Selmer ‘La Vie’
The Selmer ‘La Vie’ range hails from the American Conn connection and is a superb example of quality Taiwanese workmanship. OK, this isn’t a Parisien peach, but it does have a lot to shout about! The ‘La Vie’ range covers both Alto and Tenor instruments, the AS/TS 250 combines a red brass neck, body and bow with a yellow brass bell, while the AS/TS 240 features a bronze neck, body and bow with a similarly attached yellow brass bell. 

Coming with high Gs, the overall setup of these instruments is very similar to the 80s Mk2 with Mk3 palm keys. Our Alto samples had a very solid feel and were well built with superb attention to detail. The key action on both instruments was very positive with firm springing and no “clanking”, although our bronze model was a little “foggy” through the bottom C to G. Both the AS250 and AS240 had good intonation and were easy to play. However, we found the AS240 Bronze a mite too bright for the sound that is normally associated with bronze bodied instruments, its overall colours more suited to a classical palette. By contrast, the red brass AS250 shone like a beacon, with a more flexible sound and great dynamics right through the range from pianissimo to fortissimo - there was generally a lot more guts to this instrument – a true jazzer!

Antigua Tenor
This solid looking tenor sax from American ‘Antigua Winds’ is aimed squarely at the music student/semi-professional market. With a key work setup that is as close as you’ll get to the Selmer Series 2, it is a superbly built instrument with a very responsive and solid action. The well finished top post and the excellent octave mechanism contribute to the overall quality feel, while certain details, such as the strong springs and metal rather than plastic reflectors in the pods – a sure sign of a good resonator – give further weight to the Antigua’s classy credentials. This horn has also got great dynamics and the tuning isn’t bad either, with our sample effortlessly hitting middle and top Eb in tune. The tone is in the easy/ mellow vein, but has an edge that will please the hard bopper. Coming with an excellent padded strap, a 4C generic mouthpiece and a medium 3 reed, the whole kit is packed into a high quality preformed ABS case with key locks and top and side handles.

Yamaha Bossa Nova guitar
This latest offering from the Yamaha acoustic stable has all the style of a true Brazilian Bossa instrument – the matt top table, the ebony board and the stumped headstock with its gold and mock Agate machine heads. The top table is made from solid spruce, while the two piece back and the sides come in cypress. The neck, like those of many new instruments, is made from Nato as opposed to other less plentiful hardwoods and has a surprisingly shallow ‘U’ profile, but is super smooth and a dream to play from. With a 650mm string scale and a 53mm nut, the Bossa Nova follows classic lines down to its stepped 3rd rosewood bridge, which is beautifully finished, although oddly decorated with a traditional Inca motif, which also appears on the backplate. Factory set action was perfect for light fingers, while the tone and volume are well balanced over the full range of the instrument, with an overall warmth and plenty of width on the treble in true Yamaha fashion. Intonation on our sample was spot on and harmonics came through bright and clear. The Bossa Nova is definitely a class act, offering armfuls of attack if you want to dig deep, while at the same time giving a defined clarity for solo work.