The TBB-150 bass saxophone from Thomann impresses with a combination of high-quality workmanship and a clean, even finish. The body and keys are made of brass and finished in clear lacquer, and the instrument is also equipped with an adjustable thumb rest, which is a highly practical feature given its dimensions. This bass saxophone delivers a rich and extremely warm sound with outstanding tonal quality in the bass frequency range (without releasing too much air) and boasts both an impressively high-quality response and precise intonation. The tonal range extends from low Bb to high F#. The sound produced by a bass saxophone has always been completely unique, and the Thomann TBB-150 is no exception – in fact, quite the opposite is true.
The Thomann TBB-150 bass saxophone is produced to the highest standard of quality, and countless players have attested to its excellent level of craftsmanship. The keys, which form part of the complex mechanism, are well made and appropriately positioned. The TBB-150 will also get better over time: Once the instrument has been properly played in, its sound and response will really start to take shape, lending it a much more characterful sound. The scope of delivery also includes a retractable spike, which can be quickly and securely attached to the front of the bell to help support the instrument's weight while playing sitting down. It can of course also be played standing up (apologies to all the chirpractors out there!), in which case the use of a shoulder strap is definitely recommended. In addition to the spike, a mouthpiece complete with ligature and a robust lightweight case with backpack straps and wheels are also included.
The sound of the Thomann TBB-150 bass saxophone will be at home in a wide variety of musical genres, adding an impressive nuance to the overall sound of Soul, R&B, and Pop performances and slotting comfortably into Jazz and Fusion styles. And as well as being a welcome guest in brass/big band ensembles, it will also lend itself equally well to providing dramatic sounds in background music for films and for creating that special "A-ha!" effect in home or professional sound studios. The bass saxophone is and remains an exotic rarity among wind instruments – a fact that is also true of the Thomann TBB-150 – but it is a safe bet that it will never cease to attract admiring ears and eyes.
Thomann-brand instruments, which are exclusively built by renowned manufacturers, now constitute a large part of Thomann’s product range alongside numerous big-name brands. With unbeatable price-performance ratios, Thomann wind instruments are the obvious first choice for students and beginners – and others too. The technical features and uncompromising sound quality they offer are usually reserved for much more expensive instruments found in the professional market segment.
Since the bass saxophone is not an entry-level instrument per se, the Thomann TBB-150 bass saxophone is aimed at advanced players, from amateurs through to professionals, who are capable of handling the instrument's dimensions and the challenges it poses in terms of air consumption and embouchure. Anyone opting for the Thomann TBB-150 bass saxophone will certainly get a lot for their money, especially since comparable competitor instruments can cost up to ten times as much. This makes the TBB-150 an excellent recommendation for price-conscious saxophonists looking to add a highly reliable instrument to their arsenal without compromising on quality - in any case, finding a comparable instrument at an equally attractive price elsewhere will certainly prove to be a difficult task.