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| Sansone full F/Bb double |
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 Instrument Reference 1557 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone +44 (0)1452 536 264 for further information Lorenzo Sansone was an Italian-American horn player and maker who many people credit with the invention of the single Bb/A(+) having an in-built F extension. However, he also made full doubles and this is a fine example of one. In excellent condition given its age - maybe 50 years or so plus - this 100% hand-made horn is manufactured in unlacquered yellow brass and is fitted with a fixed bell. As you can see from the picture, Sansone favoured the Kruspe wrap for his full doubles which he fitted with medium bells to produce that bright, perky 'Chicago' sound, presumably to compete with his contemporary, Carl Geyer, who actually worked in Chicago. A very unusual aspect of his full doubles is his reversal of the usual tiering of the F and Bb horns. Traditional design locates the F horn on the top tier, whereas Sansone preferred locating the Bb horn on the top tier, apparently for purely cosmetic reasons. Indeed, when looking at a Sansone double, one can see his point - it does seem more logical and visually appealing to have the horns this way round. This very unusual instrument is free-blowing, has superb intonation, and is very securely slotted or 'notchy' in the high register. The middle register is warm and fluid and the low register is very free and fruity. It does make the characteristic 'Chicago' sound (although Sansone worked in New York) and plays beautifully. Valve compression is perfect, there are only a few superficial blemishes and the slides all move freely and smoothly. It comes with a black, Paxman style case which is also in good condition. £POA |