As I understand it:
Amati was a nationalised amalgamation of the independant pre WWII musical instrument builders centred in Kraslice. Two biggest names melded into this concern were Keilwerth and Kohlert. (although both got going again separately in Germany, taking expertise with them). Post war the designs/quality fluctuated a lot, and tended to fall behind other makers. By the Super Classics, they'd pretty much sorted things out and were making decent horns, even if the market perception is different. I've a Super classic tenor that I'm repadding at the moment. It's well made and solid, but was unplayable when I got it, so I can't say more than that yet. They tended to keep to the darker sound, rather than the brighter sound of the French/Far eastern saxes.
Take a close look at the silver plating. Tranish on the surface is no problem, but puts many people off, so lowers the price. If it's solid, with no black corrosion coming through, it'll be OK, just an occasional wipe with a cloth/silver cloth. Even if there's a little corrosion in a couple of places, not too bad, you can easily keep on top of it with a silver cloth. If the plating's peeling, it's a very expensive fix. However wear through to brass on some keys wouldn't be so badly thought of. And on my tenor, the glue (sealing wax) holding the pads in was so shot that there was no option but a complete repad. Likely the one you're looking at will either be there, or be there soon.
As for price/value, your local market is probably far different to here. Big risk is that the cost of a repad puts the cost of the horn over it's resale value - but if you're intending to play and keep,this is much less of an issue. As for kit you'd buy around the horn, it'll all be transferable to another if you decide to change in the future, so not really a consideration.
Price in a complete repad/recork and think carefully about the resale value/total cost.
Could be a bargain... Could be a white elephant. Personally I think you'll be happy with it, but I'm a sucker for older saxes. And a brand new shiney Bauhaus Walstein or other reputable brand could well cost you the same....
:shocked:
