I just tried a Stone Series Tenor today at a friend's music store and I absolutely fell in love with the horn. Two of my fellow sax friends were with me and they too were impressed with the horn. I have to agree with Passion613. I too have a yamaha Z horn and the Cannonball is much better to me all around. This horn fit my hands like it was made just for me! The action was so smooth! The tone was magnificent! I'm in love! It is now my goal to move over to the Cannonball ASAP!
I can hardly wait to get my CB alto. I am literally saving my pennies and spare change in one of those huge plastic water bottles.LOL! It will be worth the wait.
I love my Cannonball Black Nickel Plated Gold Keys Big Bell Stone Series Tenor Saxophone! Once I get about 5 to 6 grand I plan on buying a matching Baritone saxophone!
In fact after playing the cannonball I wonder seriously why conn puts its keys in those crappy positions that are just not natural, and the selmers always leak air, so far I have not found one problem with my cannonball buy one.
Man i have been playing a nickel plated black series soprano. .......Man that is an awesome horn, just using that horn has changed my performance dramatically....people bow down and kiss that horn literally all the time. ON THEIR KNEES KISSING IT
I just purchased the GA5-SB as an upgrade. I love the sound of this horn. So, if you know of anyone interested in a student model horn, I have a Yamaha Alto Sax (YAS-25) on craigslist for sale (See Tucson) $750. Will negotiate if price is right.
you know what i find stupid? how everyone's arguing over the different horns. havent you guys heard that the horns feel different for other people? some people want to find different sounds and different varieties for saxes than others. two people can have two completely different tastes in sound and they'll think that selmer is better than conn or that cannonball is better than yani. everyone is not going to agree with you on what the better horn is. so stop arguing and share the love for msc
Go for a Selmer Series III or a Reference 54. I play a Reference 54 alto and it is by far the greatest horn I've played. All cannonball instruments that I've played haven't been very good and responsive. With selmers you can do so much more. I've played the Series III as well and it's very good as well. Selmer means quality.
Wait, wasn't the Selmer Series III what Branford Marsalis was playing before he switched to a Cannonball? So you're saying Branford doesn't know what he's doing?
Come on, anyone who's played a Cannonball knows they're legit. Selmers are way overpriced.
I love my cannonball so much!!!!! I own an alto that is the "hotspur" and Im saving for the thenor that is the "Black Ice", the one with the black body and the silver keys. The under key neck is absolutely amazing!!!! I love it so much!!!! I got my alto the day before all region tryouts and people thought it was stupid to put a new saxophone in on all region day...... I got first chair and 2 years running. I really recomen using the under key neck with a jazz metal mouth piece, it sounds so sexy
I will say that the Z bruatalized the raven and the Gold L cb..but the silver CB kicked it's ass..as well as the crappy Selmer Series III> The Z was def better than the Selmer. Im going to try a keilwerth next..then I'll make up my mind as what tenor to get. I think i'm leaning toward the CB silver wit th stone..and getting rid of the Z
3:23 I'm picky, that's why I didn't get a Cannonball. If you think these horns beat Selmers, you can't play or have a decent tone, or you're a beginner. As I said, my YTS-82 Z totally killed the cannonballs I tried.
Just wanna say, I tried a silver CB Tenor...and was blown away. It was better than the Selmer series III that was there at the store. I tried them both...The silver CB with the stone..on the neck. Incredible horn. I felt my Z was better that the Selmer..but the CB was better than both the Z and the Selmer...honest..and I have a monster tone.. I know tone when i hear it and play it..
Yes selmer are definatly better. But dude...... THEY ARE SELMERS. I have a cannonball tenor and it is very good. You cant compare cannonball to selmer. Selmer is in its own class. I know because I got to play on a 5 grand Selmer super action 80 paris proffesional edition. It was amazing.
Wrong. I understand why you like cannonballs so much because I own a Black Ice cannonball tenor, but selmers are 100% better horns. I really do know because I got the chance to play on a Selmer super action 80 paris edition proffesional tenor. It was far better than any saxophone I have ever played before. Dont act like you know everything cause you dont.
having the 2nd sax at 18 seconds black nickel and silver keys would make me the happiest kid in the whole wide world same color crook and a silver crook too. i would want nothing eles for the rest of my life !!! ahhhhh that would be so cool!!!
There is nothing that can beat a Martin Saxophone. The modern horn is missing the resonance and deep tonal differences. Cannnonball is not a bad horn but not great either. Going new... get a Kessler saxophone.
I love how they think that the underslung octave key is their own invention. Sure they make killer saxes but don't take all of the credit for what Conn made with the "Naked Lady" series with almost exclusively underslung necks. I even have a saxophone (alto) that has the octave key on the underside of the neck that is older than all of those guys, and their company!
THANK YOU IVE SAID THAT BEFORE BUT NO ONE BELIVED ME also they make it sound like they thought of the big bell nope my JK has a big bell and they have been made for a least like ten years and a ton of vintage have big bells
I know alot of it has to do with the embrochure, reed and mouthpieces. Almost all professional saxes will sound the same, but most agree nothing beats a mark VI, as long as it has the original engraving. What is the best Sopranino? I want one that is inexpensive, yet real easy to play.
Listen. You're still young...I'll cut you some slack. Before you start voicing your opinions about music and musical instruments, you need more experience. Come back in 10 years and then I'll listen to what you have to say. Why don't you post your OWN video with you playing?
