived yesterday - all in great condition thanks very much, the outer box was a bit battered but everything inside was just fine.

Had a little blow this morning and it was excellent tho' I think i'll have to switch down to the #2 reed from the #2.5 that you had included with the mpc.

Jeremy AU

Hello Steve and Jenny. I got my C-Melody Tenor two days ago. I can't thank you enough for this wonderful instrument. The sound is rich and the tones are crisp. I had no problems hitting the low notes and the high ones. I wish you the best, and I hope you will continue to produce these quality instruments (you should let schools across the U.S that there is a C melody saxophone available through you!). Thank you so much, and more power to you.

P.S.
It took an effort to stay and focus at work today
because all I can think of is playing my C Mel Tenor.
Dave US

Dear Steve
My C Melody Satin Silver Plate Eagle arrived today. It´s very good,
ist´s sound is fantastic !
Thanks. Gideão BR

First I would like to extend my appreciation to you Steve for all your blood , sweat , and tears in making the new C Melody Sax available. I also will mention that our correspondence has been very pleasant and informative. I believe you are doing everything you can to make the purchase of an Aquila Sax a pleasant and fruitful experience.

I received my Black Nickel Presence within 15 days of the order. The sax was double boxed and the outer box was beat up pretty well and it looked like some of the packing material was lost in transit. The good news is the inner box was intact and showed no real signs of damage. I put the wide metal pro #6 on and was able to play through the range. Overall though the instrument plays quite nicely.. The Metal pro wide has a bigger, louder fatter tone that I really like. The projection should be enough in a loud Blues Band. The plastic Runyon with the spoiler isn’t quite as beefy of a sound but it is more free blowing for me. I used shrink wrap tubing to temporarily size the neck to the mouthpieces.

After a few days of playing the instrument it is growing on me. I’ve heard some say it’s like having 2 horns in one and I agree with that assessment. The highs are Alto-ish while the lows are throaty enough to sound close to a Tenor. The highs are a little harder to control with the Metal Pro but they are not too harsh. I’m hoping the straight neck that I ordered will make for a little more comfortable playing position. At present I have to hold it in very close to my body and it feels a little awkward. Also one of the key guards sticks out enough to poke into my stomach. If I was skinny that detail wouldn’t be a problem I have been playing one of Martin Hurni’s Synthophones from Switzerland for the past 2-3 years. I have it setup to play in concert pitch . I thought it would be much easier to double on the C Melody Tenor rather than the Bb Tenor. I think in that aspect it will be perfect as a doubling instrument and backup. all appearances say the instrument will be a very nice tool with a unique sound.

The bottom line is that Steve has made available a modern C Melody Sax that is a solid horn for beginners and pros alike.

Bob US

thanks for the awesome sax..

Len. US

I have just received the Aquilasax C melody sax! It's amazing!! Thank you very much!!Soon I'll buy another from you, maybe a C soprano.

Thank you! Eduardo

Brazil

It plays very well, and some very good players complimented its playability and sound (which I am told is going to improve).

