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Date Posted: 02:03:00 10/10/01 Wed
Author: Jeff Sears
Author Host/IP: NoHost / 12.104.181.211
Subject: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good?
I am trying to buy a saxophone for my son who is in the 5th grade. He has never played. We want to get a beginning saxophone at a low price. I have seen new Monique Alto Saxophone for around $400 Please let me know if they are any good.
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- Saxboy, 16:40:27 10/10/01 Wed [1] (imsbbcf03c.netvigator.com/203.198.2.3)
The price is good, but the quality is not. You can find some used sax online.
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- a sax player, 09:05:44 12/30/01 Sun [1] (209-184-246-13.carrollsweb.com/209.184.246.13)
I was wondering that my self, so I contacted 6 ebayers who purchased the Monique Saxophones all of them said the Monique is of good quality and has a good tone. They are very happy with their purchase and for the price it is a very good sax. I asked them in my email if they thought that the sax compares to the Selmer super action 80. Most of them said they either did not know or they did not think the Monique was as good as the Selmer SA-80, with a price difference of 1000.00, go figure, uh.
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- Long, 00:13:58 07/16/14 Wed [1] (76-196-232-90.lightspeed.sndgca.sbcglobal.net/76.196.232.90)
Monique Pro series are great saxophones. I owned an alto, and soprano. They both play great and sound great. Key works are great. Pads are great. I practiced 3-4 hours a day for 3 years. The horns are still in good working order. I played saxophone for over 30 years, I played 95% of brands in the market. I am a player, not a promoter, or a trader.
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- Gaultier, 08:35:31 01/06/02 Sun [1] (ipc379a95e.dial.wxs.nl/195.121.169.94)
The price is good, and it also looks good.. (shiny etc.) but the tone isn't comparable with any others. I would advise to buy a good Vito saxophone, mail me for questions.
Gaultier or check www.vintagesax.com
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- sacman, 13:16:21 01/16/02 Wed [1] (adsl-64-217-218-87.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net/64.217.218.87)
Are the pro series Moniques really better than the student model Moniques, or is there even different different models of Moniques? I was just wondering if there would be a big tonal difference between them since they would go through all the trouble to make different models and all. I am looking at a tenor MOnique now for $850.00, It has a 10 money back garuntee on it so if it sucks.....its going back!!!
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- Greg Butler, 00:38:56 03/02/02 Sat [1] (pcp698189pcs.hyatsv01.md.comcast.net/68.50.176.225)
I bought two Professional Monique saxophones, a nickel plated tenor and a soprano. In the past I played a Selmer Mark VI and a Mark VII, and the Monique is better than both of them, the tone, the action, the response--everything. I find it is identical to the Selmer Series II. There are a number of professional sax players who are buying them. It is the best deal going for a good horn.
BTW, I used to play a Yanagasawa soprano, and the Monique outplays it too.
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- Ally, 05:36:44 07/14/04 Wed [1] (universalcity.lib.tx.us/208.190.62.129)
hey i about to buy a monique saxophone and im wondering if its any good because i have never heard of this saxophone so please write me back
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- dave saylors, 02:29:32 03/05/02 Tue [1] (ip68-13-28-59.om.om.cox.net/68.13.28.59)
this is to greg and sacman. i'm thinking about a black monique tenor, and this is the only place i could fin any info on the entir web. that disturbs me. greg could you email me more info very soon, sacman, did you keep the sax? i'm a student so i don't have alot of cash, but i like the look of the sax.
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- Ryan, 05:39:12 03/03/02 Sun [1] (spider-wg084.proxy.aol.com/205.188.196.59)
I came across the Monique while shopping on ebay, I am looking for a more soul sound and was woundering if the Monique Bari would be best, if anyone has any insie info, drop me a line.
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- Nathan, 13:16:02 10/03/02 Thu [1] (adsl-64-175-248-12.dsl.sntc01.pacbell.net/64.175.248.12)
Obiviously, there is a conflict of opinion here. I would guess that the intonation of the Monique reflects its price... I'm only fourteen and I play the bari sax, I really want a black nickel bari w/ low A, and the only reasonable price is the Monique. Should I get that or the Jupiter Artist 893SG? If anyone has played either or both of these plz mail me thnx.
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- Larry, 07:34:17 12/06/02 Fri [1] (NoHost/139.102.115.30)
I purchased a Monique pro series soprano about a year and a half ago. My teacher told me he had one that he said played flat. The one that I own is a dream, I love the sound, the look and price. I played concerto in g minor on my Monique at my choir teacher's church and people where asking what kind of sax it was because they said the sound was beautiful and perfectly in tune.
