What material is the Elkhart 100AS made from?

The instrument is constructed from yellow brass, which is the industry standard material for achieving a balanced, resonant tone.

Is the Elkhart 100AS suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is specifically designed as a student model, focusing on ease of play and reliability for those new to the saxophone.

What does 'rib-mounted keywork' mean?

It means the keys are attached to a metal 'rib' or plate which is then fixed to the body. This adds strength and can improve the instrument's resonance compared to post-to-body mounting.

Does the saxophone come with a case?

Yes, it includes a lightweight protective case that features backpack straps for easy transportation.

Are there different color options available?

The 100AS is available in several bright and exciting colours for players who want an alternative to the traditional gold lacquer.

What is the typical price for an Elkhart 100AS?

While prices vary by retailer, it typically retails for approximately £425.

How does yellow brass affect the sound?

Yellow brass provides a balance of brightness and sonority, ensuring a clear tone that is not too harsh for the listener or player.

Can I use professional reeds with this saxophone?

Yes, it is compatible with standard alto saxophone reeds, including professional options like Vandoren Java or D'Addario Organic Select Jazz.

Is this saxophone a full-sized instrument?

Yes, the 100AS is a standard-sized E-flat alto saxophone suitable for students and hobbyists.

How durable is the keywork on the 100AS?

The keywork is designed to be highly reliable for years to come, specifically reinforced by the rib-mounting construction style.

Does it come with a mouthpiece?

While specific retail bundles may vary, standard student saxophones typically include a basic mouthpiece; however, many players upgrade to options like a Yamaha 5C later.

Who is the target audience for the Elkhart 100AS?

It is primarily targeted at students and beginners who want a reliable, well-built first instrument that makes a visual and sonic statement.

Gear article

Elkhart 100AS Student Alto Saxophone

The Elkhart 100AS is an entry-level alto saxophone designed for beginning musicians and students. Constructed from yellow brass with rib-mounted keywork, it offers a balance of durability and tonal resonance at a competitive price point.

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Overview and Design

The Elkhart 100AS is positioned as a high-quality student instrument, drawing on manufacturing techniques often found in more expensive models. The instrument is crafted from yellow brass, a standard material in woodwind manufacturing known for its acoustic properties. To cater to younger players or those seeking a unique aesthetic, the model is available in the traditional gold lacquer as well as a variety of bright and exciting colours.

A notable technical feature of the 100AS is its rib-mounted keywork. Unlike cheaper instruments where keys are soldered directly to the body, rib mounting involves attaching the keys to a larger brass plate which is then soldered to the body. This provides additional structural integrity and increases the mass of the instrument, which many technicians believe improves overall resonance.

Tonal Characteristics

The use of yellow brass in the construction of the 100AS is intended to provide a balanced sound profile. The manufacturer describes the character as having a mix of brightness and sonority. This combination ensures that the student can produce a clear, projecting tone without the sound becoming overly harsh or thin, which is a common challenge with entry-level saxophones.

Usability and Portability

As a student-focused instrument, the Elkhart 100AS is designed for ease of transport between home, school, and rehearsals. It is supplied with a lightweight case that features integrated backpack straps, allowing for hands-free carrying. The mechanical action is designed to be reliable for long-term use, supported by the reinforced rib-mounted construction which helps maintain the regulation of the keys over time.

Market Position and Comparisons

The Elkhart 100AS sits in a highly competitive segment of the market alongside other student models like the Yamaha YAS-280. While it mimics features of professional horns, such as the rib mounting, it remains accessible with a price range typically around £425. For players looking for different voices within the saxophone family, the brand is often considered alongside other accessories and instruments such as Yamaha's silver-plated baritones or various mouthpiece upgrades from JodyJazz or Vandoren.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Elkhart 100AS made from?: The instrument is constructed from yellow brass, which is the industry standard material for achieving a balanced, resonant tone.
Is the Elkhart 100AS suitable for beginners?: Yes, it is specifically designed as a student model, focusing on ease of play and reliability for those new to the saxophone.
What does 'rib-mounted keywork' mean?: It means the keys are attached to a metal 'rib' or plate which is then fixed to the body. This adds strength and can improve the instrument's resonance compared to post-to-body mounting.
Does the saxophone come with a case?: Yes, it includes a lightweight protective case that features backpack straps for easy transportation.
Are there different color options available?: The 100AS is available in several bright and exciting colours for players who want an alternative to the traditional gold lacquer.
What is the typical price for an Elkhart 100AS?: While prices vary by retailer, it typically retails for approximately £425.
How does yellow brass affect the sound?: Yellow brass provides a balance of brightness and sonority, ensuring a clear tone that is not too harsh for the listener or player.
Can I use professional reeds with this saxophone?: Yes, it is compatible with standard alto saxophone reeds, including professional options like Vandoren Java or D'Addario Organic Select Jazz.
Is this saxophone a full-sized instrument?: Yes, the 100AS is a standard-sized E-flat alto saxophone suitable for students and hobbyists.
How durable is the keywork on the 100AS?: The keywork is designed to be highly reliable for years to come, specifically reinforced by the rib-mounting construction style.
Does it come with a mouthpiece?: While specific retail bundles may vary, standard student saxophones typically include a basic mouthpiece; however, many players upgrade to options like a Yamaha 5C later.
Who is the target audience for the Elkhart 100AS?: It is primarily targeted at students and beginners who want a reliable, well-built first instrument that makes a visual and sonic statement.