The Modern Day Vintage

The evolution of the Trevor James 'RAW' and 'RAW XS' Signature Custom saxophones stems from a meticulous journey spanning over two years of rigorous testing, extensive discussions, and in-depth research with saxophonists across the globe. These musicians shared a common desire for an authentic vintage sound combined with the visual charm of a gracefully aged instrument.

Diverging from the practice of applying coloured and lacquered finishes to imitate aged appearances, we took a unique approach. Our saxophones maintain their raw, unadorned manufactured state. When we claim an instrument is RAW, it genuinely is raw of any lacquer or coating.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by aging mechanisms on older horns due to extensive use, we dedicated substantial time to studying the designs and durability of vintage horns. By employing a naked or 'RAW' brass material for the body, we've seamlessly integrated a secure-touch mechanism. Every detail, from pivot screws to padding, has been meticulously designed to deliver the sound and tactile experience expected of a professional-grade horn.

The 'RAW' body tubing of the saxophone naturally matures as soon as you begin playing, offering the appearance and playability akin to a 'Vintage' sax, all without the concerns of mechanism misalignment. This innovative blend of tradition and modern engineering assures that your instrument's vintage aesthetics and superior performance endure with unwavering consistency.

'RAW' model

The 'Raw' alto body is exactly as it says, raw of the usual lacquer or plating which is usually applied to modern day horns. This 'naked' appearance gives the instrument the old or 'Vintage' look and combined with a resilient modern mechanism and great set-up / build at our Lenham, Kent workshops ensures a top quality pro horn which we are all proud of.

'RAW XS' model

The 'Raw' XS saxophone starts out life as a 'RAW' model and then undergoes extra (XS) hand buffing to the body and mechanism which as sax players tell us "gives it a stunning clean appearance." Over time the shininess fades to give a really realistic old sax look.

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

Distinguishing the 'RAW' from the 'RAW XS' models lies primarily in their finishing details. The 'RAW' model is enriched by a wax finish applied to both the body and mechanism, enhancing the inherent charm of the raw material with an instant aged appearance. On the other hand, the 'XS' model foregoes the wax finish and undergoes meticulous hand buffing within our saxophone workshops, resulting in a sleek and pristine aesthetic.

As time progresses, the wax coating on the 'RAW' model naturally diminishes, contributing to an exceptionally distinctive 'Vintage' look that is truly unique to your saxophone. Meanwhile, the 'XS' model, completely devoid of wax or additional coating, embarks on its aging journey right from the moment you commence playing.

These nuanced distinctions in finishing techniques ensure that each model ages gracefully, offering you a saxophone that carries an individual character and matures in alignment with your musical journey.

What do sax players think?

"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

"Wonderful horn!"

“I'm blessed to have such a wonderful horn to play. Like most people, I was unaware of the existence of this sax until playing it at the NAMM Convention in Anaheim, CA when I fell in love with it. Complete flexibility of sound and takes as much air as you want to give it. Fabulous!!"

Dr José Valentino EMMY® and GRAMMY® winning artist, composer, producer, educator, clinician, and record producer