Rampone & Cazzani Rampone & Cazzani Performance Series Alto Saxophone

The Rampone & Cazzani Performance Series allows players to have access to the beautiful world of this Italian master manufacturer for a much more affordable price!

In designing the Performance Series the main objective was to design an instrument that would have more mass market appeal and at the same time could be offered at a lower cost.  In practical terms, this has meant making an adjustment to their famous ‘big bore’ geometry and going down the route of using slightly more traditional bore dimensions.  This narrower bore brings with it a more instant and free-blowing feeling for the player, while at the same time retaining a strong element of the warmth and character of sound that R&C saxes are famous for.  In terms of bringing the cost down, R&C has largely done this through efficiency savings in their design process.  For example, the use of CAD technology has allowed them to precisely engineer the bore spec they were looking for without the need to produce hundreds of prototypes!  In addition, the fact that there is only one base metal and finish option within the Performance Series allows the factory to be able to up-scale production and therefore keep the cost down, unlike their more bespoke R1 Jazz saxes available in a vast array of options.

In addition to the difference in bore spec, R&C has also spent much time producing a key work solution that is mechanically light and efficient.  In comparison to the R1 Jazz key action which is bolder and more heavily sprung the Performance Series is more in keeping with a well-worn classic vintage instrument. 

The Performance Series is resplendent in its deep gold lacquer and will offer a very interesting option when going up against some of the other famous, more affordable professional saxes that are well-known on the scene.

 Features

• Material: Brass

• Finish: Dark Gold Lacquer

• Key Touches: White Mother of Pearl

• Engraving: Hand-engraved bell

• Case: Hard Case

• Accessories: Cork grease, shoulder strap, internal cleaning cloths, microfibre cloth, mouthpiece, ligature, reed, and cap.

• Made in: Italy

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

• Recommended for: All styles of professional musicians and serious students

Staff Review

I was really delighted to hear that Rampone & Cazzani had made room in their agenda for a more affordable instrument.  I have always been drawn to the history and tradition of the R&C company, and this is always evident in the beauty of their saxophones.  While it’s true that on first impression the Performance Series doesn’t have the same aesthetic as their famous R1 Jazz models there is still a very attractive sleek and modern look, and that deep gold lacquer is simply stunning!

It’s true to say the that overall playability of the R1 models is much more erring on the side of a solid resistance and by addressing this main point and producing a narrower bore I think that R&C have hit the nail on the head when trying to introduce their brand to a wider audience.  It’s true that some players will always love that feeling of resistance and they are the ones that have the air strength and support to be able to contend with that, but a good many players (myself included!) prefer a more flowing feeling when playing the sax.  The Performance series is definitely doing that for me.  In addition, I also think there’s a strong central core to the sound, with a good deal of depth in there.  It’s of course not as spread as the R1 Jazz saxes, but you wouldn’t expect that with a narrower bore – not everyone likes spread, some prefer having a focus and the sound is erring more in this direction.

I also love the nicely placed ergonomics and very easy action.  If any of you have seen any of my YouTube videos you know that I’m a fan of anything that has a light key action!

Really great job Rampone!  I’m looking forward to coming to your factory and seeing the action for real!

Jim Cheek