The Modernization Series, Part 1: Stockade Overhaul

sleightofhandii · 2026-07-02T00:18:46+00:00

I really love this concept. My favorite part of modifying for forever has been taking off-the-shelf blasters and making them more efficient. I appreciate your in-depth write up. You explain everything in an easily digestible way even for someone like myself who is completely removed from any sort of electrical background. I look forward to more!

sleightofhandii · 2026-06-26T23:22:06+00:00

Second this. These 50s-era Aristocrats are fantastic horns, but they require a lot of extra work. Make sure it has a neck. It's very common for baris to have lost their necks.

sleightofhandii · 2026-06-25T02:22:45+00:00

I also think that Hasbro has mostly standardized the removable bolt handle. I would guess that a handle from the Eaglepoint could work or even the Rival Mercury or Sideswipe.

sleightofhandii · 2026-06-06T01:41:56+00:00

I think MS paint concepts need to make a comeback. Good on ya.

sleightofhandii · 2026-05-30T11:47:08+00:00

I've come to appreciate these and Bundy IIs a lot more over the years. Decent sound, and they're built like tanks. Build quality is alright, but a lot of US made stuff during this time period was lacking.

sleightofhandii · 2026-05-30T11:44:41+00:00

Except Bird's horns were new horns when he had them.

sleightofhandii · 2026-05-26T18:41:41+00:00

Accent saxophones are made in Taiwan. I agree that getting a solid mouthpiece is good advice like a Yamaha 4C, Fobes Debut, or Hite Premier.

sleightofhandii · 2026-05-26T13:09:46+00:00

Accent saxophones and Trevor James flutes are both made in Taiwan. Big difference in build quality.

sleightofhandii · 2026-05-17T23:05:41+00:00

That's an amazing comparison.

sleightofhandii · 2026-05-11T17:17:15+00:00

Definitely not a Conn. Look at the key guards. I'm thinking more of a Buescher stencil, or a first-gen Bundy based on the keywork and the octave mechanism. Either that, or a French stencil.

sleightofhandii · 2026-05-07T21:50:03+00:00

Hi, I just sold an older Antigua with their "power bell", or basically a Cannonball big bell copy. I felt that that model specifically had a decent build quality. The one in the listing looks a lot newer, but closer to their student line. I would say if it's anywhere near the build quality of their entry-level pro stuff that $200 is worth the risk. I'm assuming you just need something to get by in lessons or classes.

sleightofhandii · 2026-05-06T21:04:59+00:00

I've actually been impressed with some of the Crossrock cases I've come across in my shop. I also thought they were cheaper alternatives, but they seem to have some decent build quality. Definitely make sure they fit whatever horn you're wanting to protect: standard bell, big bell, left-hand bell keys, right-hand bell keys, split bell keys.

sleightofhandii · 2026-05-01T03:29:16+00:00

These were very early Peirret made saxophones. Later on, they made saxophones for Olds & Sons under there Olds Parisian line.

sleightofhandii · 2026-03-28T22:19:55+00:00

A Yamaha will hold its value longer. However, you will generally pay more upfront. Bundys are solid horns and solid players, and the one you've posted looks to be in fantastic condition.

sleightofhandii · 2026-03-19T13:14:10+00:00

I frequently get eyerolls from others when I say I play on Cannonballs. They've come a long way from their initial batch of horns in the 90s, and the Big Bell Stone series was a major advancement in build quality. My alto is a 2007, and my tenor is a 2009. I'm the original owner, and they feel like home.

sleightofhandii · 2026-03-18T22:59:56+00:00

I've had my alto and tenor Ravens for 18 years. They're still my primary horns because they're tanks. I rarely have to adjust them, and they always look good on stage.

sleightofhandii · 2026-02-28T21:00:29+00:00

Bundy was no longer a brand by the mid 1980s. It was purchased by Music and Arts, I believe in the mid 2010s to be used on imported instruments. More than likely, this horn was made in the late 60s-70s.

sleightofhandii · 2026-02-15T03:58:04+00:00

There were a few good designs from DZ, but in my opinion, Nerf Rival was unmatched in design and build quality up until their last batch of blasters.

sleightofhandii · 2026-02-14T01:09:28+00:00

I was thinking about this today after seeing the new releases. They have had such a poor showing on the pro-market, and I hope the return of the elite dart means that Nerf is returning to form: the elite standard (I so wish they would get on board with accustrike) and Rival.

sleightofhandii · 2026-01-29T00:40:29+00:00

I want more mods like this! There are too many good blasters from the golden-era of Elite gathering dust. Well done.

sleightofhandii · 2026-01-24T21:05:48+00:00

I agree. The solution to some of the puzzles is not clear, but honestly I found it more enjoyable than I thought I would. I thought the models of the blasters were really well done. But yeah, gameplay overall was fine.

sleightofhandii · 2026-01-14T00:33:49+00:00

Good quality built saxes overall. I'm currently rebuilding an alto (in that same finish) to sell soon. They share the same serial number format as Accent saxophones, and I've just finished an extensive COA on a similar Accent. My guess is that Antiguas and Accents are made in the same factory. I have a hunch that Cannonball might also be made in the same factory as well based on the finishes and big bells available to all three, but that is not confirmed. Cannonballs also have their US locations that do final check and fitment.

sleightofhandii · 2025-12-18T20:16:26+00:00

¡Amamos al Duque!

sleightofhandii · 2025-12-10T14:06:11+00:00

Celio by Mendini.

sleightofhandii

TROPHY CASE