Listen. You're still young...I'll cut you some slack. Before you start voicing your opinions about music and musical instruments, you need more experience. Come back in 10 years and then I'll listen to what you have to say. Why don't you post your OWN video with you playing?
until you have played one of these not only great sounding, well built and beautiful saxophones you have no room to talk. The guy who sold me mine let me try his MRK 6 and the Cannonball wins hands down. BLKICE baby!
I would love to try a cannonball saxophone. The tone is perfict, the modifications are amazing and the style is incredible, but there is one problem that lies in my way. They are extreemly expencive. In these economic times, a cannonball tenor is on the very top of my want list but at the bottom of my get list. I love your saxophone, but in the future, keep the middle man in mind please.
i believe you bro. i've played mark vi horns that are absolute dogs. like they say, it'sa not the horn; it's the player. i've had all 4 of my mark vis since the late '50s/early '60s. i hand picked them out of too many to count. peace!
what is that song that eric darius plays in the middle of the song at about
3mins and 10seconds. and i think the cannonball saxophones sounds great, although i have not got to play one i would love to, i play a YAMAHA YTS200AD tenor sax and i've only been playing sax for about 4 months and i think its great. plus i would realy like to get a all silver sax they look realy cool.
I've owned a Cannon Ball T5 for 9 months picked up some Abersol manuals and started playing it after trying a repaired CONN 30M 30days later replaced it with an Selmer old student model selmer which sound pretty good. I have not developed the sound I want yet, I've been through 5 Mouth Piece & Reed combinations. This horn is nice and I trust that once I find the right Mouth Piece & Reed combo I'll develope the sound I am looking for. Tenors awesome the Alto's need more work.
I've owned a Cannonball alto and soprano and they were both total pieces of crap. The alto sounded like shit and the soprano fell apart. I traded them in and got a mark vi. Life's been good since then.
Man I finally got one for christmas like 2 years ago because I had this cheap piece of shit simba alto that my dad got for free and it had so many problems after 2 months of having it and I swear it wasn't me, but yeah the canonball is to me the best I've ever had.
I've been playing a Cannonball for 3 years now, and there's nothing out there that will give you that sound or power that you want. I've tryed the Mark VI, I've tryed Selmers, nothing comes close to a Cannonball.
Cannonballs are the perfect balance of design and sound.
There are some really great newer horns out there, and I've heard some good Cannonballs. However, the Mark VI is still the only horn that comes with a soul as standard equipment. I'll tolerate the poor intonation any day just to keep that unmistakable sound.
I have to tell you that The Martin is the saxophone. Great even sound and tone holes are just fantastic. I am not sure if there is a company out there that will make a horn like Martin.
honestly, these are good horns, but they ARE chinese made saxophones and while still pretty nice saxes, they can't compare with the big 4 or most of the vintage saxes
This is one of the best sax brands i have ever seen. It has a great jazz sound when you need it and has awesome warmth for classical. I have played one several times and am in the process of buying one. It has a great low note sound and just sings on that whole lower octave. I have been playing sax for 7 years and it makes you feel like the sax is part of you. No, I am not from Cannonball I just love the instrument, and am a regular guy.
you poor saps. These are marketing gimmicks and nothing more. The air running through the sax doesn't care where the octave key is or what the keys are inlaid with! I mean Jesus Christ! Are you that gullible?
I guess they haven't seen many saxes. Conn, Buescher, King and Yanagisawa have put the octave pip on the bottom of the neck on different models. Conn was doing this in the 1930's!
I've looked around and haven't seen any used necks for sale, so you're probably going to have to make direct contact with an authorized Cannonball dealer for the answer to that question. The dealers aren't allowed to advertise or post pricing on the internet, but many of the dealers will have toll-free phone numbers that you can call for more detailed information.
OK all.. Im so conflicted now. I hear so many good things about the Cannonball and so many bad things. Im a semi-professional alto sax player *but* I have a very sensative and good ear. I used to play on a student model horn (Yamaha YAS23). I recently had to give my horn back(sell it) and Im looking for a professional horn now. Id like to try these cannonballs before I buy, but I hear so many conflicting reviews.. good and bad. Can anyone help me decide which is best for me for my needs? :p
The only sensible thing to do is try it before you buy it, as you've already said you wanted to do. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the majority of the negative things you've heard about Cannonballs come from people who had experiences with earlier models. Yes, there were problems with the earlier models, but they've done a good job of listening to their customers and the newer models are head and heels better than the older ones. Find a dealer and try 'em out. Good Luck!
The only real issue now is whether or not you like the sound of a Cannonball, but that's totally a matter of personal preference. I wouldn't put much stock in what other people say about the sound...good or bad. Only you can decide if the sound is right for your style of playing. The optional necks make a huge difference too. Make sure you try the different necks when you sample them, and if you do buy a Cannonball, make sure one of the necks they give you is the "Fat Neck".
I play a '48 Conn 10M, which I traded my Mark VI away for over a year ago and love the 10M, no sound compares. Again the metal & the lacquer make a huge difference, I personally think the stone is just a sales gimmic.
I've heard like 2k, or somewhere in that general vicinity.
I'll give that a shot too if i can find one close by. I've also been trying to find a good bari. I've heard the Cannonball Bari's are awesome. In general, im in interested in looking at some P.Mauriats.
I have a 1942 Conn 30m which I have owned since 1955. It needs a lot of work. I am trying to decide between forking the $1200 needed for repair or buying a new horn. The repairman I contact recommended the cannonball. What do you think.
