The Modern Day Vintage

The development of the Trevor James ‘RAW’ and ‘RAW XS’ Signature Custom saxophones came from over two years of detailed testing, player feedback, and ongoing discussions with saxophonists across the UK, Europe, and the USA. What came through consistently was a desire for a more open, vintage-leaning sound, combined with an instrument that felt settled and familiar from the outset.

Rather than applying finishes to imitate age, the approach here is straightforward, the saxophones are left without lacquer or coating. When we describe an instrument as ‘RAW’, it simply means the brass is left as it is, allowing it to respond and evolve naturally through playing.

At the same time, the intention was never to recreate the drawbacks often associated with older horns. The mechanism has been carefully developed for stability and consistency, with attention given to how the instrument feels under the fingers as much as how it sounds. From the mechanism through to the setup, the focus is on a secure, reliable action that holds its regulation.

As soon as the horn is played, the surface begins to change, gradually developing a more worn-in appearance. What you get is an instrument that takes on that character over time, while maintaining a modern, dependable feel and response. It’s a balance of familiarity and control, the look and openness players associate with older horns, without the compromises.

'RAW' model

The ‘RAW’ alto body is exactly that, left without the lacquer or plating typically found on modern horns. This open, uncoated surface allows the instrument to develop a naturally worn-in appearance over time, rather than a fixed finish from the outset. Combined with a stable modern mechanism and a carefully regulated setup at our Lenham, Kent workshops, it results in a professional alto that feels consistent, responsive, and ready to play.

'RAW XS' model

The ‘RAW’ XS saxophone begins as a standard ‘RAW’ model before undergoing additional hand buffing to the body and mechanism. This process refines the surface of the brass, giving it a cleaner, more even feel in the hands, something many players notice immediately. Over time, that initial brightness softens, allowing the instrument to develop a more worn-in, individual finish through regular playing. 

Why is the 'RAW' darker than the XS version?

The difference between the ‘RAW’ and ‘RAW XS’ models comes down primarily to how the surface is finished. The ‘RAW’ model is treated with a light wax coating across the body and mechanism, giving it a slightly darker, more settled appearance from the outset. The ‘RAW XS’, by contrast, is left without wax and is hand-buffed in our workshops, resulting in a cleaner, more even surface.

As the instrument is played, the wax on the ‘RAW’ gradually wears away, allowing the finish to evolve and develop its own character over time. The ‘RAW XS’, with no coating applied, begins that process immediately, changing more gradually through regular use.

These differences in finishing don’t alter the core response of the instrument, but they do influence how each horn feels and develops visually. In both cases, the instrument takes on its own identity over time, shaped by how and where it’s played.

"Utterly insane not to try one..."

"...The TJ boffins were looking for a horn that would break them into the pro market. They've found it, and in so doing have rewritten the shortlist. It's not just a good horn, it's a great horn ‐ and for the price you'd have to be utterly, utterly insane not to try one before buying anything else"

Stephen Howard                                                        Author of the Haynes Saxophone Manual

The Trevor James saxophone Global website 

Review our complete range of award winning TJ saxophone models