I was on the Bass Saxophone Coop forum and I ran into a post by Jay Heath (all pictures are by Jay) of Middletown Music. He had what looked to me to be my ‘special’ custom bass sax by Benedikt Eppelsheim. There was the prototype Venus and what looks to be the special lacquer color I specified for my bass sax.

However, this instrument doesn’t go down to low A like the one Benedikt is building me. The bell of that instrument will come up to just above the neck line.

And that means that I’ll need a custom case to carry it but I think it will be worth it. I’ve already purchased an arrangement of "You’re a Mean One Mr Grinch" which is a feature piece for the bass or countrabass sax. That solo goes down to low A so I decided to go ahead and request that even though it will make the instrument heavier.

I actually asked Mr. Eppelsheim if he use William-Adolphe Bouguerau’s  "The Birth of Venus" and he is working with his engraver to see what they can come up with. I am expecting the instrument sometime this Fall and in time for the Christmas Concert. Now if I can get the director to okay the song and hope that the Woodinville Community Band does a Christmas Concert this year.