I got a big shipment of Super 400 alto and tenor yesterday, along with a load of our new Saxgourmet curved soprano. I'm still sore from unloading the truck!

The new version of the Super 400 differs from the previous model in that it has a new mechanism to prevent the dreaded sticking of the G# key. This is the same mechanism that is used on the Keilwerth SX-90 and some of the B&S horns. We obtained permission from the patent holder to use this system. The new version also has an improved F# helper mechanism and MUCH more engraving. I actually found a few blank spots! All of the other features found on the previous model are still there: two different necks, an upper stack speaker key, keywork to high G, Saxgourmet kangaroo leather pads with solid copper Maestro resonators, deep water abalone pearl key touches, and much more. We've also changed the material we used for the key silencers and upgraded the blued steel springs. The picture illustrates the new G# and F# mechanisms and some (but FAR from all) of the new engraving. We've got some inventory of alto and tenor (most of this shipment was pre-sold) and you can order from www.nationofmusic.com . Please note that we do NOT accept PayPal for instrument sales.

Mine arrived last night, about 7PM since UPS is working late for the holidays. As always, Steve did not dissapoint. This is the most fabulous alto I have ever played! It is not only incredibly beautiful, but it plays like nothing I have ever experienced or even thought possible. I'll post more when I have the time over the holidays. THANKS, STEVE AND SHARON! YOU GUYS RULE!

Just got my tenor today. Delivered about 7:30 pm. Absolutely beautiful horn.
Responds instantly. Only tried number two neck so far. I believe the number 1 neck is the darker of the two and I'm not looking for dark with the bands I play in now. After a few minutes of custom tweaking to my taste, I opened the lower stack just a bit, I gave it a full test. Really dig the tone. Very full, fat and still has an nice edge to the core. Altissimmo is very easy and the high G key is incredible. Timbre of the note is exactly the same as the high A. You can really push it with no fear of the G braking up. Intonation is spot on. Middle D and E is within 5 cents. Middle C# is perfect. Overtones are in tune. Ergonomics are the best I have felt. I love both the LH and RH thumbrests. The new F# helper bar is superb as is the no stick G# mechanism borrowed from the Keilwerths. All the Saxgourmet horns I've tried have the smoothest transition from middle C or C# to middle D ( or E,F,F#,G or G# ) I have ever played. I can play the transition at trill speed with no octave jump or any break at all with the normal fingerings. The neck octave key never even thinks about moving.

I look forward to more time on this tenor. I sold my Model Six 3 months ago to purchase this one and am glad I did. The biggest reasons were the high G key and the adjustable stack keys. All the other features are just a bonus to me.

Thank you Steve for designing a great horn. I shudder to imagine how good the Category Five must be. I am truly afraid to try it. My wife would kill me if I bought one.

congrads to the both of you..you sound like you deserve one..when i get better at playing i hope to get one too..i have to say this,,, you guys are so damn lucky..ok i admit it,,im jealouse..and on the other hand...im happy for you too.. steve,s stuff is top notch...and the most beutiful ever made,,happy hollidays to all of you..have fun playing..if it were me,,i wouldnt be getting any sleep tonight..hahahahaha...good luck and best wishes to you and yours..P.J.

thanks guys......I'm glad you're happy
* Last updated by: admin on 12/24/2009 @ 8:40 AM *

My Super 400 alto arrived in good order last night! WOW! What a beautiful horn!
I wasn't really prepared for the physical appearance, which in one word is "stunning". Since it was not my goal to hang it on the wall and admire it, I spent the next couple of hours playing it, until my wife made me quit and come to bed.

This saxophone has a beautiful voice, with a real singing quality. I was amazed at how quickly the notes all speak, and how easy the low notes were to get out. I think it's worth mentioning that all I had to do was take the horn out of the box and remove the packing material and it played perfectly.

The
feel of the horn is very precise, it's like a fine machine. All the keys are right where they should be, and my fingers don't have to "look" for anything.
Steve apparently spent some time getting this right, because it is no like any other sax I have played.

I don't have much ability when it comes to altissimo, but having the high G key is a nice touch. That note, by the way, speaks just like every other note on the horn and is really easy to get out.
I agree with Chuck about the even quality of all the notes. It is amazing to me how much better this Super 400 is than other horns in this regard.

I had
considered a Reference 54 and a Yamaha, but I'm glad I wait for and bought the Super 400.

Having spent another day on the Super 400 Tenor, all I can say is wow. I tried the #1 neck today and didn't expect to like it as much as the #2. boy was I wrong. I see why it is the #1 neck. Just pure magic in the tone. It sounds like the best Mark VI i have ever played without any of the problems normally associated with the Mark VI in response, intonation and voicing. Very rich, deep , complex tone that still has a nice edge to it's core. Sweetest sound I have ever heard from myself.

