Such a beautifully maintained instrument. It's always a pleasure to see your passion in the craft. It's mesmerizing to see you comment on -almost- invisible details. Great work!
Thanks for this fascinating video. I play a 1979 S1 tenor that Phil Noy (here in Melbourne) has just rebuilt it with Roo pads. I love it. I've used it in big bands, rock bands and small ensembles. It can scream or whisper, and the first tenor (Selmer balanced action) in big band asked me how I get those smoky low notes even though we're both playing Jody HR 8's!
I have a Senzo and this video was actually very useful in undestranding my instruent, since the S1 and the Senzo share a lot of similarities. Thank you very much !
Hi Matt, great video and an excellent overview. I've owned two Buffet Prestige, which is the copper version of this horn. One of them was made for the French market and the other had an "A" after the serial number. The tuning was very different. The French market one, according to Daniel Deffayet, was tuned to A444, and the American to A440. The French one tended towards flat in the palm keys when I played at forte, but one summer I played with an orchestra and it was sweltering, the violins were playing 445+, and the Buffet went from magical to glorious and the tuning was perfection. I miss that horn (Arno Bornkamp now uses it). Arno, if you are out there, I would buy it back in a heartbeat (full disclosure, I bought it from Arno originally). One thing you missed is that this instrument is about an inch shorter than a Selmer, for example, and the neck has a notch cut out of it to accommodate the high F# key. Amazing that the dimensions could be so different and yet if functions as one is use to on a more common saxophone. I believe the Senzo body is still made by Buffet and it really has an incredible sound, but the keywork is less than stellar. On the other hand, the keywork on the S1 and the Prestige, while truly interesting, is somewhat over-engineered, though beautifully finished. The Prestige is a work of art.
cool, thanks for the input. I've heard the, but I am trying to find out for sure from Buffet. Will definitely update the description when/if I can get a response. But if you play a horn with the E on the end and have no problem tuning to blend with an ensemble, that is definitely good either way!
Great video, I've watched it several times (along with the SDA video). I just got an S1 tenor, and it's a great horn. It occurs to me that someone with better ears than I could test the resonance effect of the bell to body brace by clamping it with small pieces of thin padded plywood. Just a thought. Anyway, thanks again for all of your videos and your efforts on the Open Source Saxophone Project.
THis really is a beautiful instrument. What is interesting to me is that most of the biggest UK classical saxophone names all play Buffet S1 altos. John Harle, Simon Haram, Rob Buckland (I think, although I'm not sure), Gerard McChrystal etc.
I have a 1978 S-1 and, yes, it's pitched at 442. According to several internet sites, Buffet added a letter "E" (apparently for European) at the end of the serial number for every horn pitched at A=442. In fact, my horn's serial number does end with an "E", whereas I've playtested other S-1s that were at standard, A=440, without a letter "E". By the way, for even an averaged-skilled saxophonist, controlling an S-1 with 442 tuning to blend with any ensemble with 440 horns is not a problem.
Excellent review. I own two alto S1's , the better one is of the same vintage as this one, I've owned it for 10 years and am fortunate to have a great tech. The C shaped bridge between the body and the bell had to be resoldered. I really appreciate your points on the types of contact materials you use to make the keys slide, non compressible, thin and to the right tolerance, all very important attributes. Your video was very valuable to me. Thanks for making it and sharing.
Thank you for this. I recently unearthed my S1 bought new many years ago in the early 1980s and this was very helpful and informative. Question, did you ever find out anything about the possibility about there being a 440 and 442 version?
I bought a silver anniversary edition from a Brit. about 14 years ago. It turns out to be the actual one in the gallery on the saxpics site. Any idea how many silver ones were made?