Some of the experts tested the instrument using Tenor mouthpieces and the Vandoren V16 T6 works for me, but a thicker neck cork is needed. Giora IL
Hi Steve,              THE CMELODY TENOR SAX ARRIVED YESTERDAY 11/7/11,THOUGH WHEN I SAW THE CONDITION OF THE OUTER BOX I WAS IN TWO MINDS AS TO WHETHER TO ACCEPT DELIVERY OR NOT ,   I THOUGHT ABOUT THE EMAIL YOU SENT IN REGARD TO SEND IT BACK IF SUCH A CONDITION WAS EVIDENT,HOWEVER I DECIDED TO TAKE A CHANCE AND SIGNED FOR IT AND WHEN I UNPACKED THE BOX THERE WAS ONLY SLIGHT DAMAGE TO THE INNER BOX.                                                     NOW THE GOOD PART,I SPENT THE NEXT FOUR HOURS PLAYING IT AND FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE STARTING TO TEACH MYSELF THE SAX OVER THE LAST 15 MONTHS WITH A YAMAHA ALTO I WAS ABLE TO HAVE MY COMPANION ACCOMPANY ME ON THE PIANO.                                                      I NOW LOOK FORWARD, AFTER A COUPLE OF MONTHS OF PRACTICE AND GETTING USED TO THE CMELODY SAX BEING ABLE TO PLAY WITH MY OTHER MUSICIAN FRIENDS AND IN THE NEAR FUTURE ACCEPTING AN INVITATION TO PLAY WITH A DANCE BAND.
THIS I COULD NOT HAVE DONE IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR YOU INSTIGATING THE REVIVAL OF THE C MELODY SAX AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE. I'M 74 YEARS OF AGE, MY COMPANION IS 80 YEARS YOUNG AND WE LOVE OUR MUSIC, I ALSO PLAY THE KEYBOARD AND HAVE BEEN PLAYING AT THE (OLD PEOPLES HOMES) FOR THE PAST 7 YEARS. I NOW LOOK FORWARD WITH ON THE PIANO AND ME ON THE CMELODY SAX PLAYING FOR THE OLD FOLK AT THE NURSING HOME.     IN CLOSING,I THANK YOU FOR THE PROMPT REPLY TO THE MANY EMAILS I SENT YOU PRIOR TO THE ORDERING THE SAX AND THE SUBSEQUENT DELIVERY OF SAME.                                                                             KIND REGARDS, HOPE YOU SELL MANY MORE!                                                                              JOHN AU.
Dear Steve
                Uncle "Charlie" with his eagle tattoo!!! arrived safely this morning. I've been kissing him to death ever since and am only stopping to tell you because I've blown my lip raw! No difficulty with the octave key as its in the same place as my Conn. The left table will take a bit of getting used to as it seems to be in a different place with different divisions; it will soon come right. As I play I realise the truth of what you say that all C music is now mine to play without having to do mental backflips with the "black" notes.

Many thanks for making this possible. Best for last......no customs or tax!

Regards Jaime
April

Hi, I’m still very satisfied with the horn and feature it on stage as often as possible. Perhaps you might want to see some sample on youtube (unfortunately without band): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhY6C2ABDfY

looks goodsounds good good case arrived in good timegood price I'm happy JC

I purchased a C Melody from you over a year ago and love it. Thanks in advance for helping me determine which model to buy.
David H. US

Hi Steve,

The black c-melody arrived Friday morning our time. The outer box was quite beat up but the inner box was intact & the case & sax are fine.

I am now in love with this horn.

I tried 6 different mouthpieces (including the one you sent) with both necks; I am now using the metal Rovner alto mouthpiece with a fairly soft reed and I'm getting a nice big, bright, consistent tone. I will use it next weekend on a combo gig along with the bari.

Randall US

HEY STEVE, My C-Melody Tenor Sax arrived today in flawless condition, only 12 days after I ordered it! The outer box was a bit roughed up, but the inner box was in good shape and the zipper-case was perfect. The Sax itself is just beautiful! I'm glad I switched from the all gold-laquered model to the GL with Nickel keywork. The construction looks as first-rate as a Selmer! Cheers,HAROLD (US)

Hi Steve,

My sax arrived about 10 days ago (apparently dodged customs :)), although frustratingly I was away last week so have only just had a chance to play it. Very nice - just exactly the right size for me & when I played with my guitarist/duo partner it was a joy to have him shout notes in my direction and be able to simply match them! I tend to play very softly and the tone definitely puts me in mind of a clarinet, which will please my trad jazz band no end.
Amanda (UK)

Je viens de recevoir mon sax je suis ravis et je vous remercie Steve ;J'ai une pensée pour la catastrophe qui eprouve votre pays . Cordialement Bernard (France)

Dear Steve

The sax arrived yesterday safe and well. The case is very natty
although I've never been fond of zips. Still it looks pretty
robust.
Intonation so far is looking good although my preferred mouthpiece
in terms of sound is currently my Lakey tenor piece. Once I have
the reed business sorted out perhaps the Metal Pro will be OK. I
haven't sorted out the tenor piece in terms of position on the
neck, firmness and intonation yet - but it's early days.

You can play around in the living room all you like but a gig on
Sunday will show me how it really performs (in a band that loves
the sharp keys). So far I'm getting a sound that is more alto than
tenor but not quite either and that seems to be the norm.

Anyway mate, it's a great little horn for the price and I'll be
directing all enquiries your way.

