Saxophones Another "unknown" make on eBay

[ProfJames]

Go and buy the sax David. It looks German to me and in very good condition.

 

[milandro]

The Grassi is definitely a true pro saxophone and a step up from the Buffet.

This horn will feel and play very differently from a modern horn and in my view it is more interesting to a collector that it would be to a player.

The work that it would need would never reflect on it price although one argue that there is a distinction between “ value “ ( intangible) and price.

 

[kevgermany]

Assuming you get to see it in person, make a note of the serial number and any other markings, especially on the back of the body tube. Serial number position may be another clue.

 

[DavidUK]

The Grassi is definitely a true pro saxophone and a step up from the Buffet.

This horn will feel and play very differently from a modern horn and in my view it is more interesting to a collector that it would be to a player.

The work that it would need would never reflect on it price although one argue that there is a distinction between “ value “ ( intangible) and price.

The Grassi 2000 Pro is a late 80's model so may be in reasonable condition. The seller knew only that it was "nice & shiny" but "might need a new strap" so who knows. It had been left in her daughter's bar in Portugal as payment for an overdue bar tab. (Strange Portugal connection here?).

The Grassi Standard Tenor I had recently didn't appeal to me but its buyer was over the moon with it. This newer, better, model may still be too old for a newcomer like me. What value would you suggest for one in, say, a similar condition to the one I sold, as here: http://cafesaxophone.com/showthread.php?10510-Grassi-Tenor-Vintage-1976-Just-been-overhauled

Looks like £600-700 from Googling, which means there's plenty of budget to have it overhauled and not overspend. ;}

Here's some typical comments about the Grassi:
http://www.todayaq.com/saxophone-market/models-05184.html
http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?19763-Grassi-Professional-2000-Tenor-Any-good/page2

One day I'll stumble across a MkVI for £50. Just now, I'd probably say "I don't like it as much as my Chinese ones" I think? Or could a newcomer pick one up and love it? Maybe that stumble needs to wait a few years?

I have to give credit to the Buffet 400 Alto. I can just pick it up and it plays. No thinking, no troublesome ergos (for me). I can't say that about either of the Tenors I currently have (BW, Carmichael) but then I'm not learning on them and so they're miles behind on usage. Give it time David......