Real World Value of Zephyr Tenor

[Whatasaxman]

I was just wondering what the real world value of a freshly rebuilt Zephyr Tenor sn#269xxx is? I have had one for sale on e-bay for a couple weeks now, and not a single bid. According to SG's site I am WELL within the price range on this horn, and it plays great.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?[url]ViewItem&category=16234&item=3709178022&ssPageName =STRK:MESSE:IT[url]

[shmuelyosef]

I collect Zephyrs and actually looked carefully at your horn. The most I've ever paid for a non-special Zephyr was a 282XXX that had a sterling neck, perfect original lacquer, no dents and a recent rebuild. I paid $1700 for it, and ended up doing a little setup work, but have been playing it for all my rock gigs for two years. I have several other tenor Zephyrs from time to time and generally end up selling them to students who are looking for an upgrade. Yours looks a little beat up (lacquerwise) and no silver neck...I would say you might get $1500 if someone is looking for this (very desirable) SN range, but $1200 is closer to what I would expect. I have also done Zephyrs with the parabolic resos (I assume that you mean the Ferrees conicals) and wasn't happy with the results (I tried both a tenor and an alto). I am happiest with oversized metal domes on these horns. I tend to buy horns that need overhauls anyways, cause they are cheaper, but I was tempted to make an offer after the first eBay auction closed.

[Stencilman]

Sorry to get off track, but what didn't you like about the Ferree's conical resonators?

[Whatasaxman]

Thanks for your reply. I had been trying to basically use SG's value guide as it was the most accessable I could find. I have 3 zeph altos too.. two already done, and one that may turn into parts (some previous tech mutilated several posts and keys)

[shmuelyosef]

I have always found SGs value guide to be on the high side for 'traded' horns...those prices are more representative of what the legit restorers can get (like WWSax, SG, Cybersax, Vintagesax, Saxquest, SaxAlley, etc...) can get for a horn that has been made to play like new...SGs prices assume very good cosmetics on top of that. The credibility that this is so from these well-respected folks (they have earned their reputation) is worth ~25% over common trades, and then additionally you have to be realistic about incomplete lacquer, dents/dings, average rebuilds (as opposed to nice custom work with oversized resos, teflon, sorbothane, and perfect key tightening etc).

Stencilman,
Regarding the conical resos...while I generally agree with consensus that resos just make horns louder or softer, the conical resos (IMHO) actually changed the Zephyrs to make them a little edgy, even with a dark mouthpiece. Since these are already loud, bright horns, it became a little nasty for my taste. I still have the alto, however, and occasionally take it to jam sessions where I know the guitarists will get out of control. With a clip-on mike and a Dukoff, this horn will really get in your face...

jeff