Grassi Ida Maria Tenor Saxes

[betsy999]

Hey,

how much do you reckon an ida maria tenor would sell for in great condition in the states?

I'm currently in Italy, but return to the UK in the summer. My original plan was to buy a trusty yamaha 62, used, from a loving owner when I get back. I love yamaha saxes, and currently have a 62 alto.

I hadn't thought of Grassi saxes, but there seems to be a good offer on an Ida Maria, built in the 80s, supposed to be in excellent condition. Will be going to try it out soon.

If any of you lovely knowledgeable saxperts have any tips, testimonies, advice or general remarks on Grassi saxes I'm all ears!

Happy saxing,

Betsy

[Carl H.]

It depends on which model Grassi you have. A little more info is needed to give you an answer.

[warp x]

You could send a PM to member Milandro. He knows quite a bit about these horns I believe.

[Sidepipes]

Two data points: I sold my Jade series tenor, in good playing condition, to a deserving student in 2008 for $500 US. Dr. Larry Ross has listed a Grassi tenor on eBay for $742.

[betsy999]

it's a grassi ida maria professional. is that any different from a grassi professional?

It's a little more than Dr Larry Ross's offer for his Grassi, but works out about the same once you add the ebay shipping costs (to the UK).

Saxophones generally do seem to cost a little more in Italy, but I definitely want to play before buying anything. I may end up waiting until I'm back in the UK.

Thanks for the Milandro recommendation. Will send him a message for sure.

Thanks guys.

Bets :treble:

[MMM]

I would go with the YTS62 (particularly if it's the purple logo,first series model).
Anything other than a Grassi 2000 or Prestige, I would be very careful unless it's an absolute bargain.
I have seen the "Professional" model and it looks exactly like the older student models, cannot testify re playing or sound. A Yamaha (unless steamrolled!) still gives you a great guarantee of tuning, quality control and resale value.

That's my opinion, and I'm Italian!
Manlio

[Sidepipes]

I have both the Professional and the Jade series altos. The Professional has the high F# and a slightly different octave mechanism. The keys are nickel plated on both horns. Visually, they are quite similar, except as noted above. I have Roo pads on the Professional, and it is a good back up horn to my purple logo YAS62.

Sidepipes

[milandro]

I am sure that, for traditional reasons, the market price for Grassis is higher in Italy that it is in the UK and, unless you are in love with a particular Grassi, maybe it will be better for you to buy the Yamaha.

By the way, Grassi were imported by Bill Lewington in the UK and there should still be plenty around, in fact, Lewington still has some soprano and flutes for sale (at a very good price I might add ;) ).

The professional is a very good instrument and the professional 2000 is even better.
I like the jade rollers but they have mechanics that are much older in design that the more modern series and although they sound very, very nice, I'd rather have a more modern design.

[MMM]

Milandro,

you are right, Lewington used to import them (I still have 2 of their old price lists from the 80s, that sounds like such a long time ago, sigh!).

I think the last 2000 sax has been sold by Lewington and Don Mackrill bought some of the 2000 model Grassi from Lewington when Lewington closed their shop in central London. However Mackrill's prices are not so good!

Incidentally, a while back I contacted Ian Lewington (I think Bill's nephew) for more info on Grassi saxes but sadly he couldn't add anything to what we already know...

Cheers,
Manlio

[milandro]

Yes apparently they sold the two sopranos which they still had . Now they still have an alto flute (at a bargain price!)
http://www.bill-lewington.com/grassi.htm

It was a big loss when they closed their shop in central London. I used to go there all the time when I lived in London.

[betsy999]

Thanks for all your advice and extra info. It's a big help.

;)
Bets