I would go for it and expecially at a price of 400 hundred dollars.
P.S make sure you buy a good mouthpiece, regarless what type of sax you choose to buy.
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- G., 03:27:23 12/29/02 Sun [1] (bak-66-75-211-53.bak.rr.com/66.75.211.53)
I bought a silver Monique pro-series alto earlier this year, and it was by far the best alto sax I have ever played. I just ordered a Monique curved soprano, and will expect that it will play just as well. My alto has a very clear sound, and I can hit altissimo with ease, as well as the lower range. I definitely recommend the Monique saxes.
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- sax girl, 11:04:02 01/02/03 Thu [1] (216.51.179.unassigned.evertek.net/216.51.178.83)
they are awesome i have one of my own. they have a nice sound and good tone quality. as far as your child starting on one of these i would wait till he gets to know the instrument and learned more. i would recommend that you try and find a used one (although 400 dollars isn't that bad) i started on a really crappy one and i had to earn to get a good sounding horn. but until he gets better i would suggest you start him on a lesser kind of horn. (i do love moniques it's an awesome horn i have one myself) goodluck!!!!!
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- aaron, 17:57:45 02/10/03 Mon [1] (cache-dm07.proxy.aol.com/205.188.209.75)
are you crazy? the better the horn you start with, the easier it is to learn to play. obviously buy the best horn you can in your price range, but think about the future too. why buy a crappy, used horn for 400 when you can buy a decent new horn for the same price with a guarantee?
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- Taylor, 00:48:36 02/13/03 Thu [1] (spider-tm041.proxy.aol.com/152.163.197.61)
You buy a less expensive horn because more expensive horns usually have 'harder' fingerings or require better air contol, etc. Also, why buy an expenive one if the kid doesn't like it or simply can't play it?
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- shmuelyosef, 12:28:16 03/13/03 Thu [1] (h-69-3-240-187.SNVACAID.covad.net/69.3.240.187)
The big issue with the Taiwanese saxophones is the quality control, some of them play well and some are crap; it's the luck of the draw if you buy mail order. The body parts are made in the same factories as 'respectable' models like the Cannonball and even Yamaha and Yanagisawa student horns. The keys are a big difference...the better horns mentioned above have forged keywork, the Taiwanes horns have cast keywork...this doesn't matter at all until you bump, drop or try to adjust your horn. Then the durability of forged keys make a HUGE difference. Same goes for the cheap pads the Monique uses; if you play regularly and don't meticulously clean your horn, you're lucky to get more than two years of diligent playing, as opposed to the 5-10 you can get from a quality job. I have seen many a young beginning player discouraged from music by a lousy horn...consider that if you are going to use their interest as a guage.
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- Jared, 12:26:58 04/10/03 Thu [1] (cache-mtc-ah04.proxy.aol.com/64.12.96.169)
anyone know of any sites selling a full toned sax for around 1500 or less. I am getting ready for college and have played an old school sax for lack of money, have made it into the local jazz studio orchestra and want a good sax to bring with me..
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- Kevin Dolorico, 06:44:45 04/11/03 Fri [1] (66-65-154-117.nyc.rr.com/66.65.154.117)
If you're looking for a good step up horn (or entry level pro horn), I'm actually a big fan of Yamaha horns-- especially the 62 series (and to a lesser extent, the 52 series).
Here's my take: The German/French horns are all about craftsmanship and personality... and the Japanese horns tend to be more about consistency and precision.
The action on the 62s is lightning quick, which actually might bother people used to Selmers... and might simply take getting used to. (I think guys like Dave Koz use Yamahas).
I visited Roberto's WW's (http://www.robertoswoodwind.com/) and convinced me to keep my YAS 62--- they said they've been growing a cult following esp. in classical music and that because of the popularity (apparently there's something "wrong" with the design of the Custom series) they brought it back as the YAS62 II.
The YAS 52 looks like it was made from exactly the same mold, perhaps with cheaper metal (it's about 1lb lighter) and no engraving, but from playing it, it felt exactly the same.
I saw a bunch of places selling the YAS 62 II on ebay (looked like legit places) for like $1500-ish for a brand new horn. Given the consistent quality and feel, they're worth a shot.
