Eastman ETS850 Rue Saint-George Tenor Saxophone with DS Mechanism - Gold Lacquer

Optimized keywork powered by Eastman’s revolutionary DS mechanism

The Rue Saint-Georges DS models represent nothing less than a complete reassessment of the saxophone mechanism. To achieve their goals with the new system, Eastman exercised some lateral thinking, borrowing keywork design elements from professional flutes handcrafted by the Wm. S. Haynes company, an Eastman brand. Their exhaustive research and development is manifested in this horn’s exemplary keywork, which incorporates both a newly optimized key layout and the DS mechanism that underpins it to enable a level of precision — and ergonomic perfection — heretofore unattainable in saxophone key articulation. In the Rue Saint-Georges tenor, even the shapes of the key touches have been redesigned with sculpted, 3-dimensional profiles. Accordingly, you’ll find that the octave key works seamlessly with the left-hand thumb rest. The palm keys are sculpted, as are the side keys. Everything sits perfectly under your hands, ready for immediate deployment; the keywork operating with seamless synergy to provide you with a horn that functions, in essence, as an extension of your musical id.

Enlightened design for incredible feel and playability

With the advanced design of the Rue Saint-Georges ETS850 tenor, Eastman’s innovation even extends to the key touch surfaces themselves. While you might expect to find exotic pearl key touches on a professional saxophone of this caliber, in their pursuit of uninhibited performance, the keys are topped with heavy silver plating to provide a superior grip that keeps your fingers from sliding off during long sets under hot stage lights. Your left hand will be very happy with the brilliantly designed table keys. Like the other keys, the G# has silver plating for grip, but it’s strategically rounded so you can easily slide over to the C# and B keys. The built-up rear surface of the C# key allows you to slide effortlessly from the C# up to the G# and also down to the B and Bb. These are but a few examples, but suffice to say that overall, the light-touch immediacy of the mechanism feels amazingly comfortable, precise, and responsive. And the tactile feedback provided by the horn’s silver-plated key touches, as well as the contoured shape and positioning of the keys themselves, makes the Rue Saint-Georges tenor an instrument that flawlessly conveys your musical intent with rich expressiveness.

High performance, solid value

The ETS850 Rue Saint-Georges tenor sax comes with two necks. Eastman’s “S” neck has a slightly wider bore taper for a more open sound; while the “R” neck is narrower for increased focus. You might prefer the “S” neck for free-blowing jazz, and the “R” for classical or pop. They’re both excellent necks, and including both of them gives you a lot of flexibility from the same instrument (and solid value, we might add). However you set it up, the Rue Saint-Georges delivers a fluency of tone with a crisp transition between notes. With its smoothly ergonomic keywork and responsive action powered by blued steel springs — the professional standard for durable, perfectly tensioned keywork — the Rue Saint-Georges tenor is a true player’s horn. It’s also equipped with premium Italian Pisoni Pro leather pads (another pro industry standard) that provide a leak-free, airtight fit. For enhanced resonance, the pads are fitted with resonators machined from solid brass that help produce a big, bright, and assertive sound that brings your notes to life. From the luxurious gold lacquer finish and gorgeous hand engraving to the gleaming silver-plated key touches and delicate braiding on the bell brace, elegant aesthetic accents abound on this splendid horn. More utilitarian, but no less appreciated, is the added protection afforded the bottom C#, courtesy of a key guard that prevents damage from setting the horn down on a stand.

Eastman saxophones: the best of vintage and modern

There’s a reason some of the most coveted saxophones today are vintage models. Pricey and hard to come by, these horns are revered for their huge sound and the prestige of playing one. But technology and materials science has come a long way in the last half century, enabling uncompromising precision that was unimaginable back in the day. Established in 1992, Eastman makes saxophones that give you the best of vintage and modern instruments by blending traditional old-world artisanal craftsmanship with cutting-edge computer-assisted design and manufacturing methods. The company’s fastidious attention to detail is manifested in the meticulous keywork, precise intonation, and classic sound of their acclaimed saxophones, which are embraced by leading artists and educators alike. Eastman offers a full line of innovative woodwind and brass instruments that deliver exceptional value at every level, from student to professional. Sweetwater is delighted to bring you this exciting collection.

Eastman ETS850 Rue Saint-Georges Tenor Saxophone Features:

• DS Mechanism
• Optimized ergonomics
• "R" and "S" necks included
• Pisoni Pro pads with machined brass resonators
• Blued steel springs
• High F# key
• Custom contoured, silver-plated key touches
• Adjustable thumb rest
• Unique bell brace braiding
• Elegant hand engraving
• Deluxe case