Jean Paul USA AS-860 Anniversary Edition Alto Saxophone

A high-quality intermediate-level saxophone that follows in the footsteps of Jean-Paul's highly successful student line. 

Just like the 400 series the 860 boasts a superior level of build quality, ergonomics, and tone quality, but offers extra refinement above and beyond the student models.

Jean-Paul USA is based in Miami and while their instruments are sourced from East Asia the instruments undergo a rigorous set-up operation in their Miami workshops before being shipped to various distribution points around the World.  At Sax. we are proud to now work in partnership with this dedicated team at Jean-Paul, enhancing their work with our own pre-checks before shipping to our customers.

Description

The AS-860 in many regards has professional-level elements to its design; the instrument is categorized by Jean-Paul as 'professional' and while the saxophone has many high-level attributes we at Sax are grading this instrument as high-level 'intermediate'.  Constructed from high-quality brass the AS-860 has a strong build and a robust colourful tone to match.  Special attention has been taken to offer a concise and ergonomically efficient key work setup with a smooth key action.  Little details such as angled right-hand low Eb/C keys, left-hand spatula keys, and a recessed octave key all add to the experience.

It can't be ignored that this model is receiving very positive reviews around the globe, not only from well-known YouTubers but also from the public in general.  This sax is a great option for those of you who are looking for a high-quality instrument but without having to stretch to the cost of a typical professional model.

 Features

• Material: Brass
• Finish: Gold lacquered
• Key Touches: special Black Pearl touches
• Neck: AS-860 design
• Engraving: Elaborate 'Orange Blossom' Hand engraving throughout sax
• Case: Semi hard professional back-pack style
• Mouthpiece: Jean-Paul AS-4
• Made in: China
• Free Professional Set Up & Free Check over within a Year
• Recommended for: Advancing players

Staff Review

Having been so impressed with Jean-Paul's student range I was extremely curious to see how this upper range of models stacked up in comparison.  The whole mantra of Jean-Paul is to offer great quality products but at affordable prices.  This is certainly the case with the AS-400 model, and I believe this 860 achieves a similar objective.  It is being described on their website as a Pro model and while I find that there are many aspects of its build and tonal qualities that say 'I'm a pro sax' I see it more as a highly refined intermediate sax.  And on many levels, it offers a more robust tone and ergonomically satisfying experience than some of these, and yet at an even more competitive price, so all in all a great purchase if you're looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.

I find there is a medium resistance, which gives you something to work with.  There is a clarity and sweetness to the tone, plus an underlying tonal core throughout the range.  I think what often sets apart lower level and higher level instruments is the quality of build, materials, and design.  The 860 ticks the boxes in all of these areas, and therefore gives the player the peace of mind that they will have a long-lasting sax that will hold its set-up well.  Jim Cheek - SAX