
( Brand: Cannonball ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: GA5-SB ), ( Color: Black/silver ), ( Custom Bundle: No ), ( Set Includes: Case, Mouthpiece, Strap ), ( Type: Alto Saxophone ), ( Body Material: Brass ), ( Unit Type: Unit ), ( Instrument: Saxophone ), ( Features: High F, High G ), ( Experience Level: Advanced, Expert ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: Taiwan ), ( Finish: Black Nickel, Silver ), ( Key: Eb )
The Cannonball GA5-SB Gerald Albright A5 Alto Saxophone is a masterpiece designed in collaboration with renowned jazz saxophonist Gerald Albright. This saxophone is a testament to Cannonball's commitment to crafting high-quality instruments that cater to the needs of professional musicians.
The GA5-SB is an A5 alto saxophone, featuring a silver-brass body and a hand-hammered bell. The silver-brass material is known for its rich, full tone and excellent projection, making it an ideal choice for jazz, pop, and classical music. The hand-hammered bell further enhances the instrument's tone, providing a focused and resonant sound.
The keywork of the GA5-SB is designed for optimal comfort and ease of play. It features a straight key design, which is favored by many saxophonists for its ergonomic shape and seamless key action. The keys are made of nickel-silver, a material known for its durability and resistance to corrosion. The keywork also includes a high F# key, which is a standard feature in professional-grade saxophones, providing an extended range of notes.
The GA5-SB comes with a left hand E-flat thumb hook, which is a feature that Gerald Albright himself prefers. This hook provides additional support and stability, allowing the musician to play with greater control and precision. The neck of the saxophone is made of hand-selected African blackwood, a material known for its strength and resistance to warping.
The GA5-SB also includes a neck strap, a ligature, and a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is a Selmer S80 C* model, which is a popular choice among professional saxophonists for its balanced tone and comfortable shape. The ligature is a metal one, which allows for a free vibration of the reed, contributing to a richer and more expressive tone.
In conclusion, the Cannonball GA5-SB Gerald Albright A5 Alto Saxophone is a top-of-the-line instrument that combines the expertise of a renowned saxophonist with the craftsmanship of a reputable manufacturer. Its rich tone, comfortable keywork, and durable construction make it an excellent choice for professional musicians and serious saxophone enthusiasts.
Pros of buying Cannonball GA5-SB Gerald Albright A5 Alto Saxophone:1. High-quality construction: The Cannonball GA5-SB is made with a hand-lapped brass bell, hand-selected key tone holes, and hand-adjusted mechanics, ensuring a professional sound and responsive playability.
2. Ergonomic design: The saxophone features a compact, lightweight design with a comfortable neck and thumb rest, making it easy to hold and play for extended periods.
3. Custom engravings: The saxophone has personalized engravings by Gerald Albright, a renowned jazz saxophonist, adding a unique touch to the instrument.
4. Durable finish: The saxophone has a durable, lacquer finish that is resistant to wear and tear, ensuring that it will look great and play well for years to come.
5. Excellent intonation: The Cannonball GA5-SB is known for its excellent intonation, making it easy to play in tune, even in complex passages.
Cons of buying Cannonball GA5-SB Gerald Albright A5 Alto Saxophone:1. High price point: The Cannonball GA5-SB is a premium saxophone with a high price point, making it a significant investment for some players.
2. Limited availability: Due to its popularity and limited production, the Cannonball GA5-SB may be difficult to find in some locations or may require waiting for a new shipment.
3. Requires maintenance: Like any high-quality instrument, the Cannonball GA5-SB requires regular maintenance to keep it in top playing condition.
Conclusion:The Cannonball GA5-SB Gerald Albright A5 Alto Saxophone is a high-quality, professional-level instrument that offers excellent sound, playability, and durability. While it has a high price point, the investment is worth it for those who are serious about their saxophone playing and want a saxophone that will last for years to come.
Recommendation:If you are in the market for a high-quality alto saxophone and have the budget for it, the Cannonball GA5-SB Gerald Albright A5 is an excellent choice. Its ergonomic design, excellent intonation, and handcrafted construction make it a standout instrument that is sure to impress. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option, there are other high-quality saxophones available that may better fit your budget and needs. Ultimately, it's important to try out several saxophones and choose the one that feels and sounds best to you.
There are no significant dents or scratches, but there is some slight discoloration on of the silver-plated keys. The increased size also lends to a big, warm sound. One-piece hand-hammered bell.
Ribbed construction. Designed in collaboration with Gerald Albright. Two hand-customized necks included. Some old stock products may be listed as non-returnable.
Silver-Plated Body and Keys. Double arms on bell keys. Blue steel springs. Pivoting C#-BB Table Mechanism.
Power Forged Keys. Looking at the engraving, you might spot Gerald's hobby when hes not making music. Items must include all original packaging and be in the same condition as when item was received. Included accessories: Standard Neck, Fat Hard Rubber Cannonball Mouthpiece, wood shell Case.
The Big Bell, created by Cannonball in 2001, enhances the ability to create a broad range of dynamics for depth sound color and lower partials. Gerald selected multi-colored Picasso Jasper semi-precious stones to adorn the key touches, necks, and bell guard of Albright Series. In collaboration with Gerald Albright, Cannonball designed the elaborate hand engraving that adorns each saxophone a strikingly elegant look. Vintage items carry no warranty.
Annealed Bell, Bow, and Necks. Semi-precious stones: Picasso Jasper. These beautiful stones give the instrument a striking look and are also patented for way they change instruments resonance. Italian Poison water-resistant leather pads.
In collaboration with Gerald Albright, Cannonball designed the elaborate hand engraving that adorns each saxophone a strikingly elegant appearance. Big Bell for a bold sound. Each Gerald Albright Series saxophone comes standard with two hand-customized necks. Gerald chose the stone type, black Italian pads, and select finishes that perfectly complete purpose of these saxophones: to embody bold, soulful sound performed no better than by master, Albright himself.
To preserve and promote this jewelers art, the masterful engravings turn each saxophone into a unique piece of art in itself. Stabilizing brace for left hand Spatula. Black-Nickel Bow, Bell and Keys. Detachable Bell and Bow.
Adjustable thumb hook. High F# / G. The second neck on alto and tenor model's is the FAT Neck which has octave tube underside of neck, creating less resistance airflow, resulting in a sound with more lows, Midas, highs. No two sets of stones are exactly the same, making your horn unique in fine details.