Butski I think that 1200 in repair is crazy . . . Does the horn have serious damage done to it?
A repad, and basic cleanup shouldn't be more then 150 bucks in most places. Dent work is usually cheap and if minor thrown in free.
But serious alterations /fix's due to drops can get crazy expensive . . .
I love SAX's If it where me, id prob get it fixed and buy a new one. I am about to buy another alto, maybe a cannonball, maybe a Conn Tranny, dont know yet still open. But that will make sax #5
Why can no one seem to find the metal receipe that was used back in the 40's & 50's or try to reproduce that old dark lacquer that turned smokey or honey with age? I agree (basically) with TheSaxoholic as that was my take on having tried a Cannonball. (It was several years ago I might add, and I'm sure it was the global series)
Also, I agree with William629, everything is made in China, it may be assembled in Salt Lake, but who does Cannonball use to actually fabricate the metals.
And as far as the stone set in the neck for more resonance, I have a hard time believeing that one. It is after all (the saxophone) a big piece of metal, if anything stone would inhibit resonance as when you strike a stone, you do not get a resonant sound. It seems it would be (as in the video) more related to the (assumed) silver neck he was using and of course the mouthpiece/reed combination.
I own one (two actually), and I have to agree with you about the believability about the stone on the neck. On the other hand, the stones they use aren't your basic rocks. Some types of stone DO resonate when you strike them. The harder the stone, the more resonance. As so-called "semi-precious" stones, these are indeed hard enough to resonate. Whether or not it really makes a difference in the sound of the horn however, will probably always be a matter of conjecture.
But some of the best repairmen set up a sax for a light touch often at the request of the owner. Even so, it should always be set up in this manner to insure a complete seal with effortless fingering.
part 2 You talk about the mother of pearl or was it mother of toilet seat, vs. stones for the key touches and how that effects the tone. I guess having something heavier than mop.or mots.for the keys would make it a heavier sound, like Dex who had big hands and absolutely placed his fingers in the middle of the keys,thus offering a heavy touch and completely covering the tone hole with the pad/key-cup.
part 1 Interesting Video, however, after testing a Mad Meg Cannonball alto several years ago now, I was not that impressed. Too bright of a tone for my liking. I guess what I fail to understand at this point, is how you do not even mention the metals that are used or how the lacquer effects the overall tone of the saxophone.
Would anyone happen to know if The Raven comes with a fat neck? And if it does, does it come with the octive key on the bottom? I read on the website that all big bell stone series do, but I thought they would make an exception with The Raven..
I switch back and forth between a Meyer-5M and a Meyer-7M. The 7M gives me a bigger sound, while the 5M gives me a prettier sound for softer ballads and stuff.
All of these are made in factories in China. Some are good, some are bad. whatever brand you buy it should be from a dealer and you should have it examined before you even purchase it.
The Big Bell Stone Series sells for just about 2.5k. Im buying "The Raven". I dont know if its beacuse of where Im at, but Im about to pay 2819 on it.
i have a cannonball, here pretty good, but not the best...... i have another sax thats kinda better. but the cannonball sax is pretty good. i saw they got a 4.6 out of 5 stars.
I purchased my Cannonball A5B Ice-B alto saxophone from Meyer Music in Grand Rapids, Michigan! It's my baby! I can't wait to make a video of myself playing it in concert at Aquinas College! I'm a jazz major here! Yippee!
i got mine for $1699.95 dollars. i got a huge discount for having a brother that bought like, 8 clarinets, 4 trumpets from the store. (he is really good :D) basically cannonballs are around 2k. if you buy it, ull like it
What's the name of the song at the end???? Played by Eric Darius.
Macpro2099 5 days ago
im in the process of paying off a Brute Tenor. Best horns ive ever played on.
PozJoker4444 7 months ago
What is the name of the song at the beginning?
Jorgenezz10 7 months ago
I play a Mark VI tenor and will definetly be buying an alto cannonball !!! i love how gerald makes em sing!
chirstofa893 10 months ago
I just tried a Stone Series Tenor today at a friend's music store and I absolutely fell in love with the horn. Two of my fellow sax friends were with me and they too were impressed with the horn. I have to agree with Passion613. I too have a yamaha Z horn and the Cannonball is much better to me all around. This horn fit my hands like it was made just for me! The action was so smooth! The tone was magnificent! I'm in love! It is now my goal to move over to the Cannonball ASAP!
Mothermerc 1 year ago
where can you buy a cannonball saxophone? I want one really really bad!!
champlinparkhs 1 year ago
what is the song at 3:17????
cgn10 1 year ago
@cgn10 it sucks.. why do you want to know? it sucks bad... just my humble opinion :)
fighterdude83 1 year ago
@fighterdude83 it sounded familiar and i need to think of something to play....
cgn10 1 day ago
@cgn10 It is Alicia Keys - If I Ain't Got You
FutbolClubBarca 1 year ago
I can hardly wait to get my CB alto. I am literally saving my pennies and spare change in one of those huge plastic water bottles.LOL! It will be worth the wait.
sopranojoe11 1 year ago
i have that exact one at 0:23 seconds :)
cheybug394 1 year ago
where can i buy one of these horns?
94dawg94 1 year ago
I love my Cannonball Black Nickel Plated Gold Keys Big Bell Stone Series Tenor Saxophone! Once I get about 5 to 6 grand I plan on buying a matching Baritone saxophone!