Oh, also, while I also have a $4000 Mark VI tenor (83xxx) from Joe Sax, one thing to keep in mind about used vintage horns never depreciate--- I bet I could fetch $500-$1000 more for it just 10 years later while using it all that time... so if you can find a way to spend a little more on a Mark VI, hey, I'm all for it.
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- Stephen, 06:59:13 05/02/03 Fri [1] (ool-18b86c97.dyn.optonline.net/24.184.108.151)
I'm an advanced student looking to buy a professional soprano sax.
I saw a Monique soprano (it was silver-plated, too, which looked very pretty) for only $700. It was being sold by "Dominic's Music," you may have heard of it (seems popular).
The site claims the list price of this silver soprano is over $2000, and the sale price is only $700. Is that indicative of its value?
I can't find any silverplated sopranos in the $1000-2000 price range that I want. So is this very cheap Monique one the way to go? And can someone confirm the earlier person's statement that the Moniques are luck-of-the-draw in terms of durability and intonation?
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- Caleb, 09:14:36 05/03/03 Sat [1] (cache-rl05.proxy.aol.com/152.163.189.101)
Don't get a monigue! I have one that a friend is interested in selling and it really sucks. I am an advanced player (went to school on a sax scholarship) and the monique's intonation is horrible. Some notes it is accurate others can be almost a half step off. In addittion to the hit or miss intonation the response is very harsh and inconsistent. The overall tone is very thin the low end is quite muddled, while the high end is virtually non-existent. If you want to get a good soprano get a yamaha, I have a YAS-62 (Alto) and it is flawless. The yamaha pro models can be expensive but sometimes you can find a good deal. I've played a Yaginisawa Soprano and they'r pretty good, just make sure you have the right mouthpiece/reed combination.
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- Erick Maynard, 10:30:15 07/10/04 Sat [1] (68-234-165-117.vnnyca.adelphia.net/68.234.169.117)
I dont know about you guys, but I bought a monique pro series tenor sax, and its the best damn sax ive ever played, and ive played alot. I took it in to a music store, and they said that it was probably worth 3000 bucks, then I told them the real price and they were blown away. I get good intonation in everything. Its durable, well made, and I can kick some killer solos with it. I know when I see a good sax, and mine, is definitely one of them. So you guys who said you had a problem with it, I dont know what your talking about, but I didnt buy mine from dominic, I bought it from onother guy. I sugest it. This sax rocks the socks off my friends when they hear it!
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- Brett, 02:57:26 11/24/04 Wed [1] (mail.infograph.com/209.223.145.62)
I've been researching the Monique brand as much as I know how, (trying to figure out whether the one I just ordered is going to be awesome or just so-so), and this much I've gleaned from what I've read:
Just like most other brands, there are different versions of Monique saxophones. I'm not sure how to tell the difference, though. The guy I bought mine from (on EBay) advertised his as a "Pro" horn, with a retail price of $2200 (bought it for about $400). Last I checked, Dominic's advertised theirs as a "pro" horn also, having a retail value of $1700, and a sale price of $700. So does that mean they're really selling the intermediate models, while the one I bought really is a pro model? I don't know.
I've also gleaned that a lot of people that knock the Moniques are usually quoting someone else that knocks them, not because they have very much (or any) experience playing the Monique. The most concrete complaint I've heard is that it's difficult for repair people to get the parts they need to fix it.
And I've heard people knock them because they're "Chinese" or "Taiwanese" (apparently nobody knows for sure), but gimme a break. That's like saying Ford, Chevy, and Dodge are all the same because they're all American. I'm sure China has turned out some high-quality products, and some low-quality products. So let's let the products speak for themselves, shall we?
But as far as intonation and tone quality, I think it's up there with the best. Your mouthpiece and reed choices are going to make or break your experience with a Monique.
Hope this helps.
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- rez, 07:48:43 04/18/05 Mon [1] (ip68-106-236-62.ph.ph.cox.net/68.106.236.62)
I'll be trying a Monique Pro tenor soon. I can't afford to get into the $800+ range at this time and I need a decend doubler tenor. I play a Mark VI alto professionally and own a Yanagisawa soprano, so I'll have some points of comparison regarding workmanship. I'll also be doing some switching with the other tenor players -- who mainly have Yamahas -- so I should be able to determine if they are comparable. Since I play with a huge big band setup (I'll use a Berg Larson 115/0 mp), I'll know pretty quickly if the Monique is able to sound decent at the high-end of the volume range. The Pro model has plenty of adjustments, so most the intonation issues should be solved with some minor adjustments on the horn. My expectations are low -- I'm not expecting a horn that can equal a Zephyr or Mark VI, but I am expecting it to sound like a good tenor sax...(or it goes back to Dominics as a trade in to another tenor brand) -- stay tuned...
