Thomann MK I Handmade Alto Sax

Not many reviews for this model and they are far apart in time, I'm sure this instrument deserves more attention and appretiation.

It's my first sax in hands since school (35 years back). I did not want to start again from a basic student instrument, having a decent instrument from the begginning is much more rewarding and stimulating for learning, you hear good sound and can adjust and develop your skills not guessing if it's you or a poor cheap instrument.
After carefull study of numerous contenders I selected this model and absolutely happy, because:
- the look is subtle but noble, this color is a total winner for me among gold, brass or total black (especially considering bright green buttons on other colors).
- quality is excellent, I checked it from the box for leaks, any manufacturing defects, cosmetic imperfections etc, absolutely nothing to complain. It had several different quality control checklists included, seems like the system works and it was really thoroughly checked before sending to me. Badge says that it's manufactured in Vietnam, not China.
- the weight is a bit heavier than average (2,8 kg with neck and mouthpiece). Google says that YAS-280 is 2,4 kg, so the construction is defenetely strong and you immediately see it and feel it in your hands.
- greate ergonomic, my fingers find buttons immediately as I take it in hands. Buttons are not excessevely firm and have nice travel and response.
- metal resonators (YAS has plastic), pearl-like buttons, not simple white plastic.
- sound is on the dark side, I'd say closer to tenor than to other altos (though I don't have any other instrument in hands for direct comparison and can judge only by listening other models on YTB). It's is exactly what I wanted, deep and dark sound. On the other hand the power is very good if you give it a good blow.
The set includes the following:
- rather good neck strap, nicely padded and comfortable. It has a tape, not rope, so does not twist, though a bit harder to adjust with 1 hand. And it has a rather tight metal (but plastic covered) hook, rather than carabiner as many others. So very usefull and do not require immediate replacement.
- mouthpiece with a small opening, visually similar to Yamaha 4c, execution is good, it is easy to play on and I keep using it along with Otto Link Tone Edge Alto 5*, which I also ordered, because I was afraid that the stock one would be unusable. Going to keep using it as it gives a different tone to the Otto and I want to practice adjusting my ambouchure.
- the real disappointment is the stock ligature - it is very tight, you need to open it to the last thread to fit the reed, and it's scratchy, made marks on the MPC after several uses, and generally made of thin tin. Was immediately replaced with Rovner Dark 1RL which is greate thing itself, easy to use, makes sound noticebly darker and smoother than the stock one and pretty cheap at the same time.
- the set also had 2 Thomann 2.0 reeds. They are ok, still keep using the 1st one alternating with Harry Hartmann Fiberreed Onyx S, which is thinner, better responding, much more consistent in terms of sound and much easier to derive sound, sounding stronger and deeper. Bought some other reeds to try and compare, but still have not used, happy with Onyx so far.
- the case is nicely padded, comfortable to carry, with useful and large pocket outside and a big compartment for odds inside. Should serve for a long time.

Overall, greate instrument with distinctive sound and look. Slightly more expensive than YAS-280 or similar level instruments, but at the same time has appeal of a different level instrument without student badge attached.

I strongly recommend to try it when selecting your new instrument. It may and will surprise you in a good way. Thomann really put much efforts in designing and manufacturing this instrument and it shows.

Hallo,

Ich habe das schöne Stück gestern erhalten und konnte seitdem die Finger nicht davon lassen ;) Die Verarbeitung ist super. Es sieht sehr edel aus! Der Klang ist gut, die Mechanik leichtgängig. Im Vergleich zu meinem Jupiter ist der Klang ebenbürdig und ... es schaut einfach verdammt gut aus!

Sonstiges: Es sind 1.5er Plättchen dabei. Ich habe aus dem Bundle die 2.5er Vandoren dazubestellt. Weiterhin ist auch ein Halsgurt dabei - auch den habe ich im Bundle nochmal dabei gehabt. Von der Verpackung her: Einfach zuviel ^^ Eine Karton mit 4-facher Größe des Saxophonkartons.