RS Berkeley Instruments
Les Silver at RS Berkeley Instruments was nice enough to send me one of their saxophones to try out. After playing it I can tell you I think these saxophones are fantastic. I even took it to my repair guru Greg Meis at Meis Music here in Denver, CO, and he thought it was very well constructed. And the students I let play it loved it. What we all found was an excellent saxophone at a great price perfect for students, intermediate players, and more advanced cats. I was sorry to have to send it back. Check out the video below:
So here is how I feel about these instruments: I proudly recommend RS Berkeley Instruments. Click here to visit an authorized RS Berkeley dealer.
And for educators out there, RS Berkeley offers a trial program if you are seriously interested in one or more of their instruments. If you would like more information on this program please call them at (908)790-9499.
Here is a word or two about who is playing RS Berkeley Saxophones:
Tim Reis Tenor Saxophone-
A versatile and thoughtful saxophonist and composer, Tim Ries has collaborated with such jazz artists as Phil Woods, Tom Harrell, Al Foster, John Patitucci, Dave Liebman, Danilo Perez, Maynard Ferguson, Red Garland, Badal Roy, Maria Schneider and Donald Byrd. A Verve release with The Joe Henderson Big Band won a Grammy Award. Having just returned from a second world tour with the Rolling Stones playing saxophone, keyboard and organ, his other recording and performance credits include work with such diverse talents as Donald Fagen, Paul Simon, Sheryl Crow, Lyle Lovett, Stevie Wonder, Incognito, Blood Sweat & Tears, Bob Belden and David Lee Roth…
Click here to read more about Tim!
Sherman Irby, Alto Saxophone, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra- The Virtuoso was a pleasant surprise for me. The sound is big and full, the scale is great, and the craftsmanship is excellent. One important quality of this instrument is that it blends well in a saxophone section. For a working musician, all of these qualities are a necessity. This is a horn that will work in any situation, and at a price point that is realistically within a musician’s budget. Like I said, a pleasant surprise! - Sherman Irby
Bobby Ackerman, Saxophone Legend-
“In the 50’s most professional saxophonistswere strongly against adding high F# to the saxophone. My teacher Joe Allard always said the high F# hole messed up the basic acoustics of the horn. I myself have never played for any length of time on a horn with high F#. When I first picked up the Virtuoso it immediately felt more natural to me and the sound is very attractive; big and warm. Finally someone has addressed this high F# issue and there is a modern horn I can play. Check it out!” - Bob Ackerman
Click here for more about legendary Bobby Ackerman
Erika Von Kleist, Alto Saxophone
“Every saxophone in the Virtuoso series is thoughtfully constructed with the highest level of craftsmanship. While each individual instrument maintains its own unique characteristics, they all have a consistently beautiful sound.” -Erica Von Kleist
Alex Foster, Saxophone Great-
The RS Berkeley Virtuoso Saxophone is Great — Great — AMAZING!” - Alex Foster
Read about Alex and his amazing career here.
I proudly recommend RS Berkeley Instruments. Click here to visit an authorized RS Berkeley dealer.
