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Sax FS Grafton Acrylic alto saxophone in superb condition

Price of Item
£2900
Other Pricing Info
May consider close offers
Payment Method
Credit card, bank transfer
Your Location
Southampton UK
Can ship anywhere
See shipping notes
Shipping Included
See shipping notes
Shipping Notes
I would really prefer not to ship but if I can find a courier that will insure then it's possible. If seller can arrange courier that is fine, I will provide photos of packing for approval. Pickup is highly recommended though.
Cafe Fundraising
5%
Allow chat /off topic
Yes
Not often you see one of this in this condition. Many people would probably call this "almost mint", but you can see a few minor little things and as I'm scrupulously aware that the word mint means brand new, still in its wrapping, that many people throw that term around when they shouldn't.

But this is in very good nick, and that makes it rare. The slightest ding in a brass horn can be invisibly repaired. The slightest ding in a Grafton alto means a big nasty crack.

That's what makes this Grafton so rare - it has no actual damage beyond some teeny lacquer spots on some keys.



Grafton acrylic alto saxophone


I had the pads replaced, not because they were old (they were almost new looking) but because Stephen Howard persuaded me to (he will deny that) as the originals are a bit on the soft side. And he was right, it plays and feels better than any other Grafton I have tried

The back of the Grafton alto



Some of the original pads are still there in the case compartment.

It has the original white Dearman mouthpiece (which has a crack) and the ligature and mouthpiece cap with the beautiful copper coloured lacquer to match the horn.

Original brown Dallas case in very good condition.

I have had several Graftons and love them. I bought this one mostly as a collectible, but I did play it on sessions, hence the pad job. Some people might say a collector would insist on original pads but I don't see why - I'm not trying to pretend it is mint - just in unbelievably beautiful condition.

The price reflects what I paid for it plus the cost of repadding by Stephen Howard. Will I accept offers? Not initially but may do after a while. It's the sort of thing I'd rather keep than let go of to be honest.

Lots more photos to follow

This actual horn:




and comparison with Buescher:

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Some interesting reading re these horns:


 
Another sound clip. Charlie Parker Jazz at Massey Hall played on a Grafton.

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And ornate Coleman of course:

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Hello Pete, what a beautiful Grafton you have! I read the pieces Steve wrote about the Grafton in general and the one about overhauling your sax, very funny to read! Two weeks ago I bought a Grafton alto in Bristol after a tip on Facebook, almost as beautiful as yours but it must be overhauled, one of the reasons I bought it!
Cheers, Willem
 
So it hasn't sold yet. I'd like to sell it before the end of March so please do feel free to make an offer. All offers considered, even though I might think they are stupid I won't hold it against you
 
So it hasn't sold yet. I'd like to sell it before the end of March so please do feel free to make an offer. All offers considered, even though I might think they are stupid I won't hold it against you
Probably noone is looking for one currently... Sometimes you have to be very patient. We had a overhauled Grafton for sale for more than 3 years at de Saxofoonwinkel. When it sold finally (€3750, far less beautiful than yours) I had to disassemble it and bathe the body because of all the sticky dust from years. A friend of mine is "looking" for a Grafton, I'll point him here!
 
So it hasn't sold yet. I'd like to sell it before the end of March so please do feel free to make an offer. All offers considered, even though I might think they are stupid I won't hold it against you
I see one of these has just popped up on Gumtree,Northern Ireland...don't think it is as good condition as yours
 
It's a thing of beauty. Too bad it's not as durable as brass/copper horns. I find it odd that no one makes any carbon fiber or composite saxes. There are so many items that are completely redesigned using them while the Grafton was made with early plastic material more than 60 years ago.
 
It's a thing of beauty. Too bad it's not as durable as brass/copper horns. I find it odd that no one makes any carbon fiber or composite saxes. There are so many items that are completely redesigned using them while the Grafton was made with early plastic material more than 60 years ago.
I really enjoy playing saxophone and wonder how long it will be until somepne comes up with an improvement that takes it beyond a metal machine to something that removes the need for cork,springs and felt.Probably not in my lifetime so I will continue to enjoy what I have.
The Grafton was innovative on it's time and still has an attraction for many and I hope my saxes will eventually increase in value in the same proportion...probably not .
 
It's a thing of beauty. Too bad it's not as durable as brass/copper horns. I find it odd that no one makes any carbon fiber or composite saxes. There are so many items that are completely redesigned using them while the Grafton was made with early plastic material more than 60 years ago.

The materials selection conversation has certainly occurred several times over - carbon fiber, titanium, etc., ad nauseum. Brass alloys are the winner when it comes down to durability, repair, cost of manufacture, formability, and more. I suggest you start a thread on the topic if you are truly interested and cannot find the previous discussions.
 

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