What is the best tenor saxophone Signature Custom Raw Review

[@multimartinmusic10]

Hey Nigel, thanks for all the great reviews while you search for your next tenor. I was in Frank Zappa's band for every tour from 1981 on. I've owned a MK VI for decades that I bought back in 1964, brand new for $420!!!. I'm finally selling it after all these years and have entered into an endorsement agreement with Forestone, my new primary horn. If you've never played one, you owe it to yourself to experience what, for me, is the best sounding tenor I've ever played, the Forestone RX Unlacquered. I'd be curious to hear you test one and to hear your thoughts.

[@PhinAI]

After much researching and listening, I chose to buy a Signature Custom Raw. I have no regret. I play it with a Caravan mouthpiece, and it plays so sweetly! The keys function very smoothly. I vacillated between this and an Eastman 52nd Street. It will be fun to see which saxophone suits you best.

[@samgluck7112]

I own this sax and coupled it with a burg larsen metal mouthpiece and it’s wonderful. Ive had no issues (besides maybe my stamina.) the altissimo is the best i’ve ever experienced on a sax.

[@orlaspring363]

Sam Gluck in your opinion would it be too much sax for an intermediate player--requiring too much air, etc.?

[@johnfisher4369]

Thanks Nigel, you really looked like you enjoyed that. I have the same model and the same mouthpiece but I don't sound as good as you. However, it convinces me that I bought the right horn and now I have a benchmark to work to. Thanks again.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers John!

[@cangers21]

Ohhhh! That Webster part was so nice and warm. Beautiful and solid tone. It sounds solid.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers!

[@briancole2557]

I too have the Signature Custom Raw tenor. Had it for around 3.5 years and i absolutely love it. Has power, colour, and easy to keep in tune up and down the scales. I have had quite a few comments from listeners who love the look and the really beefy tones i can get from it..Probably partly me as well, but it has never let me down except for a spring that snapped once.and then i just used an elastic band to keep the key in place till i put a new spring in . Probably a lot of other Tenors would keep me happy too but the point is from the day i purchased it , played it, i never wanted to look elsewhere to update....Its just a really good horn...

[@markgomez2043]

I own and play the Trevor James “Signature Custom” Gold lacquer Tenor and just love it! I preferred the gold lacquer model over the Raw and believe any differences between the two would only be splitting hairs. I also own a Yamaha Custom II Z and a 1956 Selmer Mark VI and prefer the “Signature Custom” over all three! My second choice goes to the Yamaha Z! Third place goes to the Selmer! Keep in mind that all three are great horns but the “Signature Custom” really gives me more....by far! Glad that you have done this review! Really loved your version of Wilton Felder! Mmmmmm

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Mark. Really interesting to hear about your saxes. I definitely think the RAW is a surprisingly good horn!

[@ailunzhao7239]

Hi mark have try both of them ? I m going to buy one but still struggling for which version raw or gold lacquer? Could you give me some tips thanx lot

[@markgomez2043]

ailun zhao I have not tried both of them but from what I learned was that the difference was to close to call. I believe that and that any little difference would be small. The gold lacquer is beautiful and sounds amazing! Good luck!

[@markusguler7079]

Wow, best of the tested ones so far. You sound amazing with it!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Markus!

[@Chris_Sax]

Thank you Nigel, great review. This had been my horn for 5 years and I think you've summed it up very well. I have had it seemed to a number of times of late, probably because I,m too rough with it. Now purchased a Yani elite model which in comparison is nicer under the fingers but perhaps not as vintage or full sounding.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Chris. The Yanagisawas are wonderful under the fingers for sure. I’ve got a video test with some coming soon.

[@marklang7486]

I tried the Custom Raw about 2 years ago. I have never wanted to like a horn as much before. I wanted to be blown away with it but I wasn't. Its difficult to put my finger on why that is but I suspect its because I tend to lean towards a brighter horn with a little bit more resistance (the 'japanese' sound I guess you could say). Its very personal though and it felt great and really well made in my hands. No surprise at all that so many top pros are switching to this horn.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Mark. Choosing a sax is very personal - what sax are you playing on now?

