What is the primary target market for the Buffet 400 Series Tenor Sax?

It is designed as a 'step-up' or intermediate saxophone. It suits students moving beyond their first instrument and professional players looking for a reliable, versatile secondary horn.

What does 'ribbed body construction' mean for this saxophone?

Ribbed construction involves soldering the key posts to a brass rib rather than directly to the body tube. This adds strength to the mechanism and generally produces a warmer, more focused sound.

Is the matte finish purely for looks?

While the matte finish provides a distinct visual style, many players believe that different finishes slightly alter the vibration of the metal. However, its most immediate impact is its modern, non-reflective aesthetic.

Where is the hand engraving located on this model?

The engraving is extensive, covering the bell, the bow, the body, the key cups, and even the neck. This level of detail is usually found only on professional-tier instruments.

What improvements were made to the lower pads?

Buffet Crampon improved the mechanisms on the lower pads to ensure a more secure and stable seal. This helps the player achieve easier response and better intonation in the lower register of the instrument.

Is this saxophone suitable for classical music?

Yes, the Buffet 400 is designed to be versatile. Its construction and response characteristics allow it to perform well in classical settings where tonal purity and control are required.

Can I use this saxophone for jazz?

Absolutely. The instrument is described as being perfect for both jazz and classical musicians. Pairing it with jazz-specific reeds like D'Addario Select Jazz or Vandoren Java can enhance its suitability for the genre.

What kind of case is included with the Buffet 400?

The saxophone comes with a quality protective case featuring two rugged handles. It is designed with ample storage space for mouthpieces, ligatures, and other maintenance items.

How does the 400 Series compare to Buffet's professional range?

The 400 Series shares several features with the professional range, most notably the premium hand engraving. While more affordable, it retains high-quality mechanical standards and a professional appearance.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The Buffet 400 Series Tenor Saxophone in Matte typically retails for approximately £1,520. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific regional taxes.

What accessories are recommended for use with this tenor sax?

Commonly used accessories include Rovner 3RL ligatures and Vandoren or D'Addario reeds. The choice of mouthpiece, such as a Yamaha 5C or a specialized jazz mouthpiece, will also influence the final sound.

Does the engraving affect the sound of the instrument?

Engraving is primarily a decorative feature and does not significantly alter the acoustic properties of the saxophone. It serves to enhance the instrument's visual appeal and professional feel.

Gear article

Buffet Crampon 400 Series Tenor Saxophone (Matte Finish)

The Buffet Crampon 400 Series Tenor Saxophone is a step-up instrument designed for intermediate students and professional players seeking a versatile horn. Characterised by its distinctive matte finish and hand-engraved body, it features ribbed construction and improved keywork to accommodate both jazz and classical repertoire.

Buffet Crampon Buffet 400 Series Tenor Saxophone Matte

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Overview and Design

The 400 Series serves as a bridge between student models and professional-tier instruments within the Buffet Crampon catalogue. This tenor saxophone is distinguished by its 'matte' aesthetic, which offers a modern alternative to traditional gold lacquer. The instrument features extensive hand engraving across the bell, bow, body, cups, and neck, emulating the decorative standards found on higher-end professional models.

Technically, the 400 Series utilizes ribbed construction, a method where key posts are soldered to a long strip of brass (the rib) before being attached to the body. This adds weight and structural integrity, often resulting in a more focused tonal centre compared to non-ribbed student models.

Mechanical Features

Buffet Crampon has implemented several mechanical upgrades to improve playability and durability. Notable features include:

Reinforced Lower Pads: The mechanisms for the lower pads have been improved to ensure a more reliable seal and consistent response in the bottom register.
Keywork Layout: The keywork is designed to be ergonomic, facilitating faster passages for advancing players.
Hand Engraving: Premium engraving is applied to almost every major component, including the neck and key cups, providing a high-quality visual finish.

DAddario Organic Select Jazz Unfiled Tenor Sax Reeds 4H (5 Pack)

Sound and Performance

The Buffet 400 Series is engineered to be a versatile 'all-rounder.' The combination of the matte finish and the ribbed body construction contributes to a sound that is suitable for both classical and jazz applications. Musicians typically find that it offers enough resistance to control the dynamics in a concert band setting, while maintaining the projection required for jazz ensembles. The choice of accessories, such as Vandoren Java or D'Addario Select Jazz reeds, can further refine this character toward specific genres.

Target Audience and Comparison

This instrument is primarily marketed as a 'step-up' saxophone, making it ideal for students who have outgrown their beginner horns but are not yet ready for the financial investment of a flagship professional model.

When compared to alternatives like the Yamaha YBS or other intermediate models, the Buffet 400 stands out for its unique matte finish and extensive decorative engraving. While student models focus on ease of blowing, the 400 Series focuses on mechanical stability and a more sophisticated aesthetic usually reserved for professional ranges.

Included Accessories

The saxophone is supplied with a dedicated protective case designed for the mobile musician. The case features two rugged handles for easy transport and includes sufficient internal and external storage space for essential accessories like ligatures, mouthpieces, and reeds. Ensuring the instrument is stored in a quality case is vital for maintaining the alignment of the improved lower pad mechanisms.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary target market for the Buffet 400 Series Tenor Sax?: It is designed as a 'step-up' or intermediate saxophone. It suits students moving beyond their first instrument and professional players looking for a reliable, versatile secondary horn.
What does 'ribbed body construction' mean for this saxophone?: Ribbed construction involves soldering the key posts to a brass rib rather than directly to the body tube. This adds strength to the mechanism and generally produces a warmer, more focused sound.
Is the matte finish purely for looks?: While the matte finish provides a distinct visual style, many players believe that different finishes slightly alter the vibration of the metal. However, its most immediate impact is its modern, non-reflective aesthetic.
Where is the hand engraving located on this model?: The engraving is extensive, covering the bell, the bow, the body, the key cups, and even the neck. This level of detail is usually found only on professional-tier instruments.
What improvements were made to the lower pads?: Buffet Crampon improved the mechanisms on the lower pads to ensure a more secure and stable seal. This helps the player achieve easier response and better intonation in the lower register of the instrument.
Is this saxophone suitable for classical music?: Yes, the Buffet 400 is designed to be versatile. Its construction and response characteristics allow it to perform well in classical settings where tonal purity and control are required.
Can I use this saxophone for jazz?: Absolutely. The instrument is described as being perfect for both jazz and classical musicians. Pairing it with jazz-specific reeds like D'Addario Select Jazz or Vandoren Java can enhance its suitability for the genre.
What kind of case is included with the Buffet 400?: The saxophone comes with a quality protective case featuring two rugged handles. It is designed with ample storage space for mouthpieces, ligatures, and other maintenance items.
How does the 400 Series compare to Buffet's professional range?: The 400 Series shares several features with the professional range, most notably the premium hand engraving. While more affordable, it retains high-quality mechanical standards and a professional appearance.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The Buffet 400 Series Tenor Saxophone in Matte typically retails for approximately £1,520. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific regional taxes.
What accessories are recommended for use with this tenor sax?: Commonly used accessories include Rovner 3RL ligatures and Vandoren or D'Addario reeds. The choice of mouthpiece, such as a Yamaha 5C or a specialized jazz mouthpiece, will also influence the final sound.
Does the engraving affect the sound of the instrument?: Engraving is primarily a decorative feature and does not significantly alter the acoustic properties of the saxophone. It serves to enhance the instrument's visual appeal and professional feel.