Asian-made modern bass saxophones
Intro to the new Jinyin bass saxophone reference guide
In the original Bassic Sax Blog, I had a Series on Asian-made bass saxophones that dated back to 2008. What I did for The New Bassic Sax, is carefully go through the many articles in the Series, pull the names, descriptions, prices—as well as of course photos—and combine them together in two different articles: this one for the vintage American style horns made by Jinyin; and the other (upcoming) for the short wrap, AKA French style, basses made by Jinbao.
Jinyin no longer shows bass saxophones in their online listings, but Xuqiu does list them. At this point it is unclear if Xuqiu is the manufacturer, or if another company is. I am going to reach out to the various companies and publish an update when I know more.
In the meantime however, it is important to recognize that reputable retailers no longer carry long wrap Chinese-made bass saxophones. Why? Please read my review of the Xuqiu bass I play-tested. Mine was NOT a one-off opinion.
In the June 18, 2009, article about the Jinyin-made Canex horns, I wrote the following cautionary tale:
A few months ago a member of the [now defunct] Bass Sax Co-op ordered one of these cheap, American-designed, Asian-made bass saxes (a totally different brand) through an on-line music store. After having numerous problems with the horn, and having his tech go over it, he ended up returning the sax and getting his money back. Luckily, he dealt with a reputable company that was willing to stand behind the products they sell. Not all are.
Disclaimer:
This is by no means all the names that were stencilled on Jinyin bass saxes. These are just the ones I catalogued over the years. I am sure there a many, many more that slipped past my radar. Music stores often ordered a couple to test the market, and likely never ordered any more once they finally got rid of them.
If you know of a name that should be included here, please send it to me. Please include photos—bell photos with the stencil name are critical—or a link to where I can see it for verification purposes. Thank you!
Historical fun fact
In my October 18, 2010, article about both Jinyin and Jinbao horns, I noted the following prices for Jinyin long-wrap bass saxes:
If you buy any of the umpteen brands of stencilled, vintage, American-style bass saxophones, you are buying a bass made by Jinyin. These horns range in price from around $3,500 to around $7,000. That is unless you buy a IW-602 for the full Retail List Price of $10,998.
That was A LOT of $$ for a junky horn! Lipstick, meet pig. 
Catalogue of JinYin-made, vintage American style, stencil bass saxes
Canex
DLM Music
Gear 4 Music
Hawk
International Woodwind 601
International Woodwind 602
Jinyin
King Excellence
Mason
Orpheo
Vento
Xuqiu
Aquilasax
Model: SOLO
July 2012
Price:
- No price given.
Description
Bass sax Bb
Part Number BassaxSOLOTraditional bass sax made in Beijing. I played one briefly and found it to be big. Felt a bit like my Conn baritone but bigger. Looked a bit like a Conn too, similar keys. Big sound! Email Steve if interested?
Extra Info
Steve was also trying gauge interest in Chinese-made, bass in the key of C. Clearly it never happened.
Canex
Model: SABB-L
Circa 2009
Price:
- June 2009 – $2000 US
- Sept 2009 – $3000 US
- Sumer 2010 – Listed price for “reference” only. Detailed price due upon final confirmation.
Description:
Bass Saxophone
SABB-L [model]
Brass
Bb key
High pitch #F key
Bakelite Mouthpiece
Gold Lacquer
Foambody Case
Extra Info:
These were not aimed at end-users, but rather dealers. Hence the price.
DLM Music
Model: Not listed
April 2009
Price
- £ 2,920.00, which eBay showed as $4,322.77 US BIN on eBay.com
Description:
This is a superb quality Bass Saxophone, Combining fantastic build with a great finish, and a highly competitive price. This instrument is ideal for beginners to advancing players alike.
More Details:
Bass saxophone in the American Conn/Buescher style. A mighty instrument!
We have produced this quality instrument without compromise to give more people the opportunity to learn and play what is normally a very expensive instrument.