[@jazzboy]

in 2016 I purchase a Raw XS and a Yamaha Z82II ULS. All I can say is that I still own the TJ and smile every time I play it.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Awesome, that’s testimonial enough there Andy!

[@apostolispaspalakis2627]

For me it definitely sounds darker and warmer than the Yanagisawas you tried. Beautiful dark sound

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers.

[@johnzigler7389]

Just love that signature It reminds me of the super 20 king , playing in creedance clear water . You do a tremendous job with it ,,, great sound,wow

[@spontaneousgroovincombusti2902]

Look, guys, as we know (or should), the 'right' horn for us is a very individual and personal thing. Along this line, we won't all sound the same on a particular make or model either, especially given all the variations in gear- mouthpieces, reeds, etc. When I was looking to replace my Mark VI several years ago, I played a lot of horns. I wished I could've tried them all, but what I did play, were new Selmer, Yamaha, Eastman, Yanagisawa, Schagerl, P. Mauriat, and this Trevor James Signature Custom RAW. For me, this horn was 'my forever horn.' Again, for me, and I can only speak for myself, it stood out leaps and bounds over the others- I love it. It has the lush core of a great Selmer, with much less resistance on the bottom and in the altissimo, with great, modern keywork. In full disclosure, I am now an endorser, but a. I buy my own instruments, and b. I would not play an instrument that wasn't the best fit for me. I've never given my MK VI or Custom Z, a single regretful thought since I sold them. Thanks.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Well that’s the true sign that you made the right choice. Glad you like the Signature Raw too.

[@carloschalfon8158]

Sounds great, I tried the unlaquered and I really like it, the most noticeable thing was how free blowing it was.

[@EliahHoliday]

The Trevor James Raw is a horn I've been considering, thanks for the review. The other horn I've been considering is the Phil Barone Vintage tenor. Would you be able to review that?

[@philholt2988]

reminds me of the old style sounds of the 1940. you looked to be enjoying it Nigel, think you should put it in your collection.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Ha! It’s a fun horn to play for sure.

[@stellavardi825]

Nigel..loved the sound of this horn. I am thinking seriously of trying a tenor ..but need one at a resonable price..maybe i should try this brand..thanks very much ..your playing makes me want to get one NOW!🤗 My saxophone is an alto yamaha 62. Love it!!

[@davidsherrington59]

The Yamaha 62 is a fantastic horn

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Stella, yes I agree with David, the Yamaha 62 is a great horn. I’m also testing a Yamaha 82 Custom Z tenor and that’s another wonderful instrument. Video coming soon.

[@timtuthill4915]

Nigel. Sounds fine. So, what are you looking for? Your a pro! I am not. Just having fun playing at an older age. 77. Started. Way late, so. I bought a Yamaha 62,,2. I now have a M 6. Got lucky, did not cost too much 6 years ago. The mechanics of the 6 are fine. All works well. Never had a problem so far. Tim

[@fredthompson8377]

Beautiful! All ranges and tones.

[@lovepeaceblues]

Hi Nigel! Mate, I do agree that this horn does kick pretty hard! Am in a similar situation, I love my 1932 Conn transitional Tenor but am curious as to what is out there!! mate, in land down under, would you know who actually supplies this horn? Cheers!! James!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Good question. Not sure who supplies this in Aus but I’m pretty sure you can order direct from them in the UK.

[@HayKay_]

Awesome presentation as always. How does it compare to the Keilwerth SX90R tenor?