MevenDurphy 1 year ago
For 'nuts' it sure sounds like you know what you're doing. I'm getting one of those, better believe it.
MegaEvemarie 1 year ago
I Have The Same One At 2:45 :D
kevinjonaslover818 1 year ago
I really like Cannoballs, but I like P.Mauriat better....... Cause that's what I'm getting
TheFrostyDealer 1 year ago
In fact after playing the cannonball I wonder seriously why conn puts its keys in those crappy positions that are just not natural, and the selmers always leak air, so far I have not found one problem with my cannonball buy one.
SaxmanNateEarthsong 1 year ago 2
Man i have been playing a nickel plated black series soprano. .......Man that is an awesome horn, just using that horn has changed my performance dramatically....people bow down and kiss that horn literally all the time. ON THEIR KNEES KISSING IT
SaxmanNateEarthsong 1 year ago
vintage series alto with silver fat neck is tha bomb!!!
gengee21 2 years ago 2
I just purchased the GA5-SB as an upgrade. I love the sound of this horn. So, if you know of anyone interested in a student model horn, I have a Yamaha Alto Sax (YAS-25) on craigslist for sale (See Tucson) $750. Will negotiate if price is right.
Jhn3n16 2 years ago
you know what i find stupid? how everyone's arguing over the different horns. havent you guys heard that the horns feel different for other people? some people want to find different sounds and different varieties for saxes than others. two people can have two completely different tastes in sound and they'll think that selmer is better than conn or that cannonball is better than yani. everyone is not going to agree with you on what the better horn is. so stop arguing and share the love for msc
kjfld 2 years ago
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The547emn 2 years ago
Go for a Selmer Series III or a Reference 54. I play a Reference 54 alto and it is by far the greatest horn I've played. All cannonball instruments that I've played haven't been very good and responsive. With selmers you can do so much more. I've played the Series III as well and it's very good as well. Selmer means quality.
ACM401823 2 years ago
and what about JK?
The547emn 2 years ago
i play a tenor
The547emn 2 years ago
Wait, wasn't the Selmer Series III what Branford Marsalis was playing before he switched to a Cannonball? So you're saying Branford doesn't know what he's doing?
Come on, anyone who's played a Cannonball knows they're legit. Selmers are way overpriced.
mafatu69 2 years ago
im going to get a series III
The547emn 1 year ago
cannonball saxes are always out of tune.
bootsrandolf 2 years ago
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mafatu69 2 years ago
I saw Branford at the University of Redlands two years ago and he was playing a big bell cannonball!
kirboman 2 years ago 3
"no one had ever tried it before"
uhh conn had the underslung 6m, and the super 20's had the underslung mech with a top pip.
guci 2 years ago 3
@guci he said no one has capitalized on the neck
kjfld 2 years ago
I love my cannonball so much!!!!! I own an alto that is the "hotspur" and Im saving for the thenor that is the "Black Ice", the one with the black body and the silver keys. The under key neck is absolutely amazing!!!! I love it so much!!!! I got my alto the day before all region tryouts and people thought it was stupid to put a new saxophone in on all region day...... I got first chair and 2 years running. I really recomen using the under key neck with a jazz metal mouth piece, it sounds so sexy
airsoftjoe1 2 years ago
Ok I know i was wrong with the names of the saxes so stop bothering me. The alto I have is the black Ice and the tenor I will get is the BS
airsoftjoe1 2 years ago
what song is it at 3:25 ???
kjfld 2 years ago
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mafatu69 2 years ago
Good luck with your saxes... great to see people pushing the envelope.
NreeKelBastardos 2 years ago
My alto CB is fully black nickel and I love it =D
votechuy 2 years ago
i got a cannonball raven.... i love it.
btsax2 2 years ago 2
I will say that the Z bruatalized the raven and the Gold L cb..but the silver CB kicked it's ass..as well as the crappy Selmer Series III> The Z was def better than the Selmer. Im going to try a keilwerth next..then I'll make up my mind as what tenor to get. I think i'm leaning toward the CB silver wit th stone..and getting rid of the Z
Passion613 2 years ago
3:23 I'm picky, that's why I didn't get a Cannonball. If you think these horns beat Selmers, you can't play or have a decent tone, or you're a beginner. As I said, my YTS-82 Z totally killed the cannonballs I tried.
Passion613 2 years ago
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dodgerules889 2 years ago
Just wanna say, I tried a silver CB Tenor...and was blown away. It was better than the Selmer series III that was there at the store. I tried them both...The silver CB with the stone..on the neck. Incredible horn. I felt my Z was better that the Selmer..but the CB was better than both the Z and the Selmer...honest..and I have a monster tone.. I know tone when i hear it and play it..
Passion613 2 years ago 18
Dude you tell em. I love my cannonball so much.
airsoftjoe1 2 years ago 2
Cannonball horns suck and I'm not just speculating. I actually have one. I prefer my Selmer Reference 54 to a big bell cannonball any day.
saxman8050 2 years ago
Yes selmer are definatly better. But dude...... THEY ARE SELMERS. I have a cannonball tenor and it is very good. You cant compare cannonball to selmer. Selmer is in its own class. I know because I got to play on a 5 grand Selmer super action 80 paris proffesional edition. It was amazing.
dodgerules889 2 years ago
Selmers are better for concert but the cannonballs are great for jazz and solos.
airsoftjoe1 2 years ago
Wrong. I understand why you like cannonballs so much because I own a Black Ice cannonball tenor, but selmers are 100% better horns. I really do know because I got the chance to play on a Selmer super action 80 paris edition proffesional tenor. It was far better than any saxophone I have ever played before. Dont act like you know everything cause you dont.
dodgerules889 2 years ago
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mafatu69 2 years ago
wrong
BriceTheProducer 2 years ago
This horn didn't please me. An I have better tones than all these guys that they mentioned. Yes, Even Gerald.