Whatever Selmer did to make that woody core sound Steve has captured. This will be my neck of choice for most of my playing. I am amazed at the sound difference just based off the material of the neck.

Hands down the finest playing, sounding and feeling tenor I have ever laid hands on.

I can see why some of Steve's competitors might be scared.

I usually use the #1 neck. The necks are identical EXCEPT for the material.

Chuck:
Since you have experience with both the Model Six and the Super 400 could you elaborate on the differences?

The core sound with the number one neck is the same to me as the Model Six. Best tone I have ever created with a tenor sax. The palm keynotes don't require any embouchure adjustment and the palm key notes have less resistance. The Model Six needed a little lipping up like my Mark VI did up there. In fact, the model six played just like my Mark VI with better sound, ergonomics and better intonation. The ergonomics are a little better than the model six with the Super 400, bottom end is a little bigger. The Super is heavier mostly due to the added features that you already know. LH thumb rest is better too.

The main things for me were the high G key and the adjustable stack keys because I live a long way from both of my techs and they are very busy. I appreciate the better palm key notes and absolutely love the high G key. I have never heard the high G so beautifully.

I have a Model Six alto and love it. I don't use the the altissimo for performance and hardly ever play a high G on that horn. I play lead in a big band and use the Model Six strictly for that. I have been using it for over a year now and feel really comfortable with it. I will probably eventually trade up to a Super 400 alto though if the past is any indication.

The Super 400 is heavier because (1) there is more stuff on it (additional mechanism) (2) the alloy is different (heavier, due to higher copper content) and (3) the bore is a bit bigger, so there is simply more horn there!

My concept on this design was NOT to change the sound away from where we were on the Model 6. I was always happy with the way that horn sounded. The improvements are in intonation and response. I try to learn as I go along, and make improvements on each production run if necessary. Since we are a small company with a limited production, we can make these kind of tweaks quite easily. Big companies don't have the flexibility we do.

We're also very lucky to have a good posse who gives me immediate feedback. I couldn't do what I do without them.

One model that hasn't changed, and probably never will, is the Saxgourmet Saxello. I can't find anything to improve, and the posse agrees. The horns have been exactly the same for three years.

We've got the new curved soprano in stock now, and I'll unveil it next week. I just haven't had the time to put it up on the site, eBay etc. It's really a great horn, a significant improvement over the old Steve Goodson Model. It has some new keywork features, MUCH more engraving, new solid copper resonators (thanks to Curt at MusicMedic.com), and the same bright copper finish as the rest of our horns.

I'm still working on the design for the Super 400 bari. Cost is a problem here, but I think there is a market at the upper price point. We'll continue to produce the Saxgourmet bari, of course, because it's a great horn which has been very well received by the customers.

There may be a 'nino in the future. I've also got a couple of new mouthpiece designs that we will bring out in January. The new neckstraps were shipped on Wedsday, so I'll have them next week. We've got another big load of Voodoo Rex altos on the water right now (currently sold out!) and I reordered Super 400's yesterday since we are almost sold out of them.

We're also working on four new neck models, two of which are finished and will be produced and two more which are "maybe" production. One of the "maybe" necks is a solid silver bari neck.

We've been busy. We're small, but flexible, and trying to always be the cutting edge of saxophone technology. We don't intend to increase production significantly, as supply and demand are somewhat in balance and that's where we want to keep it. I don't want to be a threat to the "big four" because then we would have to have a dealer base (which I don't want) and hire more staff (which we don't want). We're quite content to be where we are.

Steve:
I don't understand why you don't want to have a dealer network. It makes it difficult for those of us who are not in New Orleans to try your horns and other products.

We don't have a dealer network because we don't need one, and also because we really DON'T want one.

Honestly, we're selling our products as fast as we can build them. Almost all of our horns are presold before they are delivered to us. I adopted this business model from one of my brothers, who sells exotic cars. You have to wait for the good stuff. His customers often wait over twelve months for a six figure purchase. Our customers now rarely wait over three months.

We sincerely believe that if we had to ramp up production quality might suffer, and innovation definately would. We like the flexibility that small production runs allows us to have.

We have serious doubts about the health of the retail music industry, and specifically about "brick and mortar" stores. Most of them are in financial trouble, and Sharon and I do not wish for their problems to become our problems. Most of the retailers expect us to extend them credit, and I have chosen not to get into the financing business. We do have some non-USA dealers, and they deal with us on a cash basis.

I'm sorry that our business model is inconvenient for some consumers. If you really want to try our products, it's a great excuse to visit New Orleans.

This business model is working very well for us, and we are not inclined to change it. We do not aspire to greater production numbers. We will expand our presence in Europe and Asia this year, but it will be under our terms or it simply will not happen. All sales in north and south America will continue to be handled from our office in New Orleans.

