What is the best tenor saxophone Signature Custom Raw Saxophone Designer David Farley

🎷 Start your Sax School PRO 14-Day Trial: bit.ly/SigRw14ssp
🎷 OTHER SAXOPHONE REVIEWS HERE: bit.ly/BestTenorSaxReviews
How do you design a world class saxophone? I talk to lead designer David Farley about how he developed the amazing Signature Custom RAW XS tenor for Trevor James.
Check out my Signature Custom RAW review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKird6l8r55jmpo
In this video:
00:00 Introducing David Farley from Trevor James
3:00 Working with Pro Players
4:05 Chatting about the set up and Tone
4:35 How does it find it’s sound
7:00 Stripping it back. What matters in a horn?
8:45 Modern or Vintage Saxophones?
11:30 Building the sax
14:00 Why not find out more about Sax School
Other resources for you:
✪✪ TRY SAX SCHOOL: bit.ly/DvdPry_TrySaxSchoolOnlineToday
✪ EXPLORE MY COURSES HERE:: www.mcgillmusic.com/courses
✪ CELEBRITY SAX INTERVIEWS, LESSONS AND MORE ON THE SAX SCHOOL BLOG: www.mcgillmusic.com/blog/
✪ MOUTHPIECE AND GEAR REVIEWS: bit.ly/SaxGearReviews
✪✪ SAVE 5% on CloudVocal microphone Here: lihi1.com/xTQ4b
Enter Coupon: MCGILLSAXSCHOOL2020
✪✪ GET 10% OFF YOUR NEXT THEO WANNE MOUTHPIECE:
bit.ly/TheoWanneSaxSchool
Enter Coupon: SaxSchool10
✪✪ MY FAVOURITE PRODUCTS
Hercules Alto/Tenor Sax Stand: amzn.to/2MOdcXw
Hercules Tall Alto/Tenor Stand: amzn.to/3f8PNfG
K&M 14340 folding Alto/Tenor Stand: amzn.to/3fgXIaZ
Cebulla Neck Strap: amzn.to/2UsK64s
Jazzlabs Sax Holder: amzn.to/3f9Gw71
Lègére Signature 2.5 Alto Reed: amzn.to/2YoEWY3
Lègére Signature 2.5 Tenor Reed: amzn.to/2BUEXvx
AKG C414 XLII Microphone: amzn.to/3cQqBZQ
Audio Interface - Universal Audio Apollo Twin: amzn.to/2YpJoWR
SAX SCHOOL ON FACEBOOK: SaxSchool/
CONNECT WITH SAXSCHOOL ON INSTAGRAM: mcgillmusicsaxschool
Disclaimer: Some links are "affiliate links" which means I make a small commission on any sales. This helps to fund this channel and the lessons I make for you. Thanks!
Gear we use: www.amazon.co.uk/shop/mcgillmusicsaxschool

[@gamasax]

Hello Mcgill. I have a repair shop in Portugal (Gamasax repair shop) and a couple of weeks ago, a German player came here with a RAW unit. I playtested it before i put my hands to work, and i felt nothing specially good about the horn. At first inspection, i understood why it was impossible to play well. One hour after being to work on, i playtested it again... What a huge surprise. It is all we want from a top quality saxophone wrapped in a modern keywork. It is funny as hell! Sounds like an old piece but very solidly built and every key is in the right place. I would love to know mr. David Farley personally to change ideas with him. What a great work they have done!!! Congratulations Hugo Gama (from Gamasax repair shop, Portugal)

[@craigray4775]

That sounds like an amazing horn. Lush warm sound, my favorite. From hearing Mr Farley describing the process is really, as in nature, has gradually evolved into an apex saxophone, everything honed to be exactly spot on. An being able to hear it from a master player like Nigel really brings out those those qualities. I love watching these videos and try to pick up on the little subtleties.

[@johnfisher4369]

Thanks Nigel, that was great. I happen to be a Chartered Engineer (Retired) that plays a Trevor James Signature Custom RAW Tenor Sax and loves it. I bought it because of how it has been developed and like the fact that it is made in the UK. I could listen to David Farley all day. Can we have more from him sometime please?

[@spontaneousgroovincombusti2902]

Thanks for this Nigel! Really proud to be the latest official endorser of Signature Custom! Exciting to see head boffin, Dave Farley in action! When I met this tenor, I kissed a Mark VI and Custom Z goodbye. The TJ SC has the best of the best in one horn. And as Nigel says, the tone is gorgeous.

[@erichiss2470]

David Farley is one of the most helpful guys that are working in the UK sax "world". There's a bit of him in every Signature Custom horn!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Tim, great to hear that. David is a nice chap.

[@richardgeorge1522]

Excellent and informative video, David is such a nice chap! Thanks.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Richard!

[@Baboon4215]

Very nice, thanks for sharing. Trevor James Saxophones are really great. A friend of mine when to NAMM and got to try one of their Saxophones through their US dealer--he really liked them. He bought the Trevor James Signature Custom Alto and it's an amazing instrument. Here in the US, they're becoming a very popular line of Saxophones.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cool, great to hear that. I’ll have to give the altos a go at some point too!

[@TheJazz625]

Dave Farley worked on my saxophone many years ago, super nice guy and a complete whizz as a saxophone designer. If they had the TJ Raw 20 years ago, I would defo bought one.

[@richardwelsford3508]

Hi Nigel. I've been itching to tel you this, have you considered the new 'Eastman 52nd street' tenor sax. Apparently it's so amazing that the Legend Bob Mintzer plays it instead of his trusty Selmer SBA. Looks like you can't go wrong with the Trevor James Raw tenor though. Loving your work Nigel.👍🏻🎷

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Richard, I’ve had a few suggestions about the Eastman 52nd St. I’ll need to try one!

