Question:  What is Phosphorus Brass?

Answer:  Phosphorus Brass is a brass alloy that contains the element "Phosphorus".  This alloy's physical properties are somewhat similar in some respects to Nickel Silver alloy.  Phosphorus Brass is slightly softer than Nickel Silver, but not as dense as Phosphorus Bronze.  These physical properties allow for a full, big, resonant sound, but at the same time, provide lots of edge and brightness when pushed dynamically.

Question:  Why are ALL "M27 Pro-Fusion" Saxophones Un-Lacquered?

Answer:  Lacquer is a much softer material than metal is.  Lacquer deadens vibrations, leaving you with muted harmonics and overtones = a less complex sound.

  Think of it this way... recording studios spend thousands on the best microphones, best cables, best processors, etc., to capture every sonic detail possible.  Why record (or even perform!) with a horn that is "muted" by PAINT???

UN-LACQUERED BRASS' NATURAL PATINA:  You'll notice that most "factory fresh" (or "just received" from Santee Saxophones) un-lacquered horns will look as if they were clear lacquered, but before too long, you will notice the natural patina forming.  You can expect the brass to darken some (even turning a beautiful somewhat "purpleish" color in most areas), then haze over to a lighter color patina, similar to un-lacquered vintage horns.

The M27 Pro-Fusion line is also available in FULL SILVER PLATE  (model "M27 Pro-Fusion SP-1") for those who want their horns to stand out a bit more, visually.

Question:  What is "Hand Modified Keywork Contouring" and why is it done?

Answer:   "Hand Modified Keywork Contouring" is just the description of a process where typically sharp areas of a saxophone (such as the top of palm keys) are contoured by hand to provide more comfort when playing.  A saxophonist will play better if they are comfortable, plain and simple.

The keys that are modified include: Palm Keys, Right Hand Eb / Low C, Octave Key Touch, and Right Hand Thumb Hook.

To These Modified Areas There are Currently Two Finishes Available...

The "Brush Antique" finish is achieved by exposing some of the brass (the keywork alloy), and copper (plating) which which are both beneath the keysworks' silver plating.  This is done by brushing these specific key touch areas.  (The "Brush Antique" finish comes standard with all Santee M27 Pro-Fusion saxophones.)

The "Lightly Brushed Silver Plate" finish is the same process as just mentioned, but the key touch areas are re-plated with silver.  (The "Lightly Brushed Silver Plate" finish is available as an option, contact your dealer for pricing.)

Question:  Where are Santee Saxophones made?

Answer:  The "basic instrument" is manufactured by hand in China.  The current thumb hook design is done at Santee Saxophones (in the U.S.), as is all keywork contouring (mentioned above), and all additional plating.  The contoured cases are made by Ameritage (GWW Group Inc.), and the neck bags are made by Sax Scarf.  Several other parts are manufactured overseas by several different manufacturers (including all of the custom exotic shell inlaywork) and then adjusted and installed by Santee Saxophones in the U.S. (however, in the case of thumb rests, dealers can request theirs be left off, so their customers can have the option of purchasing another style from their selection of Santee inlaid [or non-inlay] exotic shell thumb rest inventory, to be able to have them installed right there!).  There are many options - so please ask any questions before ordering!  There is a lot that goes into the final product, and many very talented people from many areas of the world play their important part in creating each instrument.