Barnes & Mullins Signature Custom – Alto Saxophone – Unlacquered Raw XS

A great British sax that jazz players will love

The Signature Custom range has established Trevor James as one of the World’s finest saxophone makers. Designed and hand built in the UK, this Raw XS model features an unlacquered hand polished finish and an enlarged bell offering a bigger broader sound.

Description

Hand built under the supervision of Trevor James’ head technician Dave Farley at their UK headquarters, the Signature Custom range is one of the finest available.

Rather than the usual treatment of polishing and buffing, the raw brass is left in its natural state and simply ‘dip cleaned’. It is then left unlacquered so that the brass can resonate to its full potential. This XS model is then hand polished creating not just a more sophisticated finish but an even more resonant sound.

The action is smooth and solid without being too heavy, the sound is dynamic and expressive. The unlacquered raw brass gives a greater texture and openness compared with regular polished and lacquered finishes.

We were a little doubtful that extensive hand polishing could change the tonal characteristics…until we played it! More power & projection and it looks great.

Features

• Material: Brass

• Finish: Raw unlacquered hand polished

• Key Touches: Mother of Pearl

• Neck: Signature Custom neck

• Engraving: Engraved bow and bell

• Case: Trevor James case

• Mouthpiece: None

• Made in: UK

• Free Professional Set Up & Free Check over within a Year

• Recommended for: All standards including professionals, especially those playing jazz, soul, rock & funk

Reviews

I have just had a good blow on both alto and tenor versions of the Raw Brass model and can’t believe how dynamic and expressive the sound is! There is a much greater texture and open-ness over and above the regular polished and lacquered finishes, and I think that Trevor James have discovered a formula that will speak volumes to many a jazz player! Jim (Sax.co.uk)

The Trevor James Signature Custom RAW alto is one of the best modern saxophones I have played to date. It performs consistently all the way up and down the horn. I love the rich but present tone which malleable enough for me to express myself honestly and directly through the instrument. The quality of materials and workmanship are second to none. James Morton