Product Review: Trevor James – ‘The Horn’ alto saxophone

Trevor James was established in Kent in 1983, aiming to design and manufacture woodwind instruments for everyone from beginners to professionals. Initially the company made and sold flutes but in the early 1990s they branched out into saxophones as well, including the ‘Horn’ model. The intention behind this was to make an affordable instrument for students to progress on, something that would take them all the way from total novicehood to serious competence.

What does Trevor James say?

“Adhering to our unwavering commitment to quality design and manufacturing, this saxophone is crafted from premium materials and undergoes a meticulous quality assurance process at our technical workshops in Lenham (UK), overseen by our dedicated team of technicians. The priorities are:

• Smooth action – Close key work design for ease of handling
• Free blowing - Supports the player’s air flow when playing, essential for students
• Reliable and robust – Built on the ribbed construction that allows superb durability without adding too much additional weight
• An excellent starter instrument for new players

This saxophone has been thoughtfully engineered for enhanced ergonomics.”

Feature breakdown

A sax for the serious beginner

Although the original alto ‘Horn’ was from the early ‘90s, the current model debuted in 2019, benefiting from more modern manufacturing technologies and materials. The thumb rests are thoughtfully designed with a plastic upper and a metal adjustable lower, ensuring that students can find a comfortable grip. This ergonomic consideration promotes better hand positioning and reduces fatigue during practice sessions, especially important for young saxophonists who lack the manual strength of more experienced players.

The use of blue steel needle springs contributes significantly to the instrument's smooth action. These springs provide a responsive feel, allowing for easier key transitions that are crucial for developing technique, especially for younger players who may still be mastering finger coordination.

Equipped with plastic touch pieces and leather pads, 'The Horn' balances durability and playability. The pads offer a reliable seal while enhancing sound quality, whereas the plastic touch pieces are designed to withstand the rigors of student use.

The metal reflectors enhance the saxophone's overall sound, allowing for a clearer, brighter response and facilitating easier airflow throughout the instrument. This design element is particularly beneficial for students, as it helps them produce a more vibrant tone with less effort. In the early stages of learning an instrument, it’s so important to feel encouraged, and a good responsive sound is paramount to that end. In a similar vein, the TJ plastic mouthpiece serves as an excellent starter mouthpiece, providing students with a comfortable and easy-to-play option. Complementing this is the metal 2-screw ligature, which securely holds the reed in place and comes with a cap, which helps protects it.

An aesthetically pleasing floral engraving on the bell adds a touch of elegance and flair, giving students something to show off to their friends in ensembles!

Accessories are often the unsung heroes of any instrument package, and 'The Horn' does not disappoint. It includes reeds, a comfortable neck sling, and a polishing cloth, ensuring that students have everything they need to maintain their instrument.

Transporting the saxophone is made simple with the included rectangular padded deluxe case, equipped with backpack straps, a side pocket, and a convenient side strap. Weighing in at just under 2.5 kg, this model is lightweight and easily manageable for students, making it ideal for carrying to lessons, rehearsals, or performances.

What does Chamberlain Music think?

Trevor James' 'The Horn' alto saxophone stands out as a premier choice for student musicians seeking an instrument that combines quality, playability, and affordability. Its popularity is not an accident; Teachers appreciate the instrument's reliability and consistent performance, often recommending it for beginner pupils. The pupil themselves are drawn to its aesthetic appeal, user-friendly features, and the way that it plays. It's also worth noting that although 'The Horn' is most commonly a student instrument, it is plenty good enough to be enjoyed by higher level players too; it would a great buy for anyone looking to get back into the saxophone after a break from playing, or perhaps a tenor player looking for an alto to double on.

It represents great value for the learner, at a slightly lower price than equivalent Buffet Crampon and Jupiter models, and sitting above the Elkhart, Odyssey and John Packer student models, right in the middle of the beginner clarinet market. Naturally, all these offer different levels of features and manufacturing methods, but there’s no question that Trevor James make a great product for the learner.

If you’re looking for a student instrument then it’s also worth checking out TJ’s Alphasax model, which features reduced keywork geared towards absolute beginners. And if you’re looking for a tenor then good news: There’s a 'Horn’ for you too!