Hi thanks a lot for sharing this video, I’ve just found a S1 but it has Super Dynaction on the back is that possible? Its in very good shape and they are asking just $513 for it Im considering it but also wanna know if this is better than a Conn 6M or Chu Berry or either a Ida Maria Grassi Saxophone? Thanks in advance. Greetings from Mexico
Hi i recently got a ROC buffett crampon ( taiwan ) nearly new . ( my first sax ) i know its not a serious sax but I would like to know is it better Elkhart (as or ii ) because I'm looking to get a new sax . if Elkhart do better i ll go for it if not a Jupiter IAS500 would be my second choice . could you please just briefly advice me on this topic . many thanks
I've got a '74 S1 Alto that i've recently had re-padded. I've put metal resos in an attempt to brighten the sound for a bigger cut in the live environment. I'm finding the thickness of the metal pads to be an issue with getting the tuning and tone nailed down. Or rather I should say the shop is having a time bringing the horn back in spec. I don't have any more room to open up the pads, they're as open as they can get. I need flatten the tuning and open a tonal choke high on the neck. Did you find you needed to use thinner than normal pads on this overhaul? Did you run into issues setting the key heights?
Thiago Nicodemo I think pad and resonator choice is largely personal preference. See my other video, "The Best Saxophone Pads" for more on what I think about this.
***** Thank you again, Matt, for your reply. I recently bought a 1978 S-1 tenor. I had it overhaul in Brazil. Thanks to your review I was able to opine and help to enhance some adjustments, especially, on the pinky table and low C/Eb mechanism. I've chosen plastic brown resos, just like a late mark VI. The result was good (much darker and less focused than a Mark VI). But I was wondering about the original set up, do you know something about it? I guess there were metal resos, and the sound was "brighter".
I have exactly the same alto sax, but it says Superdynaction behind instead of S1. Somebody here knows the reason? Maybe Buffet changed first the model superdynaction and later the name and my sax is one of the first S1? Of they build S1 on Superdynaction body? I sopousse that's not possible. ..
Amazing review brother, thanks so much for sharing that beautiful piece of sax. So refreshing. Buffet done a good job
Such a beautifully maintained instrument.
It's always a pleasure to see your passion in the craft. It's mesmerizing to see you comment on -almost- invisible details. Great work!
Thanks for this fascinating video. I play a 1979 S1 tenor that Phil Noy (here in Melbourne) has just rebuilt it with Roo pads. I love it. I've used it in big bands, rock bands and small ensembles. It can scream or whisper, and the first tenor (Selmer balanced action) in big band asked me how I get those smoky low notes even though we're both playing Jody HR 8's!
I have a Senzo and this video was actually very useful in undestranding my instruent, since the S1 and the Senzo share a lot of similarities. Thank you very much !
Hi Matt, great video and an excellent overview. I've owned two Buffet Prestige, which is the copper version of this horn. One of them was made for the French market and the other had an "A" after the serial number. The tuning was very different. The French market one, according to Daniel Deffayet, was tuned to A444, and the American to A440. The French one tended towards flat in the palm keys when I played at forte, but one summer I played with an orchestra and it was sweltering, the violins were playing 445+, and the Buffet went from magical to glorious and the tuning was perfection. I miss that horn (Arno Bornkamp now uses it). Arno, if you are out there, I would buy it back in a heartbeat (full disclosure, I bought it from Arno originally). One thing you missed is that this instrument is about an inch shorter than a Selmer, for example, and the neck has a notch cut out of it to accommodate the high F# key. Amazing that the dimensions could be so different and yet if functions as one is use to on a more common saxophone. I believe the Senzo body is still made by Buffet and it really has an incredible sound, but the keywork is less than stellar. On the other hand, the keywork on the S1 and the Prestige, while truly interesting, is somewhat over-engineered, though beautifully finished. The Prestige is a work of art.
cool, thanks for the input. I've heard the, but I am trying to find out for sure from Buffet. Will definitely update the description when/if I can get a response. But if you play a horn with the E on the end and have no problem tuning to blend with an ensemble, that is definitely good either way!
Great review ! Im a beginner and to see the differences close up and know what to look for in a horn is important to learn
Excellent review - one of the best I've seen. Thanks
Awesome, thank you!
Another interesting presentation. Thank you!
Great video, I've watched it several times (along with the SDA video). I just got an S1 tenor, and it's a great horn. It occurs to me that someone with better ears than I could test the resonance effect of the bell to body brace by clamping it with small pieces of thin padded plywood. Just a thought. Anyway, thanks again for all of your videos and your efforts on the Open Source Saxophone Project.