Passion613 2 years ago
hah then why have we never heard of you?
Superdry1302 2 years ago
Yea, I tried a stone series, and didn't come close to my Tenor 82 Z Yamaha. All these horns have are looks.
Passion613 2 years ago
Pure Bull Shit ! These horns don't come close to the yanagasawa's
brijazz1244 2 years ago
can eny one tell me if they sell cannonball saxsophones in manchester plz
Jackplordy08 2 years ago
this is what i want to do when i get older. build instruments
ItsallaboutTrevor 2 years ago 12
what is that neck called at 1:15, im very curious and i want one
cartmanfan69 2 years ago
It's called the "Fat Neck"
Saxmaster1230 2 years ago
where do i get one! they look beastly
cartmanfan69 2 years ago
More than likely your local musical instrument store, since Cannonball doesn't sell it's horns or parts online
Saxmaster1230 2 years ago
it's their Fat Neck, with an underslung octave mechanism
sbent518 2 years ago
hey does anybody know how much an cannonball alcazar alto costs?
tsrdw696 2 years ago
I have one of these... better than a mark VI for sure =) and cheaper than the top end modern selmers/yamahas... You can't go wrong with a cannonball.
spmlt2 2 years ago
what song is Eric Darius playing at the end
lctenorsax 2 years ago
i think its SADE by kenny g
3bussey 2 years ago
having the 2nd sax at 18 seconds black nickel and silver keys would make me the happiest kid in the whole wide world same color crook and a silver crook too. i would want nothing eles for the rest of my life !!! ahhhhh that would be so cool!!!
kengojames 2 years ago
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kengojames 2 years ago
i just got a black cannonball alto last year, kicks ass
link5112 2 years ago
how much was it?
bballskater45 2 years ago
around $4,900
link5112 2 years ago
Holy crap... I got my gold lacquer (cannonball) alto for $1900... The shop I bought it at was selling the black nickel ones for about $200 more.
(Rivard Bros. Music in Arlington, TX) The only kind of saxophones they sell are cannonballs.
spmlt2 2 years ago
Is yours a step up or professional?
Mine is "The Raven" model.
link5112 2 years ago
Mine's a Big Bell Stone Series, Cannonball's current "flagship" line - best saxophone EVER. Seriously. =D
spmlt2 2 years ago
Mine to. I like "The Raven" the best. =D
link5112 2 years ago
Man I've got the curved Raven Soprano... and it's got a sweet sound...
007grog3 2 years ago
Mines an Alto. Ive been looking at the Raven Soprano and Bari for awhile.
link5112 2 years ago
i love the look of the sax´s they got, but there sax´s arent sounding very good, and that stone idea, it just sounds silly
Saxodude95 2 years ago
i got one of the altos in the big bell series last year, and it plays beautifully
gavdog262 2 years ago
how much do they cost?
kaihao96 2 years ago
There is nothing that can beat a Martin Saxophone. The modern horn is missing the resonance and deep tonal differences. Cannnonball is not a bad horn but not great either. Going new... get a Kessler saxophone.
saxmays 2 years ago
I love how they think that the underslung octave key is their own invention. Sure they make killer saxes but don't take all of the credit for what Conn made with the "Naked Lady" series with almost exclusively underslung necks. I even have a saxophone (alto) that has the octave key on the underside of the neck that is older than all of those guys, and their company!
BawlinOnaBudget 2 years ago
THANK YOU IVE SAID THAT BEFORE BUT NO ONE BELIVED ME also they make it sound like they thought of the big bell nope my JK has a big bell and they have been made for a least like ten years and a ton of vintage have big bells
DMANGUY14 2 years ago
Hey i just bought a cannonball Vintage, i use a otto link 6* and it sounds great...looks great too. i think they are well made saxes for the price...
ngr12 2 years ago
eric darius can go fuck himself he is not that good sounding
jazzyjake99 2 years ago
i know it's eric darius but what song is the intro and outro ?
jimbohancock 3 years ago
i think they are quality instruments, but there a little to bright for the style of jazz i play. good vid though
Saxophonic 3 years ago
how much are the tenor cannonball saxophone big bell stone series with BS finish?? i really want to know and i want to buy one
sexyspark256 3 years ago
I know alot of it has to do with the embrochure, reed and mouthpieces. Almost all professional saxes will sound the same, but most agree nothing beats a mark VI, as long as it has the original engraving. What is the best Sopranino? I want one that is inexpensive, yet real easy to play.
lulucody 3 years ago
Have to say i dont really care about engraving like yes it is awesome but you can even see it from 20 feet away
DMANGUY14 2 years ago
My Tenor *Raven* has changed my playing style forever.
kerriganspie2 3 years ago
great horns! but i think they chose the name cannonball because Cannonball Adderley was known for his amazing tone!!!
