Buffet is a saxophone I've had in my collection since 1981 of various models. I would say that all the ones i've had demonstrate the same overriding design principles, which are to be mellow, rich, with great intonation. This would be the number one go-to for playing a non-solo part in a band. I've never been able to make one of these "scream" of any model or year of Buffet, but I've obviously not owned all of them (I do own this particular Buffet 400). My personal take on these is that they align with what I've read about the original intentions for the saxophone by Adophe Sax, and they do that better than all others in my opinion. I do think they are a different animal than most other saxophones in that respect. Being made in China or Taiwan as an issue, I'll only say that horns are made according to the design principles of a designer, and sound accordingly. I wouldn't draw connections between a buffet and cheaply made horns from the same region, because my experience is that the cheapness of those amazon horns doesn't spread like a virus due to geographic proximity, and also that you are kidding yourself if you think your
I had a student several years ago with a 400 alto. One cool thing was that they fixed the intonation of third space C# and fourth line D so they were in tune. But the problem was that the rest of their class was playing horns with the usual flat C# and sharp D. so then the kid with the Buffet was the one that sounded grossly out of tune because they didn't have the usual pitch problems.I felt bad for the kiddo because they were actually progressing well for a beginner, but the "improved tuning" was really making playing with the group a nightmare
I own one, got second hand for $900 and I think it's great! I didn't realise that my cheap as entry level alto was so cheaply made until I played the Buffet Tenor Series 400, it has an amazingly tight feeling to it
Worst saxophone ever. I directly compared a new Buffet 400 to a new Jupiter student model and my old Conn 16M in need of overhaul. Even with four different mouthpiece and a couple reed strengths, I could only get middle register notes out, and they were not pretty. I might try a different one at another authorized dealer; however, I have tried seven other brands/models and don't have much hope this will crawl out of last place.
Buffet is a saxophone I've had in my collection since 1981 of various models. I would say that all the ones i've had demonstrate the same overriding design principles, which are to be mellow, rich, with great intonation. This would be the number one go-to for playing a non-solo part in a band. I've never been able to make one of these "scream" of any model or year of Buffet, but I've obviously not owned all of them (I do own this particular Buffet 400). My personal take on these is that they align with what I've read about the original intentions for the saxophone by Adophe Sax, and they do that better than all others in my opinion. I do think they are a different animal than most other saxophones in that respect. Being made in China or Taiwan as an issue, I'll only say that horns are made according to the design principles of a designer, and sound accordingly. I wouldn't draw connections between a buffet and cheaply made horns from the same region, because my experience is that the cheapness of those amazon horns doesn't spread like a virus due to geographic proximity, and also that you are kidding yourself if you think your
do you think Albert Ayler can scream on his SuperDynAction?
@@DexBatfink yup, thanks for pointing out that my comment is purely anecdotal ! Ayler screams!
I had a student several years ago with a 400 alto. One cool thing was that they fixed the intonation of third space C# and fourth line D so they were in tune. But the problem was that the rest of their class was playing horns with the usual flat C# and sharp D. so then the kid with the Buffet was the one that sounded grossly out of tune because they didn't have the usual pitch problems.I felt bad for the kiddo because they were actually progressing well for a beginner, but the "improved tuning" was really making playing with the group a nightmare
I own one, got second hand for $900 and I think it's great! I didn't realise that my cheap as entry level alto was so cheaply made until I played the Buffet Tenor Series 400, it has an amazingly tight feeling to it
College sax players always have a spare 4K laying around. I had to play a Martin. Sucked.
Yes, it does smell very Chinese 😅
Sounds like a lot of money for tenors that's made in China
Worst saxophone ever. I directly compared a new Buffet 400 to a new Jupiter student model and my old Conn 16M in need of overhaul. Even with four different mouthpiece and a couple reed strengths, I could only get middle register notes out, and they were not pretty. I might try a different one at another authorized dealer; however, I have tried seven other brands/models and don't have much hope this will crawl out of last place.
Heavy in the pocketbook... Does not make it a quality horn