My friend Matt always seems to have very interesting musical instruments. Today I looked a very heavy gold alto sax made by Conn. It had the famous Naked Lady logo but this was the first time I had seen the logo with the full body torso. This instrument is due for a full refurbishing with new pads, adjustments, and a light polishing so as not to ruin the finish or engravings. I expect this instrument will go for over $5000 to a collector in Japan or Europe.
I also looked at a Kohler & Chase bass sax that is not to be confused with instruments made by Kohlert. Matt suspects that this instrument was originally made in France but there are no distinctive markings or engraving clues.
This instrument is in very nice condition having just had an overhaul and polishing done on it. As is true with all the bass saxes I’ve tried getting the D2 to speak was difficult but using the palm key D got the note play just find thank you. I would need a lot of time on this instrument to get it to play as strongly as I would want it to.
Using a neck strap is definitely not the way to go for a bass sax neophyte like me. With in minutes I could feel the weight start to feel uncomfortable. This is where a nice sax stand would come in nice. And I’m really anxious to get the Runyon Custom bass sax mouthpiec that has been reworked by Paul Coats. It will be interesting to see it this reworked mouthpiece will improve the intonation, dynamics, and sound of the bass sax.
Thelonius, we call him Theo, is now four months and quite the ball of energy. He loves to chew on our feet, try to craw up our legs, eat and play. You can run him for a long time before he gets tired. He sleeps with our other cat Max in the bed at night and is able to sleep the whole night without waking us now. This is a picture of the sated Theo after a nice big turkey dinner. Happy Holidays everyone.
About Gandalfe
Just an itinerant saxophonist trying to find life between the changes. I have retired from the Corps of Engineers and Microsoft. I am an admin on the Woodwind Forum, run the Pacifica Big Band (formerly the Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Orchestra) and participate in other ensembles. Mostly enjoy time with family and friends.
The Bis Key Chronicles 
Thanks for stopping by, G. As you see on my space I was a piano tech. in some former years. Never heard of a Petrof, tho. Another thing to google. How did you decide on it? Nice update to your page with the mellow sax. Had to turn off the Haydn I was playing–nothing like two opposing ‘musics’ playing simultaneously to drive you instantly insane! Way-cute kitty, too. When I used to play flute my cat Cinnamon would come over to me, and put her paw on my knee, and dig her claws in slightly, with a pained expression on her furry orange face. There was no question she was saying, "Do you HAVE to play that thing?–it hurts my ears!
Nice kitten. :o)