Windcraft Cannonball A4 Mad Meg – Alto Saxophone

Looking for something different?  Cannonball saxes bring you elegance of design, beautiful aesthetics, and sumptuous tone quality!

Introducing the new Standard model Cannonball A4 unlacquered ‘Mad Meg’ alto saxophone, belonging to their highly reputed Big Bell Stone series.  Acoustically it is identical to the Premium models in the A5 range, however, one or two of the bells and whistles have been removed to allow the A4-L to bring players that trademark Cannonball sound, but at a slightly more affordable price-point. 

Whereas the A5 Premium instruments are adorned with 16 semi-precious stones each and come equipped with 2 necks (1 Standard and 1 ‘Fat’) the Regular models include 9 stones on the left and right stacks plus the Standard neck only.  Otherwise, the A4 models have the same body, neck, keys, design, ergonomics etc of the top-flight Premium models, making it more of a realistic proposition to own a Cannonball without having to spend top dollar.

There are 3 finishes available in the Standard range, and this Unlacquered version will bring you that vintage appeal, particularly as its life-span increases through time.  This finish will also provide a slightly livelier and more open tone.

Features

Material: Brass

Finish: Unlacquered

Key Touches: Semi-precious stones

Neck: ‘Original’ hand-customized neck

Engraving: Hand engraved by Cannonball artisans.

Case: Customized Cannonball case, including faux Alligator leather finish!

Mouthpiece: Not included

Made in: Taiwan, and customised/set-up in USA

Free Professional Set Up & Free Check over within a Year

Recommended for: Reliability, versatility, solid sound – all styles of playing!

Further Detail

BIG BELL This design was created by Cannonball in 2001 and allows the instrument to produce a huge range of dynamics with maximum depth and resonance.

SEMI PRECIOUS STONES Cannonball are famous for the striking look that their beautiful stones add to their saxes, hand cut and polished in their facility in Utah.  They are also patented for the way they change the instrument’s resonance. 

Staff Review

I’ve always been a fan of Cannonball saxes.  Any of the models from the Big Bell series gives me the same feeling – one of solidity, effortless power, rich tone and quality. There is enough flexibility on hand to deliver most styles of music, but I find that these instruments really ‘sing’ when they are played in a contemporary setting.  Anything along the lines of pop, soul, funk, rock, etc suits it perfectly, and when you put a lot of air down the sax it really feels like the sound takes on a life of its own.  It’s exciting and makes me want to play it more, which is definitely the feeling you want to get from your sax!  I also love how solid and comfortable the key ergonomics feel.  Considering this is a slightly reduced version of the A5 model there is nothing really lacking from the playing point of view as the ‘Standard’ neck gives me everything I need tonally, and the reduced stone-count isn’t something that troubles me!

Jim Cheek