Saxophone FS Grafton Acrylic alto saxophone in superb condition

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.

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

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:

Misc recording - Grafton plastic alto sound clips

A little laid back blues on a Grafton laidbackgrafton.mp3

cafesaxophone.com

and comparison with Buescher:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uecbPgDNU4g

 

[jcn664]

Mythical in that very few people have actually seen one. I remember some posts on SOTW with people saying "what on earth is this????" I know strange given the Bird played one and Ornette has it on the album cover - but then maybe there is little love for Ornate in many circles.

Mythical to find one mint or not far off. Obviously mine is not literally mint as the playability has been improved by the rare saxophone tech brave enough to do it @Stephen Howard. (Mythical because he won't do another one)

Oh interessant, that I can understand, why do you sell it,

 

[Pete Thomas]

Oh interessant, that I can understand, why do you sell it,

I’m selling it because I have decided to give up being a collector of instruments. It’s easier to do it now rather than leaving problems for my kids to deal with when (or if) I die. Plus I need money to keep the sites going. That’s the honest answer.

 

[jcn664]

I’m selling it because I have decided to give up being a collector of instruments. It’s easier to do it now rather than leaving problems for my kids to deal with when (or if) I die. Plus I need money to keep the sites going. That’s the honest answer.

Oh it's not very happy this think, but i think you will sell it, if you've got atypical thing with not so expensive, i would be interested but grafton isn't do expensive but it doesn't interested for me

 

[Willem Alink]

I love the Grafton for being different. Overhauling one is a pleasure, for me at least !-) Currently working on a very good one I bought 1 1/2 years ago. My 13th overhaul.
When you want to play it TopTone pads/discs are the way to go!

Flickr Search — “revisie Grafton 10384”

www.flickr.com

I bought another near perfect one recently and have two 'wrecks' which may perhaps form a playing sax in the future

my 5 Grafton alto's

13032 10586 13073 10906 10384

www.flickr.com

I converted my own Grafton to a more naked appearance with balanced action B/Bb keys

My Grafton acrylic saxophone is almost ready, but ready to play!

Guards and low B /Bb levers are replaced by new guard and direct links.

www.flickr.com

 

[Saxlicker]

I love the Grafton for being different. Overhauling one is a pleasure, for me at least !-) Currently working on a very good one I bought 1 1/2 years ago. My 13th overhaul.
When you want to play it TopTone pads/discs are the way to go!

Flickr Search — “revisie Grafton 10384”

www.flickr.com

I bought another near perfect one recently and have two 'wrecks' which may perhaps form a playing sax in the future

my 5 Grafton alto's

13032 10586 13073 10906 10384

www.flickr.com

I converted my own Grafton to a more naked appearance with balanced action B/Bb keys

My Grafton acrylic saxophone is almost ready, but ready to play!

Guards and low B /Bb levers are replaced by new guard and direct links.

www.flickr.com

Sorry for drifting a bit off topic of the lovely Grafton for sale but
What a refreshing post.

I'm sure overhauling one of these is (while based on the same principles and aim) a vastly different affair than traditionally built saxophones, it's great to see someone embrace the challenge in the same way.

 

[Pete Thomas]

Overhauling one is a pleasure, for me at least !-)

You must be that mythical tech who likes working on Graftons!

 

[Willem Alink]

I did not realise I was a myth in some circles! Thanks Pete! We had a picture in our store of you playing Charlie Parkers Grafton, I saw the sax in Kansas City. I discovered recently that you play on a Richard Thomson record I already have for about 40 years, I always liked both saxes on that LP!
Did Stephen Howard tell about me? I once asked him for parts.
The pieces he wrote on the Grafton and on repairing it are very informative and helpfull, also hilarious! Everybody repeats the part about the springs jumping around when disassembling a Grafton but when you take care that will not happen 🙂
I wrote my comment too because not too many people are interested in Graftons. The last one we sold from de Saxofoonwinkel had been with us (overhauled by me of course) for about 10 years. I had to dismantle and clean it thoroughly before we shipped it. Buyers are always surprised how good the Grafton they bought (mostly for their collection) plays!

You must be that mythical tech who likes working on Graftons!

 

[Willem Alink]

Sorry for drifting a bit off topic of the lovely Grafton for sale but
What a refreshing post.

I'm sure overhauling one of these is (while based on the same principles and aim) a vastly different affair than traditionally built saxophones, it's great to see someone embrace the challenge in the same way.

Thanks!

 

[Damflask]

sent you a message

 

[jcn664]

I did not realise I was a myth in some circles! Thanks Pete! We had a picture in our store of you playing Charlie Parkers Grafton, I saw the sax in Kansas City. I discovered recently that you play on a Richard Thomson record I already have for about 40 years, I always liked both saxes on that LP!
Did Stephen Howard tell about me? I once asked him for parts.
The pieces he wrote on the Grafton and on repairing it are very informative and helpfull, also hilarious! Everybody repeats the part about the springs jumping around when disassembling a Grafton but when you take care that will not happen 🙂
I wrote my comment too because not too many people are interested in Graftons. The last one we sold from de Saxofoonwinkel had been with us (overhauled by me of course) for about 10 years. I had to dismantle and clean it thoroughly before we shipped it. Buyers are always surprised how good the Grafton they bought (mostly for their collection) plays!

Because they're great problematic to repad, to restorate this.

It can break easily, it's very breakable instrument for "high price" too, if you want to pay 4000€ (i'am French and i say in €), the majority people will buy selmer Balanced action alto, or King super 20 for same price without the problematics of the grafton.

 

[Greg Strange]

I did not realise I was a myth in some circles! Thanks Pete! We had a picture in our store of you playing Charlie Parkers Grafton, I saw the sax in Kansas City. I discovered recently that you play on a Richard Thomson record I already have for about 40 years, I always liked both saxes on that LP!
Did Stephen Howard tell about me? I once asked him for parts.
The pieces he wrote on the Grafton and on repairing it are very informative and helpfull, also hilarious! Everybody repeats the part about the springs jumping around when disassembling a Grafton but when you take care that will not happen 🙂
I wrote my comment too because not too many people are interested in Graftons. The last one we sold from de Saxofoonwinkel had been with us (overhauled by me of course) for about 10 years. I had to dismantle and clean it thoroughly before we shipped it. Buyers are always surprised how good the Grafton they bought (mostly for their collection) plays!

I think you mean the late Peter King...

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjY1NPUUp9U


Greg S.

 

[Pete Thomas]

Thanks Pete! We had a picture in our store of you playing Charlie Parkers Grafton,

Oops, I missed this post. No that was not me but as Greg mentioned it was Peter King.

I discovered recently that you play on a Richard Thomson record I already have for about 40 years, I always liked both saxes on that LP!

Ah yes now that was me.

Did Stephen Howard tell about me? I once asked him for parts.

I believe he mentioned you, but this was years ago so I don't remember exactly.

Everybody repeats the part about the springs jumping around when disassembling a Grafton but when you take care that will not happen

Yes, I imagine you have to be ready for it.

 

[Saxlicker]

sent you a message

Can I ask Who you sent a message to?
If you mean me, I didn't receive one. I think you meant @Willem Alink ?

 

[kristianbrink]

What a beauty! 🙂

 

[george38]

Im interested, i do live in europe.

Send me a message ,🙂

 

[benvgelder]

View attachment 22396

Hi Steve, I know this has been up for a while so I'm probably out of luck but has this sold already? If not, I'm interested. All the best! Ben