[@wilfeaton]

I've got the Andy Sheppard Autograph Series horn. Absolutely fantastic. Dark sound, easy to play, in tune top to bottom, perfect ergonomics. It's designed by Andy and built by David Farley based on the Signature Custom in the video. Only 100 will be made (I have no 78!) but it incorporates all the fundamentals of the Signature series. I agree with everything said on the video!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Great to hear that. I’d love to have a blow on one of those Andy Sheppard saxes.

[@a1saxy]

Great informative video Nigel, thanks. I'd love to learn more about P. Mauriat Tenor Saxophones (66R and system 76) if you could do a review on them please?

[@apistosig4173]

G'day Nigel - very interesting chat. Me? I just can't get interested in 'most' of the new horns but this Custom Raw seems appealing. Maybe when this zombie apocalypse is over I'll be back in the UK and if so would definitely love a play. I adore my G.H.Huller and Kohlert tenors. take care

[@vincentgaglio5106]

I might just get one. Hearing Mr. Farley I become a believer wow

[@Bigtbuilder]

Great interview Nigel. Would love to see the same with the SR and SR Evo as the subject as for me the Raw is maybe a step too far at this early stage but the SR might be possible.

[@vincentgaglio5106]

Great video

[@Samuel-ge7im]

Nice video Nigel

[@kevthehorn]

Hi Nigel . My friend John out of the Jive Aces plays one he loves it

[@johnfilardi]

Great interviews , I own a custom sc

[@vincentgaglio5106]

I believe I will look to purchase one, researching it, if I do purchase an Alto I will let you know

[@Happilee97]

These reviews are very helpful! I would love to hear your thoughts of a P.Mauriat System 76 or PMXT...or both!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thanks Lee. I’d definitely like to try those too.

[@fabianludwig6021]

Hey Nigel! Great Video! I'd love to hear your take on the SeaWind Phil Dwyer Tenor!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Fabian. I’d like to try one of those too!

[@carloschalfon8158]

Nice video Nigel. You can try Eastman 52 , Andy sherper signature ( another premium TJ sax if am not wrong), lupifarro.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Great suggestions Carlos. Yes the Andy Shepard model is made by T.J. (I’ve heard great things about that one). Also interested to try the Lupifaro.

[@DCZander]

Awesome interview Nigel! Have you ever tried a Cannonball Tenor? I tried one when passing through Sam Ash in LA and was really surprised how much I liked it but haven’t really heard a professional’s view on it. Am definitely looking into Trevor James now - thanks!!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thanks Darren. I have played a couple different Cannonball saxes. The student models I tried are good and I really liked the Gerald Albright model - sounds (and looks) amazing!

[@ME-jr3zo]

Happy to se passion.

[@geoffreycox8687]

I think you should try the Ishimori Woodstoñe Tenor as it is about the best sax around

[@ailunzhao7239]

Hi Nigel The one on your hands is it Gold lacquered or unlacqered? It’s hard to see

[@stevepovey2489]

They are just along the road from me

[@vincentgaglio5106]

Do you maintain the instrument do to the fact that there is no lacquer.?

[@vincentgaglio5106]

Sax Dakota is one saxophone that maybe down the line if you have time, to do a video

[@ailunzhao7239]

tanx Nigel ，may i ask where exactly are the SC RAW made from? I hear it’s made in Taiwan ? Thank you

[@TheJazz625]

I heard that the components are sourced from a supplier in Taiwan, but assembly and setup is done in Kent.

[@bobblues1158]

Super interview! Thank you. The pivot screws have been a big problem with MANY Taiwan and Chinese horns. I would really like to try this. Is the model you have on this video with lacquer?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Hey Bob, no the sax I’m testing is their RAW XS model I think which is just a polished brass - no lacquer.

[@bobblues1158]

Ok! Thanks Nigel. Really interested to hear what your final choice will be.

[@ailunzhao7239]

Hi Bob, did you mean this sax is made in Taiwan?

[@bobblues1158]

@@ailunzhao7239 I am sorry, i just assumed it was designed in England and manufactured some place else, as are Cannonball , Mauriat and Eastman. I would also like to know where it is made.

[@ailunzhao7239]

bob bluesHi Bob The Cannonball are made in Taiwan for sure, the Eastman is made in Taiwan as well

[@gib321]

Why did you not play the instrument Nigel in this video.Is it hugely different from the Yanis you had recently?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Hi, have you seen my review of the custom RAW? You can check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKird6l8r55jmpo

[@stevepovey2489]

Can you ask if there are any plans to launch a Bari?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Great question!

[@stevepovey2489]

I'm in the market for one. I have lined up a Yani BW02 at a great price though

[@vincentgaglio5106]

Where can I go to look at buying one.?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

I’m not sure who stocks them in the US Vinny, but you could also try their website - they are based in the UK: tjsaxes.co.uk

[@vincentgaglio5106]

@@McGillMusicSaxSchool awesome

[@Amanet13]

So can you tell us finally which one did you choose.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Well I went with a Hanson but there have been massive production delays because of COVID. So, I’m still waiting.

[@matsmanteatern698]

Are they really totally made in UK? Just a question..Or maybe just assembled in UK and the parts still comes from Taiwan or China? Not to say it’s something bad with that, but if they are totally made in UK I have to say the price of these horns are very low!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

No it’s a great question. Actually Dave told me they are manufactured overseas but assembled, finished and setup here in the UK. Also what’s interesting is they seem to have quite a bit of control over the materials used / design etc which I think is why they have produced something that plays so well.

[@vincentgaglio5106]

Wow, interesting , I play Alto, I know they have Alto

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Vinny, I’ll need to try one.

[@vincentgaglio5106]

McGill Music Sax School I like the interview with Trevor James Sax, Mr Farley seems like he is really focused on the customer