Vito Duke Alto

[J.Max]

Looks like I just got a Vito alto. I compared it to the doctorsax site and it looks like one of the "Duke" models. It's in good shape with about 80% lacquer, and says "Made In France". New pads too. Beaugnier horns have a good reputation, but I've never seen another for sale, and I'm not sure whether it was a good buy or not. Are they decent horns? How much do they normally sell for?

EDIT: Actually, I was wrong. I think it's the one BEFORE the Duke model...

[Jerry K.]

Pictures?

[saintsday]

Is it the version with the floral engraving that goes down onto the bow with Made in France stamped on the front?

It's really hard to talk about price on any of the rarer Vito variants since there aren't many around, but on eBay the altos stamped France seem to finish anywhere from <200 to about 400, occasionally higher for nice with a fresh overhaul and a good ad. I've had I think 2 altos and 2 tenors, one of each currently. Only a few show up each year.

I sold a nice tenor to a high school student to take to college for just under 500 a year and a half ago and have missed it ever since. If I had it today, it would cost more.

Pictures would be nice.

[J.Max]

4097

4098

4099


Pads are new, and the bell isn't as pitted as it looks. I'll take some better pics later.

[Jazzbrass]

See:

http://www.doctorsax.biz/vito_ser_nos.htm

[J.Max]

See:

http://www.doctorsax.biz/vito_ser_nos.htm

Yeah, I was already there. It's how I figured out the model of the horn. Great site for these horns too.

[bkiser]

This looks almost identical to my Noblet alto. The Vitos seem to have a better LH pinky table. These horns seem to play and sound FAR beyond their price. Intonation on my alto is also fantastic and the horn really sings in the upper register.

[Shirish]

Hi J Max, I notice a Vito I bought is the same model, but I have a doubt about the authenticity of the neck. Can you send me a pic of the neck (if you still have the horn!) And while you're at it, could you comment on the sound and general quality of the sax?

[Shirish]

(Mine hasn't arrived yet!)

[Beastie]

It sounds as though it's been fully established here, the who & where the DUKE VITO alto Sax was made. Am I right?

Exactly WHO made them?

reason I ask is that they seem to exhibit SML qualities as well as Leblanc qualities. It's a bit bewildering to look at these things. They are REALLY a different breed of saxophone.

The one I have is not in playing condition, however everything is in great mechanical shape. I'm unsure if I should have it restored, or just hang on to it.

How are they, as a Playing Horn. ???

BTW, I've noticed there are players in this corner who like the Grassi 2000.

I let an old Grassi go a few years back for FAR FAR too little (it needed an overhaul) & have missed it ever since, Big time, I liked looking at.

Is there a general feeling of consensus on the grassi horns?

[modman]

I have a Noblet Paris (Vito) Alto in near mint condition purchased off ebay for $400 a couple of months ago. Been regulated and some pads replaced. I have not been that happy with the mouthpiece (Lakey 7*3) I've been using so I am still experimenting with setups for this beautiful horn.

What I like:
The lacquer patina is dark and engraving is nice.
Nice mid and high range tonality.
Very little resistance.
Altissimo is extremely easy.
Fast action.

What I do not like:
Low range below c2 is difficult to play in tune.
Overall the horn feels lightweight, and somewhat tinny.

I will find the correct mouthpiece eventually and this will make a nice backup horn, as I play tenor and soprano mostly and I am soon to purchase a Selmer SA80II alto.

I think they are under valued but than again they are not Selmer, SML or Buffet S-1 or SDA's quality either.

A great first saxophone, better value than a cheap (PROC) horn and a great back up axe.

B8-)

[Beastie]

I have a Noblet Paris (Vito) Alto in near mint condition purchased off ebay for $400 a couple of months ago. Been regulated and some pads replaced. I have not been that happy with the mouthpiece (Lakey 7*3) I've been using so I am still experimenting with setups for this beautiful horn.

What I like:
The lacquer patina is dark and engraving is nice.
Nice mid and high range tonality.
Very little resistance.
Altissimo is extremely easy.
Fast action.

What I do not like:
Low range below c2 is difficult to play in tune.
Overall the horn feels lightweight, and somewhat tinny.

I will find the correct mouthpiece eventually and this will make a nice backup horn, as I play tenor and soprano mostly and I am soon to purchase a Selmer SA80II alto.

I think they are under valued but than again they are not Selmer, SML or Buffet S-1 or SDA's quality either.

A great first saxophone, better value than a cheap (PROC) horn and a great back up axe.

B8-)
Great reply, that info is much appreciated, thanks.
Looks like I'll concentrate on my Selmer Mark VII, maybe get it overhauled, rather than mess with the "DUKE"

[sax-ony]

I posted a relevant reply here: http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showpost.php?p=1070673&postcount=44

[Beastie]

Yep!, I got it. Thanx. Different ain't always good.