HoustonMills 3 years ago
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DMANGUY14 3 years ago
Listen. You're still young...I'll cut you some slack. Before you start voicing your opinions about music and musical instruments, you need more experience. Come back in 10 years and then I'll listen to what you have to say. Why don't you post your OWN video with you playing?
albanothemadman 3 years ago
well put
Shrmnatr 3 years ago
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Listen. You're still young...I'll cut you some slack. Before you start voicing your opinions about music and musical instruments, you need more experience. Come back in 10 years and then I'll listen to what you have to say. Why don't you post your OWN video with you playing?
albanothemadman 3 years ago
until you have played one of these not only great sounding, well built and beautiful saxophones you have no room to talk. The guy who sold me mine let me try his MRK 6 and the Cannonball wins hands down. BLKICE baby!
Shrmnatr 3 years ago 2
I would love to try a cannonball saxophone. The tone is perfict, the modifications are amazing and the style is incredible, but there is one problem that lies in my way. They are extreemly expencive. In these economic times, a cannonball tenor is on the very top of my want list but at the bottom of my get list. I love your saxophone, but in the future, keep the middle man in mind please.
CoasterZooFreak 3 years ago
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You can't spell.
saxandgames 3 years ago
i believe you bro. i've played mark vi horns that are absolute dogs. like they say, it'sa not the horn; it's the player. i've had all 4 of my mark vis since the late '50s/early '60s. i hand picked them out of too many to count. peace!
selmer6player 3 years ago 2
what is that song that eric darius plays in the middle of the song at about
3mins and 10seconds. and i think the cannonball saxophones sounds great, although i have not got to play one i would love to, i play a YAMAHA YTS200AD tenor sax and i've only been playing sax for about 4 months and i think its great. plus i would realy like to get a all silver sax they look realy cool.
nbowman2015 3 years ago
Comment removed
jimbohancock 3 years ago
I've owned a Cannon Ball T5 for 9 months picked up some Abersol manuals and started playing it after trying a repaired CONN 30M 30days later replaced it with an Selmer old student model selmer which sound pretty good. I have not developed the sound I want yet, I've been through 5 Mouth Piece & Reed combinations. This horn is nice and I trust that once I find the right Mouth Piece & Reed combo I'll develope the sound I am looking for. Tenors awesome the Alto's need more work.
jefferysax41 3 years ago
I recently bought a Vintage Pro Tenor from Cannonball and I love it.
The sound has punch and it can whisper in the lows and sing up in the highs.
Good work Cannonball!!
wildman00sax 3 years ago
keep up the good work. you still can't beet a fine vintage mark vi.
selmer6player 3 years ago
I've owned a Cannonball alto and soprano and they were both total pieces of crap. The alto sounded like shit and the soprano fell apart. I traded them in and got a mark vi. Life's been good since then.
PatarWolfe 3 years ago
my first sax was a gold and black cannonball intermediate
poshomi 3 years ago
i was saving up money for a car, now im saving up for a black cannonball sax=]=]
ripsticklover 3 years ago
5 stars!
gagi1963andjeo 3 years ago
I probably would have a better outlook on Cannonball horns if the sophomore in the jazz band at my school playing a cannonball alto sdidnt suck dick
Colbyjack94 3 years ago
Man I finally got one for christmas like 2 years ago because I had this cheap piece of shit simba alto that my dad got for free and it had so many problems after 2 months of having it and I swear it wasn't me, but yeah the canonball is to me the best I've ever had.
I treasure it like it's my baby. :)
russianpartychick 3 years ago
I've been playing a Cannonball for 3 years now, and there's nothing out there that will give you that sound or power that you want. I've tryed the Mark VI, I've tryed Selmers, nothing comes close to a Cannonball.
Cannonballs are the perfect balance of design and sound.
Awesome job!!
pirate7175 3 years ago
how much is a tenor cannonball sax (Big bell stone series) with BS finish?? i really want to buy one
brewskies2 3 years ago
um
ive tried out alot of sax's, but i think cannonball is pretty good
i give it a 4/5
gazzy11296 3 years ago
does any one know what Eric Darius song is playing at the begining?
Bestbuysax 3 years ago
these saxophones are very good, my sax jazz instructor brought one last year and it sounds greats, he prefers it over his mark VI tenor
Altissimo15 3 years ago
Mark VI's are fine horns, but people need to realize, old horns are not always better than new horns.
YAS62ftw 3 years ago 4
There are some really great newer horns out there, and I've heard some good Cannonballs. However, the Mark VI is still the only horn that comes with a soul as standard equipment. I'll tolerate the poor intonation any day just to keep that unmistakable sound.
dmmnola 3 years ago
I have to tell you that The Martin is the saxophone. Great even sound and tone holes are just fantastic. I am not sure if there is a company out there that will make a horn like Martin.
saxmays 3 years ago
ok
cannon ball VS selmer
can anyone tell me the pros and cons of each?
Yelnatsax 3 years ago
If you want a Saxophone with features check out the Steve Goodson Saxes, I am buying one at the end of the Summer. They are really cool.
stubs13 3 years ago
How have they not seen the Octave Mechanism on the bottom of the neck before, check out the Conn 6M Underslung, it is more than 60 years old
stubs13 3 years ago 2
I was thinking the same thing... and I think I've seen a couple other vintage (over 50-70 years old) model(s) that have the same kind of neck design.
People are so quick to BELIEVE THE HYPE.
I do know ONE thing:
I sure as hell don't wanna sound like Eric Darius.
