NEW BRAND LAUNCH!
ATLANTIC LONDON have entered the pro saxophone market with a stunning first model - The Duke
We're very excited here at SAX to be offering the first professional line of saxophones from Atlantic London. These stunning instruments are available in cognac and unlacquered finishes and combine a unique array of aesthetics, a powerful sound and a superior playing experience.
SOUND CONCEPT
The Duke is made from a high quality brass, features a RESO+ neck, rolled tone holes, ribbed body construction and an enlarged bell. The resulting sound is one of warmth, huge core and an abundance of power. Perfect for the demands of the modern sax player where one minute you may wish to blend in and the next cut through with power and authority.
DESIGN/AESTHETICS
The key ergonomics have been designed with familiarity in mind and vere towards more of a compact set-up, with closely-arranged palm key clusters and easily accessible table keys. The key work has been manufactured with low tolerances in mind, offering the player a secure and robust set-up that will hold up to scrutiny over time.
A very important aspect in the presentation of these instruments is to have great playability. Atlantic have created a key-action that is smooth, consistent and relatively light throughout, giving an effortless playing experience.
In a nod towards Conn saxophones, the Duke features low Bb/B, C and Eb wire-style keyguards. In a similar vein the octave key incorporates the same design, giving the sax a unique visual identity.
The choice of unlacquered or cognac finishes again makes the instrument contrast with the vast array of standard lacquer saxes on the market. But whatreallygives these saxes a distinct visual identity is their impressive engraving, featuring a hybrid traditional/art-deco style design. This work is completed by hand, courtesy of the factory's master engraver.
THE COMPLETE PACKAGE
The Duke is provided as a package that includes an abundance of high quality bespoke accessories and extras. These include:
• Premium shaped case with stylish two-tone finish
•SYOS mouthpiece and Ligature - custom design model
•Brown Leather padded strap - brass hook and wide adjuster
•Silverstein Omnicap
• Bespoke metal end cap
•Padded shoulder straps for the case
ATLANTIC LONDON was set up by Jamie Straker in 2018. As one of the Directors at SAX he was well placed to set up a team of experienced players and technicians based in London and, with this enhanced level of expertise, design a saxophone that would be superb on every level. Pairing up with a factory that offers quality products as standard and who were willing to experiment with various design parameters, the team were able to create a range of saxophones that stood out from the crowd and offer something different from many of the other professional brands on the market.
In designing these instruments, the team wished to draw inspiration from some of the classic saxophones in our history - Conn in the USA and Selmer Paris in Europe, hence the name 'Atlantic' as a means to connect these great innovators of the past and present.
STAFF REVIEW
I've always been a fan of vintage-inspired modern saxes, especially when they are well conceived and offer the kind of playing experience that inspires and excites. That's definitely the feeling I have with this first range of instruments from Atlantic. Over the past few years, whilst this brand and its models have been developing, I have been bearing witness from the sidelines with interest. Even though I have given space to Jamie and his team during this time, allowing them to develop the instruments according to their own criteria, my one request was to have a sax that has great playability. You want to be able to pick up the sax and just let it play, without having to do battle with the key action to make it respond properly! Well on this front I have to say that I'm delighted with the smooth, light and even action. This allows me to get straight on with the music and enjoy the tone that is being produced - and boy, what a tone! Big, powerful, plenty of breadth and core.
Coupled with a great tone and playability I also love the look of these horns! The key guards look really cool and give off a vintage vibe that you don't see on any other modern sax. The cognac lacquer looks great and really makes the engraving jump out at you - but equally the unlacquered finish looks amazing. If anything, I found that the UL finish gives off a slightly freer and more open sound.
I also appreciate the fact that all the extra details have been taken care of - even down to things like providing a high-quality metal end cap! Sounds trivial, but you immediately notice it when opening the case, and all these details feed through to an overall sense of fulfilment. Included in this is the inclusion of a SYOS mouthpiece - the black and white colour scheme looks fab in contrast to the sax, but they also blow well and complement the tone of the saxes. Okay, it's true to say that a good deal of players will choose to use their own mouthpiece, but it's worth noting that this SYOS piece is no throw-away mouthpiece. I particularly like the tone on the alto - it stacks up well against my trusted Meyer!
Jim Cheek
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