Regards

Patrick AU

Hello Steve,

my new saxophone finally arrived this friday after it got stuck in the German customs for several days, but now everything is just fine. It came in a very good condition, it looks great, and plays awesome. I did a good choice I think and would always buy one of your saxes again!
Thank you very much for everything!

Best regards, Arndt DE
The sax has arrived, I played for the first time in tune with my daughter, who plays accordion. The sax sounds great, I need to get used to the octave key indeed. Best Regards Christoph (CH)
The sax arrived last week, a few days after New Year's Eve.
Everything is fine, I am very pleased.
All the best,
Fabian (DE)

Customer Feedback, New C sax Tenor
2010
DEC

Steve,

The sax arrived in great condition. It looks fabulous, has an excellent, rich sound, and mechanically the keywork is smoother than my more expensive YAS-475. I am completely thrilled so far!

-- Jeff US

Steve,

Well received yesterday the C Melody Sax. What a colour ! What a sound ! Thanks for the quick delivery.

Regards

Michel FR

I received my aquilasax sax last week, I'm very glad with it , the sound is good ,
I play it everyday
Annick FR

NOV

Steve and Jenny,
the new sax arrived yesterday! I have not had much of a chance yet to blow it but it appears to be undamaged in its travels and beautiful. My girlfriend asked if I'd bought an instrument or jewellery (especially she liked the inlay shell). As hoped, mouthpiece and reeds were all in the one package - and that case looks quite decent too.

It's significantly smaller than I expected - much closer to an alto than my tenor - and it seems quieter (which is a good thing!)

Thanks you

Martin AU

Hi Steve/Jenny,

Just to let you know that the sax arrived yesterday. It was packed extremely well and was in perfect condition.
Only got to play it for a few minutes last night but it's superb. On second thoughts I should probably have got a C Melody specific mouthpiece from you as well but it wasn't bad at all with my current Alto one.

Thanks a ton for a great sax and great service. Looking forward to enjoying
it for many years to come.

Kind regards,
Daniel ZA

http://www.stormgods.com/music/aquilasax-c-melody-saxophone/
Complete review by a customer at this site.

Don't worry, I've been un bit long to write au mail because I needed to practice a little before being aware that the instrument was good. I've first listened my teacher play it: the sound was good and very pleasant. Now after many hours of practice I'm beginning to make it sound properly. It's now a pleasure for me to practice the first scales.

Whatever, finally, I am very happy of the instrument. Thanks a lot to make the c-sax live again.

Best regards,

Serge FR

I'm seriously impressed with this sax. (It's my 1923 Conn with all the

1923 problems gone.) Beyond playing nicely, it's a peach to look at.

Steve. CA

March.

This is Philippe from France. The new C-melody landed at my place today. I couldn't help but try it on the spot, using one of my Vandoren V16 metal tenor mouthpieces. I must confess that I was skeptical at first, but I found out quickly that this horn is simply excellent ! Easy action, true intonation (even on my tenor mouthpiece) and nice design.... The quality is not that far from my Selmer tenor after all, with a much lower price. Congratulation ! I will warmly advertise your saxes around me. thanks again.

Philippe H

BTW, am loving the new C Mel!!
David US

February

right today my C melody arrived at home !!!
I payed 57 Euro for custom duties, everything was OK, fast and safe.
The instrument is great, really "vintage" with a sound unique and particular.
I started to practice to getting familiar with it, my alto mouthpiece (Selmer C*) seems fitting and working better than yours, that shows a lack of pressure.... I will try it with a tenor reed.)

Thanks again to you (Aquila Sax) for the honest, professional and customer oriented approach.

Best regards
Maurizio IT

Hey Steve, I just got my c-melody so I am very happy. The action is great, you can definitely put me in the happy customer category!!! Thanks for everything, yours,

happy honking Robert L US

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 US

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
I received my sax yesterday.
Iam very satisfied. The tone is very good and the instrument is beautiful.
Cordialement
Jean-Pierre D.

Thank for a fine sax.

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.

https://aquilasax.3dcartstores.com/

The Intonation Issues issue.

In 2007 the test sample of the new presence C melody Tenor saxophone was passed and production of the new instrument began.

It had taken much longer and cost much more than anticipated to get the first production batch ready for sale and so I was in a hurry to get them to the customers who had been waiting for quite some time.

