Atlantic London - The Duke - Vintage Amber - Alto Saxophone

This highly acclaimed flagship model from Atlantic London combines world-class craftsmanship, distinctive design, and a powerful, resonant voice that has earned praise from players around the globe.

"We'd wager that it will soon become the first choice of instrument for pros and semi-pros alike" - Jazzwise Magazine 

We're very excited here at SAX to be offering the flagship, elite line of saxophones from Atlantic London.  Designed without compromise, The Duke was developed with no limits on budget, only the pursuit of excellence. The result is a bespoke saxophone that rivals the finest instruments in the world. Despite its meticulous craftsmanship and premium components, The Duke remains remarkably accessible, offering players an unparalleled blend of top-end quality and performance.

SOUND CONCEPT

The Duke is crafted from high-quality brass and features a RESO+ neck, rolled tone holes, ribbed body construction, and an enlarged bell. The resulting sound is warm, with a resonant core and flexibility. It's perfect for the demands of the modern sax player, allowing you to softly blend in one moment and cut through with power and authority the next.

DESIGN/AESTHETICS

The key ergonomics have been designed with familiarity in mind and vere towards more of a compact set-up, with closely arranged palm key clusters and easily accessible table keys.  The key work has been manufactured with low tolerances in mind, offering the player a secure and robust set-up that will hold up to scrutiny over time.  

A very important aspect in the presentation of these instruments is to have great playability.  Atlantic have created a key action that is smooth, consistent, and relatively light throughout, giving an effortless playing experience.

In a nod towards Conn saxophones, the Duke features low Bb/B, C and Eb wire-style keyguards.  In a similar vein the octave key incorporates the same design, giving the sax a unique visual identity.

The choice of unlacquered or vintage amber finishes again makes the instrument contrast with the vast array of standard lacquer saxes on the market.  But what really gives these saxes a distinct visual identity is their impressive engraving, featuring a hybrid traditional/art-deco style design.  This work is completed by hand, courtesy of the factory's master engraver.

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE

The Duke is provided as a package that includes an abundance of high-quality bespoke accessories and extras.  These include:

• Premium-shaped case with a stylish two-tone finish
• SYOS mouthpiece and Ligature - custom design model
• Brown Leather padded strap - brass hook and wide adjuster
• Silverstein Omnicap
• Bespoke metal end cap
• Padded shoulder straps for the case

Atlantic London was founded by Jamie Straker in 2018. Jamie spent 20 years at SAX, including serving as Managing Director, before leaving the company to focus fully on Atlantic. Drawing on that extensive industry experience, he assembled a London-based team of accomplished players and specialist technicians to develop saxophones with a distinctive sound, feel and identity.

The name “Atlantic” reflects the brand’s inspiration: the great American saxophones of Conn and the celebrated French instruments of Selmer Paris. The Duke brings influences from both sides of the Atlantic together in a modern professional saxophone with a character entirely its own..

FEATURES

• Material: High-Quality Brass

• Finish: Vintage Amber

• Key Touches: Grade A Mother of Pearl

• Engraving: Extensive Hand Engraving

• Neck: Atlantic London Reso+

• Case: Atlantic London Fly Light Case

• Mouthpiece: Custom SYOS Atlantic London (6 Tip Opening)

• Made in: Taiwanese Components - Designed & Set up in London

• Free professional setup and free check over within a year

• Recommended For: Professionals & advancing players

STAFF REVIEW

I've always been a fan of vintage-inspired modern saxes, especially when they are well-conceived and offer the kind of playing experience that inspires and excites.  That's definitely the feeling I have with this first range of instruments from Atlantic.  Over the past few years, whilst this brand and its models have been developing, I have been bearing witness from the sidelines with interest.  Even though I have given space to Jamie and his team during this time, allowing them to develop the instruments according to their own criteria, my one request was to have a sax that has great playability.  You want to be able to pick up the sax and just let it play, without having to do battle with the key action to make it respond properly!  Well on this front I have to say that I'm delighted with the smooth, light and even action.  This allows me to get straight on with the music and enjoy the tone that is being produced - and boy, what a tone!  Big, powerful, plenty of breadth and core.

Coupled with a great tone and playability I also love the look of these horns!  The key guards look cool and give off a vintage vibe that you don't see on any other modern sax.  The cognac lacquer looks great and makes the engraving jump out at you - but equally the unlacquered finish looks amazing.  If anything, I found that the UL finish gives off a slightly freer and more open sound.

I also appreciate the fact that all the extra details have been taken care of - even down to things like providing a high-quality metal end cap!  Sounds trivial, but you immediately notice it when opening the case, and all these details feed through to an overall sense of fulfilment.  Included in this is the inclusion of a SYOS mouthpiece - the black and white colour scheme looks fab in contrast to the sax, but they also blow well and complement the tone of the saxes.  Okay, it's true to say that a good deal of players will choose to use their own mouthpiece, but it's worth noting that this SYOS piece is no throw-away mouthpiece.  I particularly like the tone on the alto - it stacks up well against my trusted Meyer! 

Jim Cheek