Keep that cotton-candy shiite far away from me!
I wonder how many of these fools actually know CANNONBALL ADDERLEY's music or transcribed one of his solos.
Fake-ass toys!!!
dSOOCH 3 years ago
STFU dSOOCHBAG
newking70 3 years ago
THANK YOU
DMANGUY14 2 years ago
honestly, these are good horns, but they ARE chinese made saxophones and while still pretty nice saxes, they can't compare with the big 4 or most of the vintage saxes
LuggageCart 3 years ago
made in taiwan
Saxmaster1230 3 years ago
Well said!
saxophonedave 3 years ago
Cannonball saxes are awesome!! I've had mine for 3 or 4 months now. Best horn I've ever played!!
saxmanchris 3 years ago
It really sounds like that dude playing "If I ain't got you" needs the highest quality horn. Man, I'm going to trade in my Mark VI right away...
brycon424 3 years ago
hmm what i find amazing is how Yamaha makes like motorcycles and stuff all these other things but they make such amazing Saxes
azndevilboy98 3 years ago
about 3 years ago, Canonball saxophones used to be TOTAL KICKASS!!!!! Now they are all manufac. with chinese parts. Go with Yamaha.
DragonRidr33 3 years ago
This is one of the best sax brands i have ever seen. It has a great jazz sound when you need it and has awesome warmth for classical. I have played one several times and am in the process of buying one. It has a great low note sound and just sings on that whole lower octave. I have been playing sax for 7 years and it makes you feel like the sax is part of you. No, I am not from Cannonball I just love the instrument, and am a regular guy.
Xboxbob11 3 years ago
you poor saps. These are marketing gimmicks and nothing more. The air running through the sax doesn't care where the octave key is or what the keys are inlaid with! I mean Jesus Christ! Are you that gullible?
memblor 3 years ago
I admit that the stone inlays are a stretch, but the location of the octave key could definitely make a difference.
butski 3 years ago
i'm going to get the hotspur with the fat neck!!!
10303090103 3 years ago
i want that one and that one and that one and the one in the back
Ranard1 3 years ago
I guess they haven't seen many saxes. Conn, Buescher, King and Yanagisawa have put the octave pip on the bottom of the neck on different models. Conn was doing this in the 1930's!
phonesax 3 years ago
sweet
emilytechgirl 3 years ago
sweet horn!
sa8vsaxman 3 years ago
How much I wonder for just the neck for tenor with the undersung octave key and the stone?
saxophonedave 3 years ago
I've looked around and haven't seen any used necks for sale, so you're probably going to have to make direct contact with an authorized Cannonball dealer for the answer to that question. The dealers aren't allowed to advertise or post pricing on the internet, but many of the dealers will have toll-free phone numbers that you can call for more detailed information.
CooolJazzz 3 years ago
I suspect these necks will be a dime a dozen in no time, because each horn comes with two necks (heck I got mine used and it has three).
elhaf 3 years ago
OK all.. Im so conflicted now. I hear so many good things about the Cannonball and so many bad things. Im a semi-professional alto sax player *but* I have a very sensative and good ear. I used to play on a student model horn (Yamaha YAS23). I recently had to give my horn back(sell it) and Im looking for a professional horn now. Id like to try these cannonballs before I buy, but I hear so many conflicting reviews.. good and bad. Can anyone help me decide which is best for me for my needs? :p
Mahlercougar 4 years ago
The only sensible thing to do is try it before you buy it, as you've already said you wanted to do. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the majority of the negative things you've heard about Cannonballs come from people who had experiences with earlier models. Yes, there were problems with the earlier models, but they've done a good job of listening to their customers and the newer models are head and heels better than the older ones. Find a dealer and try 'em out. Good Luck!
CooolJazzz 4 years ago
The only real issue now is whether or not you like the sound of a Cannonball, but that's totally a matter of personal preference. I wouldn't put much stock in what other people say about the sound...good or bad. Only you can decide if the sound is right for your style of playing. The optional necks make a huge difference too. Make sure you try the different necks when you sample them, and if you do buy a Cannonball, make sure one of the necks they give you is the "Fat Neck".
CooolJazzz 4 years ago
do they make the fat neck for soprano i kno they do for alto and tenor
Saxmaster1230 3 years ago
No...the soprano comes with a curved neck and a straight neck. The soprano necks are much too short for the Fat Neck design.
CooolJazzz 3 years ago
Awesome. Thanks alot!!
DrJiim 4 years ago
A special no-thanks to you tube and their 500 word limit for making this commentary WAY more difficult than it should be - thanks guys
saxophonedave 4 years ago
part 6
I play a '48 Conn 10M, which I traded my Mark VI away for over a year ago and love the 10M, no sound compares. Again the metal & the lacquer make a huge difference, I personally think the stone is just a sales gimmic.
saxophonedave 4 years ago
Yeah, a lot of people have beef with their alto's, but i have heard a lot of good things about the tenors.
I'm gonna try out one of their tenors in a couple weeks.
moesbrotha 4 years ago
Cool, let me know what you think. What do you currently play on?
saxophonedave 4 years ago
Aight man.
I currently play on a [Yamaha]YTS-62. Not the YTS-62 II, but the original YTS-62. Nothing too special.
moesbrotha 4 years ago
hey, do you know how much a big bell alto would go for?
And also, you should try an 82z sometime, especially their limited matte versions
csl101 4 years ago
I've heard like 2k, or somewhere in that general vicinity.