Each 0f our Bass saxophone is now checked and serviced by a qualified technician before dispatch, to ensure you will receive a quality, ready to play instrument.
This sax features an innovative built-in instrument stand, which is particularly useful for younger or smaller players.
Bass Saxophone Outfit Specifications
Bb Bass Saxophone
Low Bb
Lacquered brass body and keywork
Good quality pads with domed metal reflectors
Adjustable thumb rest
Light gold clear polished laquer finish
Includes ABS saxophone case and accessories
Gear 4 Music
Model: Not listed
Circa 2010
Price:
- June 2010 – £2,899.00 (ATT XE.com estimated $4,282.25 US)
Description:
Bass Saxophone by Gear4music, Gold – This is a superb quality Bass Saxophone from Gear4music. Combining fantastic build with a great finish, and a highly competitive price. This instrument is ideal for beginners to advancing players alike.
More Details:
Bass saxophone in the American Conn/Buescher style. A mighty instrument!
We have produced this quality instrument without compromise to give more people the opportunity to learn and play what is normally a very expensive instrument.
Each Gear4music Bass saxophone is now checked and serviced by a qualified technician before dispatch, to ensure you will receive a quality, ready to play instrument.
This sax features an innovative built-in instrument stand, which is particularly useful for younger or smaller players.
Bass Saxophone Outfit Specifications
Bb Bass Saxophone
Low Bb
Lacquered brass body and keywork
Good quality pads with domed metal reflectors
Adjustable thumb rest
Light gold clear polished laquer finish
Includes ABS saxophone case and accessories
14 day money back guarantee:
If you decide this instrument is not ideal for you, simply send it back within 14 days of purchase for a full refund.
2 Year Warranty (For purchases after 1st September 2007)
Extra info:
Notice how the bass on the inside of the case, and the one standing up on the outside are slightly different? The one outside does not have the attachments for a floor peg. This is, I believe, the older stock photo that had been used to sell the very first generation of Jinyin bass saxes.
Since that photo was taken, Jinyin had made some changes to their horns, and the newer version of the sax is the one inside the case. (At least I think it is, based on the rest of Jinyin horns we’d seen a bit later.)
Hawk
Model: Not listed
August 2009
Price:
- $4,995 US
Description:
There are 2 descriptions I found. The first was from Rheuben Allen’s eBay listing—which is where the price came from.
NAMM Show Sample
The “Hawk” features a bore designed after the vintage great bass saxophones. Articulated G# – Added closing bar from the F to the F1 keys to help keep the lower register stable.
The Low C and E-flat keys have two springs. The extra spring helps keep the keys from blowing open when the instrument is filled with air and makes the key response better.
Double bell to body brace
Double brace on the low C key.
Low C and E-Flat keys have two springs each
The “Hawk” has 2 bell to body braces to help prevent the bell from moving side to side.
The ‘Hawk” Bass Saxophone note range is from Low B-Flat to High F.
There are 3 strap hooks to allow the bass saxophonist to adjust the position of the way the instrument hangs around the neck.
List: $6,995
Sell: $4,995
Source: Rheuben Allen Music on eBay.com
The second is from the Jinyin website itself. At the time Jinyin had what they called the Pro Woodwind & Brass Division of the JINYIN Group. Although now defunct, this was how it was described at the time on Jinyin’s website:
The JINYIN Pro Woodwind Division is now manufacturing the Kenny G and Rheuben Allen line of saxophones.
These instruments are made in the New Kenny G / Rheuben Allen workshop located in the JINYIN main factory.
All work is supervised by Rheuben Allen and inspected by Mr. Allen before being shipped….
The “Hawk” features the bore of the vintage great bass saxophones.
Articulated G#
Added closing bar from the F to the F1 keys to help keep the lower register stable.
Contour case with wheels and a compartment for Mouthpiece and Accessories.
2 Necks with Neck bag that hold both necks
Double brace and springs on the low C key
Double springs on the low Eb key
The Low C and Eb keys have two springs
(One on each end of the key) to help insure quick response of these two heavy keys.
