Saxophones What's this extra key for on this Vito Alto.....??

[DavidUK]

Here's my Beaugnier Vito:

And here's another Vito with an extra key just under the neck strap loop:

What's it for and does it give any clue to the Vito maker?

There are other differences and similarities too. I can post more comparison photos.

Thanks for any help.

 

[DavidUK]

The other Vito (top two) has a squarer left hand key table than mine, AND a little rectangular key between this and the palm keys:

The other Vito (top) has a little "Vito" brace under the crook. Mine doesn't:

The other Vito (top) has the same "Vito" engraving as mine:

The other Vito (top two) has the same key guard as mine, but what's the extra arm going to the middle of the three bell keys?:

 

[DavidUK]

Could the other one be a Le Blanc "System" Model 35 Alto?

As here: http://doctorsax.biz/vito_alto_sax_leblanc_1035b.htm

And here: http://doctorsax.biz/vito_alto_1208A.htm

If so, do the extra features make it difficult to play?
Is it a desirable model? I think these may have been made both in France and in Kenosha?

 

[Greg Strange]

Here's Rabbit playing a Vito...

And some more info...

http://www.saxgourmet.com/leblanc.htm

Greg S.

 

[DavidUK]

Thanks for that. Looks like there were three LeBlancs with the "System" fingering: Rationale; Semi-Rationale, and System.
I'm not sure which of these mechanisms carried through to Johnny's Vito, but it does look similar to the one I've been researching.

More info here too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AU3MVYQASBs

Tempted to buy it out of interest. Would you?

 

[Ivan]

Tempted to buy it out of interest. Would you?

I wouldn't

You would

 

[DavidUK]

I wouldn't

You would

Ah... you know me so well!
It seems these models need frequent adjustment, and with it being an unusual system it may fox a tech. I'll speak to mine and see if he has come across one before.

 

[altissimo]

http://www.saxgourmet.com/leblanc.htm

 

[Ivan]

Here you go Dave

Here's another sax I've never heard of: http://www.saxtrader.co.uk/index.php?cmd=ShowAdvertDetail&advertID=2379

Tempted?

 

[DavidUK]

Here you go Dave

Here's another sax I've never heard of: http://www.saxtrader.co.uk/index.php?cmd=ShowAdvertDetail&advertID=2379

Tempted?

Ah... Amati I believe - also made identical saxes for Steyr Musica.

I'm passing on the Vito. Sax tech has never fettled one like this one.
Interesting fingering though.

 

[saxismyaxe]

You might find this thread interesting. There is a video towards the end showing Hodges Vito in detail too:

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?155956-Johnny-Hodges-Vito-alto-sax&p=2053998#post2053998

 

[DavidUK]

Thanks for that.

It's £180. Still tempted, not sure why. Just like unusual things I guess!

 

[milandro]

the second horn is a model 35 which is almost as complex as a Leblanc semi-rationale the only real difference is that the model 35 has no regulation screws for the more complex features but uses corks.

Not every technician is familiar with these horns but those who are (like Doctor Sax Kim!) at £180 it is a steal but selling these horns, as I very well know, ain’t easy

 

[DavidUK]

the second horn is a model 35 which is almost as complex as a Leblanc semi-rationale the only real difference is that the model 35 has no regulation screws for the more complex features but uses corks.

Not every technician is familiar with these horns but those who are (like Doctor Sax Kim!) at £180 it is a steal but selling these horns, as I very well know, ain’t easy

Yes, I spotted your old ad and the falling price. I think in general buyers are put off Vitos, thinking they're all student models made by Americans (although still very well made) and not researching the Japanese and French made models, or those professionals like Johnny who chose to play them.

I'm intrigued by the Boehm fingering which it appears was sidelined by Selmer's, and the promise of absolutely correct intonation.

£180 is OK if I were dying to own one as my "holy grail" but this one is fairly tarnished and may be regarded as "odd" by subsequent prospective buyers due to that very same key layout.

 

[ProfJames]

Where is the Leblanc being advertised?

 

[milandro]

mine was advertised here until I’ve sent it across the atlantic to Doctor Sax who has overhaulded it and now has it in consignment

 

[DavidUK]

Where is the Leblanc being advertised?

Now sold, but not to me!

;}

 

[ProfJames]

Have you got the link? I would like to view one for curiosity purposes.

 

[Nick Wyver]

I'm intrigued by the Boehm fingering which it appears was sidelined by Selmer's, and the promise of absolutely correct intonation.

))

 

[ProfJames]

Can soemone please advise of the URL where this sax was for sale so that some of us lesser mortals can have a look? Not wishing to purchase just want to view and learn!