I'll give that a shot too if i can find one close by. I've also been trying to find a good bari. I've heard the Cannonball Bari's are awesome. In general, im in interested in looking at some P.Mauriats.
moesbrotha 4 years ago
I have a 1942 Conn 30m which I have owned since 1955. It needs a lot of work. I am trying to decide between forking the $1200 needed for repair or buying a new horn. The repairman I contact recommended the cannonball. What do you think.
butski 3 years ago
Butski I think that 1200 in repair is crazy . . . Does the horn have serious damage done to it?
A repad, and basic cleanup shouldn't be more then 150 bucks in most places. Dent work is usually cheap and if minor thrown in free.
But serious alterations /fix's due to drops can get crazy expensive . . .
I love SAX's If it where me, id prob get it fixed and buy a new one. I am about to buy another alto, maybe a cannonball, maybe a Conn Tranny, dont know yet still open. But that will make sax #5
Xulld00 3 years ago
part 5
Why can no one seem to find the metal receipe that was used back in the 40's & 50's or try to reproduce that old dark lacquer that turned smokey or honey with age? I agree (basically) with TheSaxoholic as that was my take on having tried a Cannonball. (It was several years ago I might add, and I'm sure it was the global series)
Also, I agree with William629, everything is made in China, it may be assembled in Salt Lake, but who does Cannonball use to actually fabricate the metals.
saxophonedave 4 years ago
part 4
And as far as the stone set in the neck for more resonance, I have a hard time believeing that one. It is after all (the saxophone) a big piece of metal, if anything stone would inhibit resonance as when you strike a stone, you do not get a resonant sound. It seems it would be (as in the video) more related to the (assumed) silver neck he was using and of course the mouthpiece/reed combination.
saxophonedave 4 years ago
I own one (two actually), and I have to agree with you about the believability about the stone on the neck. On the other hand, the stones they use aren't your basic rocks. Some types of stone DO resonate when you strike them. The harder the stone, the more resonance. As so-called "semi-precious" stones, these are indeed hard enough to resonate. Whether or not it really makes a difference in the sound of the horn however, will probably always be a matter of conjecture.
CooolJazzz 4 years ago
part 3
But some of the best repairmen set up a sax for a light touch often at the request of the owner. Even so, it should always be set up in this manner to insure a complete seal with effortless fingering.
saxophonedave 4 years ago
part 2 You talk about the mother of pearl or was it mother of toilet seat, vs. stones for the key touches and how that effects the tone. I guess having something heavier than mop.or mots.for the keys would make it a heavier sound, like Dex who had big hands and absolutely placed his fingers in the middle of the keys,thus offering a heavy touch and completely covering the tone hole with the pad/key-cup.
saxophonedave 4 years ago
saxophonedave 4 years ago
Would anyone happen to know if The Raven comes with a fat neck? And if it does, does it come with the octive key on the bottom? I read on the website that all big bell stone series do, but I thought they would make an exception with The Raven..
DrJiim 4 years ago
I have a Raven alto and a Raven soprano. The alto came with a Fat Neck and a regular neck. The Fat Neck does have the under-slung octave key.
CooolJazzz 4 years ago
what type of mpc do u use on soprano
Saxmaster1230 4 years ago
I switch back and forth between a Meyer-5M and a Meyer-7M. The 7M gives me a bigger sound, while the 5M gives me a prettier sound for softer ballads and stuff.
CooolJazzz 4 years ago
the reason i asked is because i own a cannonball stones series soprano and i wanted to now how a dukoff metal mpc would sound on it
Saxmaster1230 4 years ago
All of these are made in factories in China. Some are good, some are bad. whatever brand you buy it should be from a dealer and you should have it examined before you even purchase it.
william629 4 years ago
Incorrect.
The brass comes from Taiwan.
They're assmebled in Salt Lake City, at least the Big-Bell models are.
I don't really know about the excaliburs.
Never the less, you should always examine the Horn before purchase.
moesbrotha 4 years ago
The Big Bell Stone Series sells for just about 2.5k. Im buying "The Raven". I dont know if its beacuse of where Im at, but Im about to pay 2819 on it.
DrJiim 4 years ago
so around an estimate how much are big bell series saxes (alto)?
csl101 4 years ago
cannonballs are the best horns on the market
betterthancoltrane 4 years ago
i have a cannonball, here pretty good, but not the best...... i have another sax thats kinda better. but the cannonball sax is pretty good. i saw they got a 4.6 out of 5 stars.
gazzy11296 4 years ago
Eu comprei um cannoball global series e é simplesmente incrível. Tudo!
A sonoridade é fantástica. Um luxo.
Valeu Mr. Lewis!
romulo3236 4 years ago
where do u find dis sax are there any stores that sell it in florida or do u hav 2 order it
dafrankster23 4 years ago
I purchased my Cannonball A5B Ice-B alto saxophone from Meyer Music in Grand Rapids, Michigan! It's my baby! I can't wait to make a video of myself playing it in concert at Aquinas College! I'm a jazz major here! Yippee!
cannonballsax 4 years ago
what is the price for it?
natakova 4 years ago
i got mine for $1699.95 dollars. i got a huge discount for having a brother that bought like, 8 clarinets, 4 trumpets from the store. (he is really good :D) basically cannonballs are around 2k. if you buy it, ull like it
gazzy11296 4 years ago