[@Kazzandshazz]

hi Nigel, well what can I say Hmmmn. I loved the sound of this sax for the first three pieces that you played especially the jive/blues one. I have just purchased my first tenor second hand to see how it goes. I have always been more of an alto person but after going through some of your free lessons decided I'd like a tenor as well. I do also have an antique C melody Tenor sax, she has an almost smoky tone if you know what I mean but the key ergonomics do make it harder to play. I would be chuffed if I could learn to play even 1/4 as well as you! Loved the review

[@ApertureLad]

Great review Nigel. Particularly, listening to different genres. It was worth listening just for the Street Life solo Nigel. I’ve heard some criticism of the build quality of the TJs. It would have been interesting to hear your opinion.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thanks! Good question. I’ve seen some other comments here about the build quality. The one they loaned me is really well made and brilliantly set up so plays great. It’s a chunky sax though - very solid unlike the more refined Yamaha. Selmer it Yanagisawa Saxes I’m testing. I’ve talked to Andy Snitzer (Billy Joel etc) and he seems really happy with his which gets plenty of abuse.

[@ApertureLad]

@@McGillMusicSaxSchool Thanks Nigel. I use an 82Z. I’m finding I struggling with the V1 neck, so I suspect I might struggle with TJ, if you had to use more air . Anyway I look forward to your lesson on “Street Life” solo in Sax School.

[@bordersw1239]

Great review again ! Fixed and played a few of these , probably not up there with a Yanagisawa - but then again nothing is. Sometimes, to a degree, the build quality is less important than the tone and this makes the Raw well worth the money. The only issue is resale values - but buying secondhand makes these even better value!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Good point. The Yanagisawas coming up in the next video review are amazing, but this RAW is a great sax for a great price I think.

[@bordersw1239]

McGill Music Sax School . Agreed - for the price it’s probably the best horn.

[@Nevwit]

@@McGillMusicSaxSchool I look forward to the yani review. I had a bronze T902 for many years. I found it kind of the opposite to the TJ Raw, as it seemed best at classical (pure clean tone). I eventually concluded I couldn't make it sound any "bluesier", and sold it. Beautifully made, apart from the flux bleeds from solder joints.

[@gosneygosney]

What about Keilworth with rolled tone holes, could you review please, Alto and Tenor.

[@gedswanson]

Wow! Sounds fantastic 👏

[@dennis9242]

Sounds great! Have you tried the raw custom xs? If so, how do you compare the two? Thanks.

[@beverleysaxophone]

I loved your Flight of the Bumblebee rendition Nigel! When I visited sax.co.uk in January to buy my dream alto sax (after only playing the sax for a week !), I tested the Trevor James Signature Raw, The Mauriat and Eastman 52nd Street. I had no idea what to look out for, so I went by feeling. I think the sales person was bemused! The TJ was actually the first to go - I just felt the others had a nicer sound and feeling (I knew I wanted a darker sound rather than the shriller sound of my rental Yamaha). I finally decided on The Eastman because it was so pretty :-) Very unscientific and probably very unwise. It would be interesting to do the same comparison today. I am however pleased to say, I am enormously happy with my Eastman! I am looking forward to seeing your other reviews. If I finally decide to get a tenor, it will probably also be a choice between the TJ and Eastman.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Hey Beverley, they are both good horns and it’s a very personal choice. Glad you enjoyed the review!

[@adamspencer9280]

The SC Raw sounded great. I really hope you get to try a Rampone and Cazzani, by far the best looking modern Tenor with unique character. Only thing to note, available with three neck options, default is very curved and resistant, X neck less resistant (kinda standard against other makes) and XX free blowing and from what I can gather the one most people change to, or wish they had as standard. If you play one and your only concern is resistance, then know there are the 3 necks to choose from. As a p.s. when I was a complete beginner, perhaps 6 months Alto play. I stumbled across Sax Co UK, too good to pass up and tried 4 Selmer tenors. Series 111 standard brass, to bright for me but v.easy to play. S111 Back lacquer, great sound and easy to play. S80 11 sounded ok but a bit dull and a 36. I got an terrific tone sound on the 36, and it was totally the tenor not the player. But I've seen many used that haven't aged well, not the loved in look due to decades of play, but to be honest shoddy craftsmanship, which given the cost, is no joke.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers for your comments Adam. We really are spoilt for choice these days. I haven’t tried the Rampone and Cazzani but hear good things about them.

[@Heliboy1968]

Another fun video. Will miss that black tenor you play. Is it true that unlacquered horns tend to be more resonant?