I therefore made two mistakes.

I gave them a quick play test to make sure they were working without using the electronic tuner and packed them up and sent them out.

After all I had no reason to suspect that they would be any different from the test sample they copied them from, which was very good intonation wise.

The second mistake was to be overly optimistic in packing them up.

The results still haunt me today.

Of the first twenty Saxes sent out, six were damaged in transit and were sent back by the customers, who received their money back.

Most of the ones that were not damaged also came back as they had intonation issues and so I went back to the factory with some of them to try to find the reason. We measured and tested and changed all kinds of things to try to isolate the cause of the problem. It appeared the neck was too long but shortening it made little difference. We tried drilling the octave pip out and it helped. We informed the few owners who had not opted for a refund and still had their Saxes of the fix we had found and 3 of them tried it.

Later after ordering some more replacement necks for vintage Conn C melody Saxes, the manager found the answer. A worker who made the first batch of necks had used the vintage C melody neck mold instead of the new C tenor mold, making the necks not only longer but wider than needed. Going back to the original test sample neck mold solved the problem and new necks were sent out to those remaining customers who still had their new C tenors in their possession.

The current version of the new C tenor is an instrument to be proud of and as good as any on the market. Even so we continue to tweak and refine to make them even better and a pleasure to play.

We also improved the packaging regime and reduced the transit damage to around 3% thru 2008-2010 and have just increased the safety margin again in the first month of 2011 making it really difficult for a Postal worker to be able to damage one.

Try as we might, history cannot be undone. We have refunded and replaced all that we can but the stain of those two mistakes lives on, on internet forums and my small consolation is that I am not alone. Companies like Toyota are not immune to recalls and even big name saxophone makers are now outsourcing to China.

So now when I feel down I just pick up one of the latest stock C tenors and play and the wonderful fluid sound reminds me of what it is really about and we now have many happy players all around the world who can attest that the new Presence C tenor is Good value!

Customer endorsements/Feedback New C tenor 2012

My tech has done a some little adjustments (like bending up the Bis Key, releasing the spring tension of the bridge on the neck). (cost 20 Euros)

This tech is very skeptical about saxophones made in China and he was in advance full of prejudices about my new instrument….

But…he changed his mind completely after examining the C-mel! Wonderful made sax with a lot of modern Selmer details!

One point of attention is that the grey paint/texture (matte black nickel) of the body is very susceptible to scratches! So I (and my tech) have to be careful with handling it.

Steve, thank again for making this possible!

Stanley NE

Customer Feedback/Endorsements
2011

Good on you!

Only very best wishes!

Walter CA

May. UK

Hi.

I got my order, the sax is lovely and plays like a dream.

Thanks,

Mike

Good evening!

My new C melody arrived today and I can only say one thing, WOW!!

The C is definitely a worthy instrument and will be a great addition to my assortment I am sure!

Thanks again and keep blowing!

Dave Hartford

USA

Dear Jenny and Steve -just got my hands on the tenor and its lovely! the soprano is also starting to behave itself -both sound great! many thanks for your service .
kind regards Kevin

Jeremy AU

Dear Steve
My C Melody Satin Silver Plate Eagle arrived today. It´s very good,
ist´s sound is fantastic !
Thanks. Gideão BR

The bottom line is that Steve has made available a modern C Melody Sax that is a solid horn for beginners and pros alike.

Bob US

thanks for the awesome sax..

Len. US

I have just received the Aquilasax C melody sax! It's amazing!! Thank you very much!!Soon I'll buy another from you, maybe a C soprano.

Thank you! Eduardo

Brazil

It plays very well, and some very good players complimented its playability and sound (which I am told is going to improve).

looks goodsounds good good case arrived in good timegood price I'm happy JC

I purchased a C Melody from you over a year ago and love it. Thanks in advance for helping me determine which model to buy.
David H. US

Hi Steve,

The black c-melody arrived Friday morning our time. The outer box was quite beat up but the inner box was intact & the case & sax are fine.

I am now in love with this horn.

Randall US

Je viens de recevoir mon sax je suis ravis et je vous remercie Steve ;J'ai une pensée pour la catastrophe qui eprouve votre pays . Cordialement Bernard (France)