Source: http://www.jinyinprowoodwind-brass.com
I & K
Model: I&K by Rhythm
June 2008
Price:
- June 2008 – $6,999 AU (approx. $6,649 US at the time)
- Jan 2009 – $3814.76 US
Description:
A Brand new great looking and sounding Bass Saxophone for the intermediate to professional player. This well crafted, hand made Selmer reproduction is manufactured from all new high grade yellow brass.
The Sax has very good intonation and plays well in all registers. It is shipped to you in it’s own sturdy hard case and is supplied with a hard rubber mouthpiece. This instrument would suit any musician looking for a quality Bass at a down to earth price.
This is a Brand New Instrument that has been fully set up by our qualified technician and represents a unique opportunity to own a Bass saxophone at a realistic price.
Also Included:
Cleaning cloth
Polishing cloth
Cork grease
Neck strap
Hard rubber Mpc
Quality Hard Case
We have the utmost confidence in the high quality and suitability of our instruments, hence our customer satisfaction policy!14 Day Money Back Guarantee If you are not completely satisfied with your Baritone, you may return it in its original packaging and condition for a full refund of the instrument purchase price. (Please note that all freight costs are non refundable)
International Woodwind
Model: 601 (first generation)
October 2008
Price:
- On sale! Sale Price: $6,499. Regular $7,999. Listed on WWBW
Description
Modeled after the great vintage bass saxophones of the mid-twentieth century, The International Woodwinds 601 Bass Saxophone features modernized key work and a range from low Bb up to high F. The IW 601 Bass Sax also has some innovative redesign in the key work, thicker rods on the keys and a beautiful engraving pattern. Complete with easy transport, gig-style case.
Standard Features
Body / Bow / Neck Lacquered Brass
Special Keys High F# [sic]
Engraved Yes
Range Low Bb
Includes Case, Mouthpiece, Ligature & Cap
Note this 5* “customer rating” by Graham Dorsey, which was dated May 22, 2007. This man, with 40+ years of professional experience in jazz & Latin music, says:
I was present as this horn was developed from the first horn to what is now a real find. The body is constructed from the old Buescher Bass Sax [emphasis added] template. The key work is cutting edge modern. Its range has been extended to high F using the mechanism from a modern era horn. The neck, tone hole placement, thumb rest, and key work have been carefully engineered for the best ergonomics and intonation. They have a mouthpiece to go with the horn that brings out the best in the horn, top to bottom. These are great horns and are the best bang for your buck.
This is the only mention I have ever seen that these came from Buescher basses. My understanding was they were Conn New Wonder copies—like the Keilwerth bass saxophones were/are—but sans the sink trap neck.
Wonder if Graham ever regretted his 5* rating. 
International Woodwind
Model: 602 (second generation)
Circa Mid-2008 & beyond
Price
- Oct 2008 – $7,999 on WWBW
Description
WWBW had links on the 602 page that led to the 601 page. In other words, the description was identical to that provided above. However, the 602 has been described like this:
The IW 602 is similar to the 601 but with some improvements. It has an extra brace and some adjustments in the keywork and some intonation adjustments. Its basically the same horn with some prototype issues fixed. Source: SOTW
Jinyin
The original vintage American bass sax copy that all other copies are copies of
Model: A600G
June 2009
Price:
- June 2009 – $5,995 US BIN price on eBay
- Aug 2010 – $3,600 US Winning price in no reserve auction on eBay
Description:
The JinYin Model A600G Bass Saxophone. Through its vast resources of engineering and manufacturing skills, JinYin is only one of a handful of companies in the entire world producing a bass saxophone. This instrument they produce has it all! Excellent tone and response, good intonation and comfortable key work.
This bass sax, without a doubt, is one of the most incredible values you will find, with other models costing anywhere from $3,000.00 to $10,000.00 more. Comes complete with mouthpiece, cap, ligature and deluxe lightweight case.
King Excellence
Model: not listed
Age unknown. This was a used instrument. Also, it is the only stencil like this I have ever come across.
