JP045 Series Alto Saxophone Review
Arthur Acheson Former Head of Woodwind - City of Belfast School of Music
“I am very pleased with the alto sax you sent me, It is the most responsive instrument I've ever played and I am happy to buy it, my MkIV and M10 will probably be on the market before long!”
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Pete Long reviews the JP045 B Raven Alto Saxophone
"Despite sharing a catalogue code with the JP045 Antique Alto Sax, the differences between the two instruments lie deeper than the coat of beautiful shiny black lacquer.
What 'The Raven' gives you is the black lacquer and the
'black lacquer' sound. To the uninitiated, this may sound strange, but black
lacquer affects the way the instrument resonates - imagine how differently
you'd resonate if you were covered in black lacquer! The sound that emanates
from the Raven is smooth yet bright, with a lovely jazzy buzz. As with all
JP saxophones it comes at a ridiculously cheap price and would suit anyone
who is looking for something a little different."
Pete Long review of 045V alto saxophone
The comments below relate to the 045V, but the saxophone under the plating is the same instrument.
“Neatly packed inside a strong yet slim case lays this little beauty, a paradox with its up-to-the-minute manufacturing technology and old-fashioned looks. It has the same dark colouring as an instrument from the mid-1930's and some deliberately period features, such as engraving around the inside of the bell and an underslung crook reminiscent of the old King Super 20. It thus offers all the advantages of a modern hooter to those who fancy the look of something a little more vintage.
“The vintage feel ends, however, with the sound that comes out of the end. This is all modern, crystal clear, bang in tune and terrifyingly easy to play – harmonics fly out with such ease that you'd think there was a small motor in there!
“I road tested the instrument in two big bands and a theatre pit in the West End. It did everything required of it so efficiently and beautifully that my fellow saxophone players on the gigs thought I was playing some new "Custom" instrument worth at least ten times the price.
“These new Chinese hooters are re-defining how we go to work. Never before has it been possible to play to a full professional level on anything other than a "professional" standard instrument. This is a professional standard instrument. This is an instrument that costs less than its own overhaul. The world's gone mad! When it wears out a bit you could just buy another one. It will blow exactly the same, so you don't even need to try one out. Could it be that the era of the disposable saxophone is upon us?
“Out of all the new saxes seemingly erupting out of Taunton these days, it is in my view (and that of my colleagues who have had a blow) the one with the best keywork. It feels as good as a saxophone can possibly get. Not a student saxophone, mind, but any saxophone. How they do this for the money you pay must defy the laws of physics!”
Pete Long has had (and is still having!) an illustrious playing career whose credits include Jools Holland R & B Orchestra, Stereophonics, Dizzy Gillespie, BBC Big Band, BBC Concert Orchestra, Chick Corea and Paul McCartney etc. He is still very busy doing sessions and West End work.
Please note that, as is common practice, Pete uses his own choice of mouthpiece on this saxophone