Pass the collection plate around....

I've started the fund. It's the "Eric needs a new Sax" fund. It's funny how everyone places different values on things. Well, what I mean is, in order to start the "Sax fund", I sold my autographed Peyton Manning jersey. I'll be putting any money I make from paying gigs into the fund as well. It might take me a while to save up the kind of dough I'll need. Right now I've got my heart set on a professional Yamaha horn. (The Yamaha 82Z "Custom Z" to be exact.) Mainly because I've been playing on Yamaha Saxes since the 6th grade. AND if it's good enough for Phil Woods, it's good enough for me.

Something I find interesting is that Yamaha has done something different with the new 82Z. They are offering an unlaquered model. What does that mean? Well, basically, the horn lacks the protective coat that gives it that "brand new sax" shine. Check this out. Here are some pics posted by a guy who has been playing on his unlaquered Z for just over a year now:

Side Pic1
Side Pic 2
Pic 3

So why would someone want to take their horn and make go from this(PIC), to this(PIC)???

Well, because it's cool, of course!! Yeah, I know. That's all a matter of opinion. But in the least, it's kind of neat. There are plenty of folks out there who argue that the unlaquered horn produces a deeper, darker tone. Having never played one, I can't tell ya. But what I do think is cool, is to have the feel and mechanics of a brand new horn with the looks of a 45 year old horn. I can dig it.

-Eric.