[@geoffreycox8687]

A great review, you sounded like you enjoyed the sax. A comparison with a Custom Z will be interesting. I suspect you have already chosen the Ref 36 in your mind.

[@KOACAINE]

Props to anyone who plays Sam Butera!!

[@angwer2940]

They are great horns for sure....I have the alto, my only complaint was that the edges of the thumb rest and octave key mechanisms were a bit sharp...hadn't been smoothed as well as they could be...it would be interesting to know if they've fixed that on your test horn. Also looking at the video, the bell on your test horn doesn't seem that RAW!....quite polished in fact and not matching the body of the horn....is it different in some way?

[@nicolasgiliberti1942]

Absolutly outstanding sax.

[@DynamixWarePro]

Nice playing. What a great sound! I like the fat resonance it has. I can hear what you mean that it may not be as suitable for classical and that is mainly the reason I don't have a Custom RAW as I play more in the classical style and like a more rich centred tone, or I'd get one.

[@Nevwit]

Thank you for another great (and thorough) review Nigel. This was in the last two, when I was choosing a new sax. I tried the two for a week, and I thought the lower register was the best sounding of anything I had played. If you want the Ben Webster sound this is definitely the sax to get! I ultimately went for more of an all-rounder though. I don't know how true it is, but I have been told that rolled tone holes make fast finger work (like flight of the bumble bee) easier?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Interesting question, not sure but the key work on this sax is very good. Actually I made a video (out soon) with David Farley who is the chief designer on this sax and he explained that they use a lot of “flute key work” technology in the design of this sax (Trevor James are big flute manufacturers) which explains the very clean feel of the mechanism.

[@50593823]

BTW, I am a member of your sax school .

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Brill!

[@Samuel-ge7im]

Hey Nigel good to see you. I hope all is well.

[@mhyulparisi2152]

I am interested in the various reviews that you have done. Really describes the saxophone you are demonstrating. To be honest, for the saxophone tenor, I was interested in Yanagisawa TWO20, Phil Barone Vintage Tenor and also TJ Signature Custom RAW XS. Have you ever tried Yanagisawa TWO20 and Phil Barone Vintage Tenor Saxophone? I am interested in listening to the review of the comparison of the three tenors of this saxophone.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

That would be a very interesting comparison for sure. I haven’t tried the Phil Barone Vintage.

[@jema1122]

What a great sound

[@davidsherrington59]

It was a nice saxophone but not for me. The first one I ordered had horrendous build issues with very poor soldering. The replacement they sent was much better, although they were probably encouraged to provide another due to the negative comments on my Cafe Saxophone post. I also found the sax too heavy. My TJ alto custom raw xs is fantastic though. You need to try a P Mauriat 👍😊😊

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

That’s interesting David. I haven’t tried the alto. The tenor does feel heavy. I definitely need to check out the P.Mauriats!

[@Samuriele]

Talking about build issues.............Mauriat is the king of issues!

[@bobblues1158]

Great fun and good luck finding a horn!

[@garyreid6165]

Well done on your playing, Nigel. I am sure that the tenor you played will serve you well. But as you have mentioned, it doesn’t really work for classical playing. I have a question; what is your opinion of saxophone bell sizes? Do you love like the standard bell or the larger bell? Can you please explain the advantages of the bell sizes?

[@motivation89742]

I think you should try Yamaha custom z

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

I’m testing one now Nicholas - video coming soon!

[@patriciadrank6543]

Hi Nigel. Do you think the raw is heavier than the yani wt01? I own a yonago saw what T991 which I love but it's really getting too heavy for me.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

HI Patricia, yes I think it’s heavier than a TW01, also the Yamaha Custom 82Z - in fact it’s a similar weight to the solid silver Yani, but perhaps the weight is what helps with the sound?

