Cannonball Big Bell Stone Series Review (pro sax under $4,000)

I’ve had a big bell alto for nearly half a year and it has been an amazing horn, amazing quality, and is the most popular sax at my local music store. Great video as always 🎷

Excellent review. To me the first neck sounded exceedingly bright from what I'm accustomed to hearing from you. The second neck was surprisingly different and darker, more to my taste. As usual, you sound great on every sax you review. I'm getting used to the idea that there are many manufacturers turning out exceptional saxophones these days; both in material and build quality. To distinguish themselves, releasing limited editions with outstanding artistic aesthetics is becoming a standard practice. This horn as you point out has some individual characteristics that at first glance seem ambiguous. Yet taken as a whole the sax is stunningly beautiful. Other examples: the P. Mauriat 76 series III Greg Osby is also a gorgeous sax. Harkening back to the old King Silver Sonic. Ishimori Woodstone "New Vintage" saxes are works of art by virtue of the engraving alone. Offering several different finishes from unlacquered, matte, cognac and dark in place of the old standard bright gold or silver plate. Basically, it seems as if the deciding factor on what sax to purchase comes down to brand loyalty, price and which one appeals to the player visually.

I have a pro big bell since high school I love it. I swear by their stuff.

I enjoy my Cannonball Big Bell Tenor, I had an intermediate model when I was in high school. Paired with a Beechler 7 metal, Rovner ligature and Java 3 Reed!

I actually like your tone on this Cannonball a bit better than your other video on the Yamaha. Do you plan on reviewing Keilwerth?

were can i buy this

Beautiful looking instrument. ❤️😃

Your review was to the point and entertaining, I own a cannonball big bell alto saxophone (Black Ruby) a great saxophone , you get two thumbs up thanks Dr. Wally

Good afternoon l will always watch your videos as you are one of the few presenters who tell us the price always. Keep up your great work sir.

Fantástico!

Nice Skyrim reference :) I play Cannonball and I love specially that 25th anniversary edition. First horn to put my Mark VI back on its case

eu sonho em adiquirir um tenor brute acabamento vintagem big bell, e talvez um soprano curvo com chave de fa# e Sol agudo..... mas ainda está um pouco distante por conta da taxa de cambio no meu país.

I've had my cannonball for almost 4 years now, and it plays and sounds amazing

These horns are simply amazing!

I have the brute finish big bell tenor and I am sold on Cannonball, however I agree the case issue it is kinda annoying but definitely not a deal breaker.

저도 알토캐논볼 사용합니다

What mouthpiece are you using with that cannonball saxophone?

I have a big bell global series, was the first one big bell and love it.

You sound the same on all the demos you do, that says so much about the player. Took me too long to figure that out

My late father bought my Cannonball A5L which I needed for school, it works wonderfully for me. I still need a bit of help knowing what good the Fat Neck will do, but other than that, it is beautiful. HOWEVER, the white tiger engraving is so so beautiful!!

I enjoy your approach and sound on The Alto....nice and pretty.

As for the aesthetics of this saxophone, I totally disagree with you. I think Cannonball has nailed it and that it's absolutely gorgeous. It reminds me of the instrument used by Richard Elliot.This saxophonist plays on a tenor Yamaha in black lacquer with a silver neck. The Cannonball looks quite similar and it is fabulous.

I have one I’ve been playing for about 6 months. It’s and older model before fat neck was introduced. It does have 2 necks, but the only difference is lacquer color. As you probably imagine they sound similar. Mine was missing a couple stones when I got it. I found a replacement set on Amazon for less than$15. It came with most of the stones. Only one I was missing not found in the replacements was the key guard bling. I was able to pick that one up from local dealer for $10. For comparison my dealer has $4300 listed on price tag for this horn. I follow used horn prices and see this model listed in the $1500 to $2000 range frequently. I like the way it plays, and it lends itself quite well to large hands, especially for an Asian horn. I think second hand is the way to go with these, since they don’t seem to hold their value as well as their Japanese and French contemporaries. The horn is a tank, and noticeably heavier than my SBA and Zephyr. Doc, what is your opinion on this versus the pro Jean Paul? Overall great horn and I love all the custom color and engraving options available from Cannonball. I picked mine up second hand really cheap, so it was a no brainer. I don’t think I’d spend $4k on this horn, their are better options in that price range. If you can get a well cared for second hand for $1500-2000, I think it’s a solid horn for the money. BTW I used one of the extra replacement stones I got from Amazon to add some bling to the cheap rosewood plug I got from the same.