Price
- July 2024 – $6,495.00 US
Description
Brand:
King Excellence
IN STOCKSorry we do not know what factory this was made in. It would be Chinese.
This bass saxophone is on consignment with us.
L.A. Ripamonti
Model: Master
Age unknown. This was a used instrument. Also, it is the only stencil like this I have ever come across.
Price
- April 2015 eBay – €2,800 BIN ($3,007.20 US)
- 2021 – still for sale at same price
Description
Ripamonti Bb bass sax lacquered automatic speaker without case and mouthpiece. You can also purchase this product directly on our website…
Mason
Model: Pro
Circa 2008 – 2012
Price:
- Feb 15, 2008 – $6,900 US on Craigslist
- Apr 2012 – didn’t record price on eBay
Description
Bass sax $6900 USD EXCELLENT…. I ALSO SELL METAL SILVER PLATED BASS SAX MOUTHPIECES….AND BASS SAX CASES
Source: craigslist
And:
BBb ‘Mason Pro’ Bass sax. Used as a demonstrator…has about 20 hours on it. EXCELLENT IN EVERY WAY
Source: MasonProSaxophonesSince1949 on eBay.com
Orpheo
Model: not listed
Circa 2008
Price:
- Oct 2008 – $5495 BIN price on eBay
- Jan 2009 – $3,999 on Amazon
- Jan 2009 – $3,995 on eBay
- Jan 2009 – $4495 BIN on eBay
Description
This Bass Sax is based upon the great vintage Saxophones from the golden era of Bass saxophones. It is totally handmade and represents a breakthrough in recreating the essence of bass saxophone performance.
The Orpheo Bb Bass Saxophone goes from low Bb up to high F#. The sound is gloriously mellow, with complete ease of resistance. Believe me, it is nothing like the old boat anchors from hock shops that took years of adjusting just to play. The keywork has been totally modernized so the hand position is as natural as playing on a normal saxophone. All of this would not be possible if it weren’t for the exacting intonation this bass produces from top to bottom.
The Orpheo Bass comes with a real hard rubber Bass Sax mouthpiece so it can be played right out of the box. And speaking of boxes, it comes with a lightweight Hard Case with WHEELS, so you don’t have to break your back. The instrument is Brand New and comes with our one year warranty and money back guarantee.
Vento
Model: not listed
Circa 2013
Price:
- Not recorded.
Description
The Vento Bass Saxophone is a rare instrument to find. There are only a few manufactures of Bass Saxophones in the entire world and most of those bass saxophones sell for well over $10,000.00. Our buyer at Music Factory Direct has located one of these bass sax manufactures and is able to offer you, direct from the factory, an incredibly priced bass sax with the same quality as those high priced bass saxophones but at a fraction of the price. Our Bass Saxophones are handmade with a hand-hammered bell that produces a rich, warm and deep sound. The new Vento Bb Bass Saxophone goes from low Bb up to high F#, has incredible intonation from top to bottom and the key work has been totally modernized so the hand position, on this bass sax is as natural as playing on an alto saxophone.
Clear brass lacquer finish
Low Bb key and High F# key
Deluxe, lightweight case with wheels
Xuqiu
Model: XBS002
I wrote a review of this horn. Please read it if you are seriously considering buying a new, vintage American-style, bass from China.
Circa 2013
Price
- Not listed on their website, since they are a wholesaler. They reached out to me in 2013 to see if I was interested in importing their instruments. I was not, so I never did find out about their bass sax prices at the time.
Description
Bass Saxophone
tone: Bb key
Material: Brass
Surface: Gold Lacquer
Extra Info
Just like today, Xuqiu offered both long and short wrap bass saxophones. The short wrap bass was model # XBS001, and is discussed on the Jinbao page.
In the past all these long-wrap bass saxophones were made by Jinyin. Today it no longer appears to be the case. Rather Xuqiu may be the manufacturer of these horns. I am going to try and find out more. If and when I do, I will update everything accordingly.