[@patriciadrank6543]

Thank you so very much Nigel. I have read that the weight does affect the sound. I've been told that the heavier weight gives a bigger sound. I'm not convinced of that though because I've had different weights on my saxophones and I haven't seen a difference unless I change my mouth piece and reeds. I'm just looking for an instrument that is lighter weight than my T991. I appreciate the information!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

I’m not sure you will find many lighter than your 991 - the Yamaha is probably similar weight. Most of the Chinese manufactured instruments are heavier in my experience. If you are struggling with the weight, perhaps try a different neck strap or harness. Loads of my Sax School members use the JazzLabs Saxholder.

[@jazzguy1304]

Nigel, this is a rocker. I wonder what price is this saxophone. There are a few around on Ebay or used sax site. Sound is great, your technique is fantastic. Bravo

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers thanks. The price is pretty competitive actually - I think around £3k which makes it cheaper than a lot of it’s competitors.

[@jazzguy1304]

@@McGillMusicSaxSchool Thanks Nigel

[@50593823]

I bought this model several years ago from UK and shipped it all the way to HK since they are not available here in HK. It means that I didn’t get the chance to try it but it obviously didn’t disappoint me. Other than it is a bit heavy as mentioned by you, it is perfect. I have another 2 tenors which are all vintages. This modern sax did make a difference.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Great to hear that Markus.

[@Ryan-ok8lk]

Probably the best horn on the market for achieving a vintage sound with modern design (and reliability). On saying that, Steve Cole and Jeff Kashiwa both sound as contemporary as always on their signature customs. I always feel a high baffled mouthpiece on a dark horn is the best way to get a full, deep, but bright sound. If you're into that!

[@georgebijacu7141]

There is virtually nothing I hate more than a thin tenor sound, one that actually sounds more like an alto

[@wolfobrian3048]

I think I’ve watched all these reviews and yet to discover which sax he went with?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

I have made a decision but there has been a delay in production because of covid. I’ll hopefully be announcing it soon…

[@gib321]

@@McGillMusicSaxSchool- Which did you choose Nigel? or link to the video. I recently bought the TJ Signature Custom based on reviews only without play testing as no supplier here. Very happy with it - huge sound.

[@ailunzhao7239]

will you try the woodstone new vintage tenor

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

I’d like to test one of those for sure. Keep hearing great things about Woodstone.

[@santukakoty8895]

Waw....Fantastic sound..

[@ian_s7481]

She does sound sweet or is it just your magic lips Nigel? You’ll find all the raw Sax’s heavier as they’ve not had the snot buffet out of them but I like the sound it gives them due to the extra material. It would be interesting to see if the mechanism was any better than my Alto as it soon developed a few rattles and free play.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

That’s interesting. The one they sent me was very well set up so the mechanism felt amazing.

[@ian_s7481]

McGill Music Sax School , mine did at first. Originally they used pseudo point screws in their RAW sax’s then Stephen Howard had a pick at them for using them instead of proper point screws and they supposedly changed them. When I got mine there was one screw that undid itself and fell out within a day and it was a pseudo point screw even though they where suppose to be point screws. They told me to send it back. When it came back they’d changed all the screws to point screws but it soon developed a lot of rattles, turns out they’d changed the screws but hadn’t put a corresponding angled hole in the end of the rods. The holes just had a parallel hole in the rods and all the screws had been put in with thread lock 🙄 . I’m in the process of correcting all the sloppy workmanship, working on it between customer jobs. It’s like I say, you only find out how good these things are when you take them apart and find out how many cost cutting things have been used in the construction. I’d liken these expensive whizz bang horns to 1980’s super cars, expensive and everyone wanted one. The truth of the matter was they where all badly built to various degrees and as such most ended up just sitting in a garage and were just something to look at. Probably a bit over the top in my comparison but true all the same. I had a £400 Trevor James Sax before the £2700 Trevor James RAW Sax, there wasn’t £2300 difference between them. You look at all the advertising and publicity costs that go into these pro horns, add to that all the horns they give away to pro players to gain some kind of prestige and you can see why they cost the average player so much. As a Sax tech and engineer I may look at these horns a different way but what I see sometimes in terms of build quality and quality isn’t all that impressive.