Wow beautiful sax!
cool man, thanks!
THis really is a beautiful instrument. What is interesting to me is that most of the biggest UK classical saxophone names all play Buffet S1 altos. John Harle, Simon Haram, Rob Buckland (I think, although I'm not sure), Gerard McChrystal etc.
I have a 1978 S-1 and, yes, it's pitched at 442. According to several internet sites, Buffet added a letter "E" (apparently for European) at the end of the serial number for every horn pitched at A=442. In fact, my horn's serial number does end with an "E", whereas I've playtested other S-1s that were at standard, A=440, without a letter "E". By the way, for even an averaged-skilled saxophonist, controlling an S-1 with 442 tuning to blend with any ensemble with 440 horns is not a problem.
Very nice review! You should post some videos, playing some of this amazing horns. Thanks and Congratulations from Portugal
Thanks for sharing--I've learned a lot from your videos! Would love to see a tenor S1 too if you ever have one to work on
very cool and very interesting!
Mind blown...
Excellent review. I own two alto S1's , the better one is of the same vintage as this one, I've owned it for 10 years and am fortunate to have a great tech. The C shaped bridge between the body and the bell had to be resoldered. I really appreciate your points on the types of contact materials you use to make the keys slide, non compressible, thin and to the right tolerance, all very important attributes. Your video was very valuable to me. Thanks for making it and sharing.
right on man, glad to help!
Thank you for this. I recently unearthed my S1 bought new many years ago in the early 1980s and this was very helpful and informative. Question, did you ever find out anything about the possibility about there being a 440 and 442 version?
Great video. Would love if you can do a video talking about the buffet senzo saxophone
I have a buffet s1, unfortunately I noticed that the welding is highlighted in the bell, can I consider it a defect?
I bought a silver anniversary edition from a Brit. about 14 years ago. It turns out to be the actual one in the gallery on the saxpics site. Any idea how many silver ones were made?
Hi thanks a lot for sharing this video, I’ve just found a S1 but it has Super Dynaction on the back is that possible? Its in very good shape and they are asking just $513 for it Im considering it but also wanna know if this is better than a Conn 6M or Chu Berry or either a Ida Maria Grassi Saxophone? Thanks in advance. Greetings from Mexico
Hi
i recently got a ROC buffett crampon ( taiwan ) nearly new . ( my first sax )
i know its not a serious sax but I would like to know is it better Elkhart (as or ii )
because I'm looking to get a new sax . if Elkhart do better i ll go for it if not a Jupiter IAS500 would be my second choice . could you please just briefly advice me on this topic .
many thanks
I've got a '74 S1 Alto that i've recently had re-padded. I've put metal resos in an attempt to brighten the sound for a bigger cut in the live environment. I'm finding the thickness of the metal pads to be an issue with getting the tuning and tone nailed down. Or rather I should say the shop is having a time bringing the horn back in spec.
I don't have any more room to open up the pads, they're as open as they can get. I need flatten the tuning and open a tonal choke high on the neck. Did you find you needed to use thinner than normal pads on this overhaul? Did you run into issues setting the key heights?
Greg Barrett .160 pads should do the job fine.
Matt, thank you for sharing your amazing work. Can you tell something about the appropriate pad/resos for a S-1?
Thiago Nicodemo I think pad and resonator choice is largely personal preference. See my other video, "The Best Saxophone Pads" for more on what I think about this.
***** Thank you again, Matt, for your reply. I recently bought a 1978 S-1 tenor. I had it overhaul in Brazil. Thanks to your review I was able to opine and help to enhance some adjustments, especially, on the pinky table and low C/Eb mechanism. I've chosen plastic brown resos, just like a late mark VI. The result was good (much darker and less focused than a Mark VI). But I was wondering about the original set up, do you know something about it? I guess there were metal resos, and the sound was "brighter".
I have exactly the same alto sax, but it says Superdynaction behind instead of S1. Somebody here knows the reason? Maybe Buffet changed first the model superdynaction and later the name and my sax is one of the first S1? Of they build S1 on Superdynaction body? I sopousse that's not possible. ..
My SDA alto is the same. It has transitional S1 keywork. No high F#, though.