After almost 2 years of playing an old, borrowed Buffet Crampon, I decided it's time to buy a new instrument. Given that I made a huge progress within less than 2 years (I am motivated, I practice 2-3 hours every day), my teacher suggested something in the neighbourhood of 1,500 Euros where lots of good, student-level tenor saxophones could be found.
I was rather of the opinion that, instead of buying a student-level instrument now and than (in a few years time) upgrade to a more expensive instrument (as my appetites and skills get better), I decided to go direct for an entry-level professional instrument that I can play for years to come. After lots of research I narrowed my choice to Yamaha YTS-480, Rampone & Cazzani Performance Line and Yanagisawa TWO1.I booked an appointment at Thomann where I was able to test/play these 3 instruments. At the end, I came out with Rampone & Cazzani and I have never regretted my decision.
First the case - it looks very, very nice. Secondly, it is hard so that the instrument is well protected against damages - you don't need to worry when you check it in at the airport. There is just enough room in there for everything.
After opening the case, my first reaction was: "WOW". This instrument looks beautiful: the dark gold colour (or as some say - cognac colour), the mother of pearl key buttons, the engraving... Everything looks just beautiful. The moment I took the instrument in my hands I realised the quality of it. Everything was tight, fitted with great care and a focus to detail. I mean, even looking from distance, you can tell this instrument is something special.
Than I started to play. Immediately I sensed that "new " free flowing sound I was able to produce. It was soft, warm, little darker but very focused. The key work is light, fits to the fingers and is very easy to play. The response and intonation - spot on.
In the end, like I said, I decided R&C is my tenor saxophone of choice. I loved everything about it more than above mentioned Yamaha and Yanni: While the issue I had with YTS-480 was concrete (too narrow key work on the right side), with TWO1 it was more on the subjective level (I found the sound of R&C nicer). Given the price difference, the case R&C came with and the estetics, I went for R&C.
Later on, when I brought my new saxophone to the class, my teacher asked to play it. He was impressed.