The horn sounds good -- not the best you've ever sounded in these videos, but OK. The look is ... well, I'm someone who likes black lacquer, and this deep black nickel plating is close to that. And many of Cannonball's "semiprecious stones" are quite attractive, even elegant. But these blood-red stones on a black horn are visually strident, IMO. They give the sax a Bride of Dracula vibe that would be too much for me to put on display.

Check out their Travel case ! You'll Love it !!!!

I love this horn, but at the same time being the price neighborhood it is in, I would be inclined to play it up against a Yani W20 or used 991 to see which I would like better. If I was inclined at this price point, I like the case and think that is the way a case should be. It is very protecting. Others won't agree. I prefer latches over zippers, because zippers always end up needing replacement, from my experiences. I am impressed by what this particular horn has to offer, and it sounds much fuller and sweeter, even with the element of brightness then the Albright Series. In the looks department, it is like wow.

I've been interested in a King Super 20 but also I love the Big bell, but I have a nickel allergy so I don't know if I.dare buying one. Do you know about that problem, please let me know. Sincerely yours Ole Birger Pedersen😮

Do they exist in gold lac too ?

Thank you so much for your video. Finally! I’ve been trying to find the answer regarding the difference in sound and function between the regular and under slung octave keys on the necks.

what’s the mouthpiece?

What mouthpiece, ligature and reed are you using?

Kitschsax!

Really nice sound. I have a cannonball raven tenor sax. I love the sound . You are so right about the weight though. I bought a flight case for my tenor and now I'm very happy with the weight. I haven't tried the neck with the octave key underneath. You said it plays different and I wish you could say alittle more about the difference because I'm thinking of trying one. 🤔.

Ive had an ice black alto cannonball since high school. It plays so smooth and lovely and Ive never had any issues with her. Do wish cases were easier to find though.

Hands down everyone who is NOT a sax player prefers the sound of my cannonball over my mark 6.

Is it a pimped up version of lesser makes ? Although must admit it looks nice .

I have the alto Raven and it cost me $2,500 brand new 13 years ago😂

I have this same saxophone. A nice lightweight case I have that fits it is the Protec Max Rectangular case. It is again very light weight and hold much more then the original. It has a big pocket on the outside and a nice deep storage area on the inside. Only downside is it doesnt have a designated spot for the 2nd neck. I just keep it in a pouch inside the outer storage.

I only ever played a cannonball a few times, but I was not expecting much. I thought it was going to be all looks, no substance, but I absolutely loved it. Not enough to pull me away from my conns, but enough to make my eyes wander a bit

You obviously play Skyrim. Cannonball case to the knee, lol.

Can you tell how I can buy it I am from TANZANIA africa

I think those stones would go nicer with a stripped bare brass with some bronze patina.

What’s the song 🔥🔥

I think your have to be in to that sort of thing. Prop's to them for cooking something different though.

Was a revelation - years of being in Mk VI land and all of a sudden my world is changed for the better!

Add a big Turqpouse cowboy belt buckle, Aviators and you're set.

What I wouldn't give for one.....

I have a cannonball I believe it’s a big bell series with tiger eye stones that I got for Christmas back in 05 0r 06 and it’s beefy but my absolute favorite in terms of sound and playability. I haven’t played it in a while but I’m sure as hell never getting rid of it. I plan on picking it back up someday for fun. I just need to re learn the notes lol.

I've owned a Cannonball student saxophone for about 10 years now and it has served me well. When comparing it to potential upgrades it's kinda hard to tell the difference. I am sure they are mostly better than mine but maybe I am biased lol. I am no professional by any means.

is this a good saxophone for a high schooler? i’ve only been playing for 2 years and i’m not a total beginner but i’m not that great either