[@jazzman_10]

Really good price for a professional model. I still would like to hear you playing on an Eastman 52 street though😬😬.... And the price is about the same too!! BTW, that model is just the "Custom" not the "Custom Raw" isn't it?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

I haven’t tried the Eastman 52, would be interesting for sure. The sax in the video is the RAW XS I think.

[@stevepovey2489]

So which did you like best?

[@paulpennicott5061]

Tried it at sax.co.uk in London. Very nice

[@StephenB_LE9]

Nigel - have you looked at the Free Winds Tenor Sax made by Amsterdam Winds? I believe Joshua Redman plays one. See www.amsterdamwinds.nl

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Also Candy Dulfer was telling me about these. She plays one too. I’d like to try them.

[@robbiegallagher7821]

Hi Nigel,I was just wondering why you want a change from you Guardala.Ciao!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Good question Robbie. I do like my Guardala but I do struggle with the intonation on it and just fancy a change if I’m honest.

[@AGC828]

I like!! Finding I prefer saxophones with "bark". Without it I don't think they really should like a sax "should". Unless that piece being played was designed for "smooth tones/notes"... I'm guessing the TJ is made in the UK 100%? All the parts included?

[@henrychassagne3893]

Listened more than once, focusing on the sound itself, and although it is a good horn, I did not hear anything 'special' that might put it above other tenors that I have seen / heard you play. This one did not impress me as anything above and beyond... I see a tenor as something that should have a broad & FULL sound (of course, mouthpiece does have an impact), and this one did not catch my attention that way. It IS clearly a very good instrument, but personal bias & opinion enters into such decisions.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers for your comments Henry. It’s great to compare the saxes.

[@hansmathiasthjomoe4817]

There is no "best" of anything. Some general qualities of course have to be present, but otherwise, it's a matter of taste and what you might be used to. I don't think there is a consistent correlation between price and quality. I have two Selmer tenors - I can hardly tell the difference even if the one is almost 15 times more expensive than the other. I once tried a professional Yamaha. That was not a pleasant experience, probably because the key layout was different as I was constantly hitting the palm keys.

[@saxocoustic]

P Mauriat Saxes - all the way - superb - keep posting musical regards from the #Saxocoustic_channel 🎷

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers! I need to check out some P.Mauriat saxes for sure.

[@Amanet13]

Interesting I tried Mauriat,and i was wondering,what was the hype about it.It didn’t impress me at all.

[@saxocoustic]

@@Amanet13 shame Kirk Whalum endorses them

[@patrickmarino8110]

Your gardalla sax has a better core color. Patrick

[@keithcampbell6806]

It is becoming frustrating now for me to watch these reviews and no mention is made of the price of these instruments it will eventually turn me off completely from ever watching them in the future

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Hi Keith. Prices change all the time and depend on your location. I’d suggest checking Trevor James website for the latest prices.

[@borisaranchuk2279]

This is just an advertisement for this instrument!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Hopefully it’s helped you to know what it sounds like Boris. I’m not endorsed or affiliated in any way with this brand.

[@ggauche3465]

Oh dear! It's tough for musicians now, but this doesn't seem at all genuine, but a thinly veiled promo. I' feel embarrassed for you, but also insulted that you think we're such idiots.

[@gib321]

a little unfair perhaps when other instruments have been tested and it's made clear that more are to be tested.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Sorry to see your comments. Actually I’m not endorsed in any way by this manufacturer, just trying to demonstrate how it sounds and share my thoughts. Thanks for watching.

[@ggauche3465]

@@McGillMusicSaxSchool Does that mean the same as, you weren't paid by anybody to make this video? Are you gaslighting me now? Perhaps I've been advertised at so much that I can't even tell what's genuine and what's not anymore.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

I’m definitely not paid by anyone to make this review. I figure this kind of video would help me to choose when buying a new sax - I’m making a series of these with different horns over the next few weeks including the Yamaha Custom 82z, some Yanagisawa saxes and also a very interesting “boutique” sax from another British instrument maker which is very interesting (not paid to make those videos either). I hope you find them helpful.

[@gib321]

@@McGillMusicSaxSchool .Keep going Nigel. The videos are great .