my first sax

[eurusmelody]

Greetings to all,

I am brand new to SOTW. This forum has been an invaluable tool since I decided to learn the to play the sax. I am sure I will spend more time in here than in any other place.

So my first horn is an Ida Maria Grassi alto 133xx. I bought it for three reasons: it's gorgeous, it's an affordable and respectable copy of the highly regarded Mark VI, and it's old and uncommon, so it has character and history. Maybe this isn't the best horn with which to learn, but maybe it is. I'll find out! Granted I haven't read every post in here (some discuss the tenor sax and so forth) but I have yet to see a serial number chart for this brand. I have yet to find much at all anywhere, quite frankly, which is fine, but it'd be nice to know.

I will continue to read these posts, so for now, my only question has to do with the chart or a birth year. Any help?

[DanSax64]

I'd like first to say "welcome to the club"; you will find tremendous flow of sax related information on this site, for sure (I did and still am...)

Secondly, I also have an old Grassi Ida alto sax, and it is IMHO a well built, solid-playing sax that can be used/matched-up with any other types of sax and /or playing styles, and I don't think there would be anything wrong to start learning sax using this horn...

Good luck on your journey and enjoy...

[Martin Williams]

Ive got an old Grassi alto as well, and its a solid horn to learn on. AFAIK there is no serial number chart, or any real available information on them, but no matter, it'll be a good horn to learn on. Just make sure its in good condition and ready to play(take it to a tech for a check up) and have it!

[Martin Williams]

Hopefully the forum member J.Max will see this thread. He has been researching Grassi horns for a while now

[J.Max]

If I can see some pictures I can give you an approximation on when it was built. Sounds like you got a "Jade" model which is an excellent horn to start on!

[eurusmelody]

Thanks for the warm welcome!

Here are a few pics...

[eurusmelody]

The woman at the music shop looked up my serial number in her database and was able to determine that its one step up from the student model and a copy of the Selmer Mark IV. It has plastic rollers, therefore I don't think it's the jade, but maybe that's not the determining factor. She also said it will need new pads soon, but I cannot afford $275. They did say, however, that they'd adjust and lubricate, recork the neck, and replace one nasty pad for $50. I think thats worth it. I have the dexterity and patience to repad it myself at some point in the future. I will have to do much research on that subject first. And then some more.

This is my first wind instrument. I've been playing scales all day.

I think I'm in love.

[J.Max]

The woman at the music shop looked up my serial number in her database and was able to determine that its one step up from the student model and a copy of the Selmer Mark IV. It has plastic rollers, therefore I don't think it's the jade, but maybe that's not the determining factor. She also said it will need new pads soon, but I cannot afford $275. They did say, however, that they'd adjust and lubricate, recork the neck, and replace one nasty pad for $50. I think thats worth it. I have the dexterity and patience to repad it myself at some point in the future. I will have to do much research on that subject first. And then some more.

This is my first wind instrument. I've been playing scales all day.

I think I'm in love.

Actually, there is no serial number database for Grassi saxophones...this one is NOT a copy of a Mark VI, as the left hand pinky cluster is very different - similar to a Buescher. This is a Grassi "Standard", which is a student model but a very good one.

Should be a good horn to learn on! Have fun!

[milandro]

It would be nice to find out what actually made that " Jade series" better than the standard model. I have a Jade series of more or less the same vintage as the one in these pictures. It is not a true copy of a VI (true copies came later on .....I have a" wonderful model" which is a true Mark VI copy) not so much for the pinky cluster (maybe that is the difference between standard model and jade?) rather than the mechanics of the B and Bb which look more (as whaler, a member of SOTW suggested in another topic) like a Buffet or SML copy. Grassi altos are very impressive (I also have a Baritone which is alright). I have bought two of those just recently and I must say that they are both very good ! I would really like to know more about these horns they deserve better than oblivion.

[eurusmelody]

Firstly, thank you all for your help. I can hardly put this thing down!

I got a tune-up, and it plays better, but it still needs a re-pad. So...before I develop any bad habits to compensate for the worn pads, I'd like to give it an overhaul. I've searched and searched but have not found a place that I'd feel confident would send me the right parts. (how many pad sizes are there? 50? 60?) I can't afford or justify the cost of a pro overhaul. Can anyone point me in the right direction for parts?

I'm presuming it takes a high level of patience, dexterity, and for a cat like myself...time, but I design and build intricate mechanisms and prototypes for a living and feel confident that I can do this myself. If I'm wrong, stop me!