Saxophones Is this Grassi tenor gold plated?

[JonnyLashes]

Been out of the saxophone game for over 20 years- since my college marching band days… but I have a daughter in band (she’s a French horn player… ack!) and I’d like to be able to help her with some rhythms and see if I can rebuild my chops.

While looking for a reasonably priced tenor, I think I may have stumbled onto a GEM. The etching is amazing and the finish is SO DARK. It’s tough to get it on the photos… could this be a gold plated model?

I’d appreciate any info on this one.

 

[saxyjt]

If it's reasonably priced. Just get it. You can't loose. But these pictures only show a very limited side of the horn.

Can you see and test it before you buy?

Even if your chops aren't where they were, you should be able to check if it is in playing condition or needs work. Can't you?

 

[DavidUK]

Pretty sure it's a Professional 2000 model - look near the rear thumb hook for that wording.

If so, it's a very good model.

I overhauled one a decade ago and it was a great player - sold to @nigeld here in place of a Yani 991, then I think he sold it on in favour of a YTS-62? But yes, it's a pro horn.

I'd expect to pay £500 for a scrappy one up to maybe £1,200 for a minty one. Market in the UK is DEAD and so if the US market is better it could be $2,000 for one in great cosmetic and playing condition.

Your photo looks like a lacquered brass finish to me. I'm not aware they ever gold plated them.

 

[JonnyLashes]

Pretty sure it's a Professional 2000 model - look near the rear thumb hook for that wording.

If so, it's a very good model.

I overhauled one a decade ago and it was a great player - sold to @nigeld here in place of a Yani 991, then I think he sold it on in favour of a YTS-62? But yes, it's a pro horn.

I'd expect to pay £500 for a scrappy one up to maybe £1,200 for a minty one. Market in the UK is DEAD and so if the US market is better it could be $2,000 for one in great cosmetic and playing condition.

Your photo looks like a lacquered brass finish to me. I'm not aware they ever gold plated them.

Appreciate the insight. I bought it. It says “Prestige” by the thumb hook.

 

[JonnyLashes]

If it's reasonably priced. Just get it. You can't loose. But these pictures only show a very limited side of the horn.

Can you see and test it before you buy?

Even if your chops aren't where they were, you should be able to check if it is in playing condition or needs work. Can't you?

Easily the best looking and nicest tenor I’ve had in my hands. Back in the “marching band” days, I would only play cheap, dented horns. This thing is gorgeous. Thanks for the insight.

 

[DavidUK]

Appreciate the insight. I bought it. It says “Prestige” by the thumb hook.

Even better, allegedly. I've not played one.

Said to lend itself more toward the classical genre the Prestige was higher up the pecking order than the Pro 2000.

See also: Saxophones - Grassi Saxophones

 

[saxyjt]

Easily the best looking and nicest tenor I’ve had in my hands. Back in the “marching band” days, I would only play cheap, dented horns. This thing is gorgeous. Thanks for the insight.

I'm no expert on Grassi. But it looked like a winner. If you could confirm it by having it in hands that's great.

Enjoy!