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- rez, 11:31:58 04/30/05 Sat [1] (ip68-106-234-228.ph.ph.cox.net/68.106.234.228)
I just receive my "Monique Pro" tenor sax (made in Taiwan). It is clearly not up to the top quality of a vintage Selmer, but it played quite well and the intonation was good overall (i.e. nothing extraordinary was required to bring a note into tune.) It was very free-blowing, which is what I expected and wanted in a tenor. With the right mouthpiece/reed setup, this horn could easily be played at a semi-pro level with no real setbacks. I'll play it some more over the next few weeks with some different setups to see if I change my opinion, but I believe I got an excellent value for my $500. I would happily pay as much as $700 USD for this horn (special finishes would be an issue, but I am not a fan of lollipop-looking horns). This is a very reasonable choice for those on a limited budget who need a tenor sax that can take them through high school (if they take care of the horn of course...!) For college, I would suggest looking to upgrade to one of the major brands as soon as possible -- but I'd keep the Monique as a backup (for marching band) or sell it back to another high school kid. Note: I do not know the specific differences between the Monique and Monique-Pro models, so please do not read this as an endorsement of the non-Pro Moniques.
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- JD, 00:02:32 01/11/07 Thu [1] (NoHost/65.112.66.194)
I admit it I'm very confused! I thought I had my mind made up to purchase a Monique or a DC Pro sax but I'm not sure now after reading the posts. Does any body have web sites that will play sound bites of different models of horns? The common opinion of where I was going to purchase this horn from is not very good. I don't want a horn that peels, cracks, melts, bends and or sound like crap! What is a nice rich not high ended sounding starter horn OR is that impossible for 500 dollars. Used on auctions is a scary chance to take also. Help please!
JD
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- Dennis (elated), 10:06:15 04/06/12 Fri [1] (c-98-209-148-48.hsd1.mi.comcast.net/98.209.148.48)
I have been playing alto & tenor sax for 47 years. Recently I was listening to Joe Lavano play soprano sax on "His Dream". I knew I had to learn to play soprano. So for about a year I have been searching to buy one. Where do you start from a $200 Quest, good for only a lamp, or the highly acclaimed Yanagisawa @ $6000? So I went to the local music store and asked if I could play their $3000 Selmer. Couldnt get a sound. But this young lady had a Monique Pro listed on Craigs list for $285. Said she had played it 10 years ago in high school band. She said she had problems getting an alto and tenor to play for her, but the Monique she said, played with ease. So I got in my car yesterday and drove about 60 miles to meet her. We met at a gas station and I asked the owner if I could come inside and blow the horn. "IT WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING" to blow. Such ease and intonation. I now have the most wonderful Soprano anyone could own and I only paid $240 for it. If you play sax and want a soprano, purchase a Monique Pro, without hesitation.
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- Andrew Chinganga, 02:09:06 04/27/13 Sat [1] (NoHost/168.167.189.2)
The reason why l checked about this Monique is becoz like a few minutes ago a friend of mine has one and some upper notes fromG# to B the sound was pitching with out him holding the octave key,l then discovered that the problem was the neck the pad for the octave key was not closing,l then checked it again with his other neck and it played perfectly.From my opinion it sounded farely good though l was just playing alone in the house with no instrument accompaniment .
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- Long, 00:20:01 07/16/14 Wed [1] (76-196-232-90.lightspeed.sndgca.sbcglobal.net/76.196.232.90)
I played saxophones for over 30 years. The Monique Pro Series are great horns, good price, and great quality. I played alto and soprano for 3 years, and I don't have any problem. They are free blowing. Key works are great like Selmer, Yamaha, Yanagisawa. I recommend you to buy one if you can find. It is worth for the money.
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Re: Are "Monique" Saxophones any good? -- Michael Randall, 05:51:00 12/14/18 Fri [1] (NoHost/172.58.190.152)
In regards to whether Monique Saxophones are any good, I have to say after playing a black and gold pro model tenor saxophone I purchased in 1998 and still playing it with no issues except routine maintenance I have to say I am very satisfied with the ergonomics, the sound look of my horn. I am going to purchase another Monique in the very near future because the good experience I've had with them.
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