Saxophone Equipment

---

My Third Tenor (2015)

I currently play on a Dave Guardala Silver Tenor (Tenor DG-500SP – silver plate). Here is some info (its hard to find)

Dave Guardala 500SP Tenor Sax

Silver Plated

Triple silver plated keywork

Engraved

Artist Series

Representing the core values and philosophy of these handcrafted European instruments, the Artist Series out perform all others when it comes to sound and timbre. Thanks, in part, to the finest hand-annealed 72% copper content yellow brass make-up. No conceivable design advantage was spared, and the result is a spectacular, full-bodied sound.

This professional level saxophone is fabricated and hand made from 72% formulated Copper alloy yellow brass with full rib post construction and hand hammered bell. All rods are solid nickel silver with stainless steel screws, springs are tempered blue steel and authentic Mother of Pearl key buttons are used throughout. Custom hand made French pads, by Chanu, with metal resonators come standard along with hand engraving on the bell, high F#, plus extensive fine tuning key adjustment screws at all critical points. Upper and lower key stacks are ergonomically designed for smooth, accurate and positive digital feel. Silver plated keys add the finishing touches to these masterpieces. The body, bell and neck are fully hand engraved in the same extensive floral style typical of Guardala saxophones. Developed in conjunction with Michael Brecker & Tom Scott.

Who is Dave Guardala, anyway?

Dave Guardala is a name that carries a lot of baggage today, but back in the early 1990s, his name was well-recognized in the North American saxophone world as a primo, custom saxophone mouthpiece maker. Guardala mouthpieces were used by some of the world’s most talented saxophonists. Even today, some of Guardala’s vintage custom pieces from the 1980s will fetch close to $2000.

Unfortunately, Dave Guardala got himself into some legal trouble, and ended up with a four-year prison sentence when he plead guilty to one count of wire fraud . His crimes were much more serious however: he had defrauded fellow saxophonists out of thousands of dollars. As a matter of fact, reference was made to the “millions of dollars” he had gotten from “dozens of people”.

Today there are so many brands of mouthpieces carrying the Dave Guardala name that it is hard to keep them all straight. They are made—or were made—by different companies.

But back when B&S forged their partnership with Dave Guardala he was not yet a convicted criminal, and his name was still well reputed within the North American saxophone community. It was this good reputation that allowed B&S to gain some traction in the US and Canadian marketplaces.

---

My Current Mouthpieces

I rotate two mouthpieces; a Yanigasawa Metal 9 and a custom SYOS. I use soft reeds and usually toss them after every other gig. My go to reeds are Vandoren Jazz size 2.5 or 3.

---

My Second Tenor (2001)

Cannonball 98 Knight Tenor Saxophone Black Nickel Body with Silver Plated Keys. This was the first Tenor Saxophone that I purchased and it was just under $1200. My first impressions were that the neck had an exaggerated turn in the gooseneck and the altissimo was superb. The low notes spoke very clear. I was so happy with the tone. Unfortunately, the metal on that horn was not very sturdy and after years of use it started to have issues and it lost the splender of its original sound. I would try a new one, the Mad Meg looks promising.

---

My First Tenor (1986)

I started playing saxophone at Fernandina Beach Jr. High in August of 1986. My first Tenor was a King 615 Student Model that my father paid $500 for. I still have it to this day but, it needs a-lot of work and a new neck. I'll post some pictures.

---