I waited two months, having paid cash up front. I was not dissapointed in any way. The horn exceeded every expectation, and the price was a bargain. It arrived in perfect condition, and Sharon kept me updated about the delivery schedule all the way along. If this is the only way you can buy Steve's designs, then that's just the way it is. If you want the best, don't complain. If your standards are less than the highest, go down to Mom and Pop's Music store and talk to somebody who doesn't have one percent of the knowlege that Steve does about saxophones. It's an obvious choice if you ask me. I'm saving my money for a saxello!

I feel very fortunate to own some of your horns, Steve. I wish my financial situation allowed me to keep all the ones I have had.
I currently own and play:
Steve Goodson Model silver Bari
Saxgourmet Super 400 Tenor
Orpheo Pro Tenor
Saxgourmet Model Six Alto
Steve Goodson Model Gold Plate Alto
Yamaha 23 Alto to loan to one my students when needed...

Ones I didn't keep but wish I had:
Steve Goodson Model Gold Plate Tenor
Saxgourmet Model Six Tenor
Vespro Tenor - These were amazingly good horns!

My wish list if I win the lottery:
Saxgourmet Super 400 Alto
Saxgourmet Bari with the copper finish
Saxgourmet Saxello
and last but not least...........
Saxgourmet Category Five Tenor if I win the big one!

If anyone is coming to central florida and wants to contact me I would be glad to let you try any of my horns.
I'll also be playing the Super 400 tenor at the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City March 4th-14th, 2010 with Rick K. and the Allnighters in the Sweetbay Showcase Tent every day at 11am, 2pm, 5pm.
Rick calls us the Sometimers horn section LOL...

Chuck

Will there be a Super 400 edition 3.0?

Bill:
I think we've got the alto and tenor versions dialed in to my satisfaction, so there will most likely be no significant revisions. There most likely WILL be a Super 400 bari.

There was some whining going on about not having any sound samples available. They've been up for months! Here's the links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaR6JUSMWY4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-4j1WJ06bc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpRtRzmWeSs

Just got back from my first gig with this horn. Sounds exactly like the model six with the number one neck. The number one is the brighter of the two ( cpntrary to my previous belief) but it is not a bright horn in the sense that Yamaha is. There is so much more complexity and flexibility to the tone. The super 400 is extremely easy to bend and shape to the the sound I wanted whenever i wanted it. My favorite two notes are the middle E and the high G. Prettiest I've ever heard from me. The Super 400 tenor can absolutely scream and then whisper. I haven't had my Model Six for three months and didn't know how much I missed the tone of that horn. The Orpheo Pro did everything I asked it to but it did not sound like this horn does.

Thank you Steve.

chuck

I'm glad you're happy....we really hit a big home run with this new series......they sold very quickly (tenors are all gone, and I've only got a couple of altos left) but more are on the way.....I'm experimenting with some different, additinal neck options, including a solid copper and solid silver neck for this horn.....it will be a few months before the new necks happen as there is a long lead time on protoypes from the guys who build my necks for me......we hold great hope for the Super 400 bari, which is well along in the development process, and hope to see some of those by the summer.

A Super 400 Bari? Steve I don't know how you can possibly improve on the current model (but if anyone can it will be you). For others on the forum, I took delivery of my bari in late December and haven't stopped smiling since. It is just a wonderfully easy horn to play (the ergonomics are outstanding) and the tone throughout the whole range of the horn is spot on.

Now to be extra greedy, I'm saving my pennies for a Super 400 tenor. Just trying to have a full "stable" of Saxgourmet horns...

Yes, there will be a Super 400 bari......I signed on the dotted line on Friday.....expensive? yes!......state of the art? You better believe it! I'll post details when I get back from Vegas and am through celebrating a VERY successful NAMM show...we'll have lot's of new products in the coming months!

May the Gods of Chance smile upon you and Sharon in Sin City, my friend!

I got my dream horn, a Super 400 alto, last week and after spending a little time with it I know I made the right choice. This horn is everything I had hoped it would be and more.

The finish is striking to say the least, very much a "new penny" look and the engraving is both bountiful and beautiful. I've never seen so much engraving on a saxophone. The multi-colored pearls only enhance the appearance.

The alto s very easy to play, free blowing and nice and in tune. Having two necks is a great thing and the difference between the sound of the two is striking. I am particularly enjoying the high G key, since that note had been unavailable to me in the past. The low notes speak super easily with a sweet voice.

I particularly like the fit in my hands and the very solid feel of the horn. This is a well made piece of machinery. I had considered and tried all the major brands, and know I made the right decision.

Steve:
When will the S400 2.0 tenors be back in stock? I've got a nice tax refund coming my way.....

I've got ONE left (it's the latest version).....there will be another shipment in about 45-60 days

What's the ETA on the Super 400 baritone?

It's looking like production examples available for sale in the summer