ODD, ARTY & RARE SAXOPHONES
A short blog with images and bits of information about odd, arty and rare saxophones.
GRAFTON
The Grafton saxophone was an injection moulded, cream-coloured acrylic plastic alto saxophone with metal keys, manufactured in London, England by the Grafton company, and later by ‘John E. Dallas & Sons Ltd’. Only Grafton altos were ever made, due to the challenges in making larger models (i.e. the tenor) with 1950s plastic technology.
CONN-O-SAX
drrick.com
- King Manzell “left”, B Flat * This is a Saxello body with the small bell from a Conn Double Bell Euphonium: Yes, like the one Rahsaan put together.
- Buescher Curved Tip Soprano / Key of B Flat.
- Buecher Straight Alto / Key of E Flat.
- Lyon and Healy Slide Sax / Key of C / Snub Mosley’s.
- C.G.Conn Bass Sax / Key of B Flat.
- Raffiel and Husted Slide Sax / Key of C.
- Conn O Sax / Key of F.
- King Saxello / Key of B Flat.
- Martin American Professional / Key of B Flat.
JS ENGINEERING (JIM SMITH)
www.jsengineering.net
Linear Fingering System by Jim Smith. This saxophone design is simply amazing, really unique.
WOODSAX.NET
As the name suggests, saxophones made entirely out of wood. I downloaded these photos from www.woodsax.net several years ago. The site does no longer exist. I have no idea if these horns are still made.
There are two videos on Youtube with some fellows playing those wooden saxophones. As you might notice, they are off pitch. Perhaps the fellows playing on them need to practice more, but I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt and assume wood simply does not work well for a curved wind instrument as brass does.
SWANEE SLIDE SAX
drrick.com
VARIOUS UNCOMMON SAXOPHONE MODELS
PAINTEDSAX.COM
www.paintedsax.com
“Juleez is proud to offer custom designed and hand painted Saxophones by artist Julie Borden, the most recognized artist in creating hand painted musical instruments. All of Juleez custom saxophones may also be ordered with your choice of designs, colors, themes and brand. Instruments are new, unless otherwise specified. We also are able to paint your own instrument, should you wish to send it to us, or drop it off at the gallery in Rehoboth Beach. Each instrument is finished with a poly, high gloss top coat. Each Painted Saxophone arrives ready for display with deluxe stand and padded case.
Juleez hand painted custom saxophones are playable, but many of our clients choose to simply add them to their music rooms or art collections. Each piece is a unique work of art and makes a great statement to any show, performance or room. Contact the gallery for a list of current inventory available or order your custom painted saxophone today!”
Text and images copied from www.paintedsax.com
LA SAX “PRESIDENTIAL MODEL LA-42T” TENOR SAXOPHONE
VARIOUS UNCOMMON FINISHES (LACQUER)
STILL IN THE RUNNING FOR THE UGLIEST SAX AROUND …
Some weird looking “pimped” saxophones … I personally would not be found dead with them, but taste is a rather subjective thing, ain’t it?
