price for S1 alto

[dueray]

I'm looking for S1 alto, but I have no idea how much the S1 would be.
Could anyone let me know average price for S2 alto with F#? thanx:-)

[dueray]

sorry

[mostly alto guy]

Pricing is all over the place, meaning it depends on a lot of factors. When searching for an S1, keep in mind that recently prices have gone up as players have begun latching onto Buffets. If you can find an S1 alto in playing condition (no major leaks, pads have some life in them, and everything works mechanically) with reasonably intact lacquer (80% or better) and no dents or solder reapirs, the asking price will probably be 1000-1500 US dollars. To me that's quite reasonable considering how much a late MKVI or even an early VII costs these days. If you find one that's 90% lacquer, needs no soft bits and was recently set up by someone who knows how to treat a Buffet (the S1 keywork has some special quirks), it's probably going to start at around 1500 or even 2000 USD. To a Buffet fan, it'd be worth every penny.

If at all possible, play before buying, or get a return agreement. Not everyone likes the S1 sound once they get hold of one and try it out.

[singlereed]

I sold mine, a MINT silver plate Anniversary S1 alto on eBay, for $2250 IIRC. This is about the fullest price I have seen, but it was unmarked and the silver ones are a bit rarer. I have seen lacquer ones go for about $1500-2000 depending on the condition, where people ask more, they usually seem to go unsold. Whilst they are every bit as good as a Mk VI, the investment is less certain because they are a lot less sought after in the wider market. I had a S1 tenor in merely excellent condition that I bought for $2200, I didn't like it very much and I think it was a bit of a struggle to get my money back. So, if you can get one (even in well-used condition) at the lower end of these price ranges, you are doing very well, but if you pay nearer top dollar, make sure it's mint to protect your investment. Of course, most of us rarely set out buying a horn thinking we will sell it, but also most of us have probably been in the position of needing to sell one quickly at one time or another, too.

Why did I sell mine? - very suspect intonation in the palm key area

[MBushaw]

Slightly off topic, but anyone looking for an S1 or owning one may be interested in this-
Had my S1 alto repadded with Schmidt pads
http://cvip.fresno.com/~js210/pad.html
and after a couple of days noticed the palm keys and low C, B and Bb were sharper than I remembered. After thinking about it for a few more days, I adjusted the mouthpiece so the palm keys were in tune, and then the body of the horn was flat except the bell keys were also in tune. Spent that afternoon raising the keyheights to their maximum (the bis key is the determining key as it hits another rod if raised too high) and Viola! the horn is back in good tune!

[dueray]

Thanx for replies. I found a S1. It look good, does have F# key. The serial number has "A" end of it. I have Dynaction alto, and I'm gonna sell it for possessing S1. Is this right thing? I mean change my Dynaction alto to S1.. I'm told, "S1 is the best horn from the Buffet", but.. I don't know.. I'm not sure of my choice. I don't want to regret, after getiing S1.. couple of days later. Help me. :cry: Thanx.

[singlereed]

I had a S1 alto and it was a nice horn. The action is fast and comfortable, at least as good as any current model. The sound was sweet and pure. I have not played a SDA alto, but in comparing the tenors, I preferred the sound of the SDA tenor, but preferred the S1 keywork - the S1 tenor was a bit too sweet. On the alto, this sweet sound was ideal for me but whether you will prefer it to an SDA, I don't know. Ideally, you want to keep both for a while to compare and then keep the one you like most, its personal preference really and partly depends on the particular examples you have.

[Lowell]

With a very open bore mouthpiece ( Otto link 5* ) on my S-1 alto, the upper intonation is sharp and the lower tends to be flat. With a narrower bore in the mouthpiece, the intonation is very close in all registers. Take the time to find a mouthpiece that gives the sound you are looking for and the Buffet will become your favorite horn. The keywork really fits my hands well and is fast and light. As for price, see saxgourmet.com and look it up in the vintage horn value guide. I paid $1500CDN for mine ( $1000US ) with a repad. I practically stole it from a pawn shop that didn't know what a treasure they hed.