I've got it!!!!

[Stan]

The new baby just arrived home :)

Stan

[daigle65]

Are you talking about an actual baby?

[milandro]

not unless it is disguised as a Grafton alto.....;) Auguri Stan !

[Grumps]

Are you talking about an actual baby?
No, just the toy sax for one...

[daigle65]

Ooops!
Didn't notice it was in the Grafton forum.

[milandro]

No, just the toy sax for one...

I beg to differ Grumps, it ain't a toy! ;)....I had the pleasure to play one in Deventer at the Saxwinkel (with toptone polsters) and is anything but a toy!:twisted: 8-)

[gary]

I beg to differ Grumps, it ain't a toy! I had the pleasure to play one in Deventer at the Saxwinkel...
So that's where the funk on the horn come from! :evil:


I played one at Saxofoonwinkel too, at their request probably the same one. Actually, I wasn't even interested but they insisted. I was really surprised at how well it played and sounded.

[milandro]

So that's where the funk on the horn come from! :evil:


I played one at Saxofoonwinkel too, at their request probably the same one. Actually, I wasn't even interested but they insisted. I was really surprised at how well it played and sounded.

Yep, same story!

The funny smell is definitely from me!:twisted: :D devil's breath!

[Stan]

not unless it is disguised as a Grafton alto.....;) Auguri Daniele!


Grazie!!!!! :D

Picture here: http://www.hobbysax.com/Mysix.html#Grafton

Stan

[Grumps]

That looks in great shape. No cracks?

[Frequency]

That looks in great shape. No cracks?
Grumps you're killing me man:thumbrig: :headbang: :lol: :razz: :D ;)

[Stan]

That looks in great shape. No cracks?

Fortunately no cracks on the body.
After reading some SOTW post I went personally to London and transported it as hand bag.
Pads were dry, but after few minutes it started to play... better to sing :)
Any idea on how to assemble/disassemble it? :D

Stan

[milandro]

I am assuming that you've read this
http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Saxes/Alto/Grafton_alto.htm
if not, I can only advise you to do that !
Anything Stephen Howard wrote is very interesting or funny, worth browsing the entire site but at this moment you should surely read this article

pay particular attention to this!

I quote:
"...Another huge drawback was the impossibility of bending keys on the horn.
Oh sure - you could bend the keys ( as you would do when adjusting key angles etc. ) but your efforts would be repaid with a sickening crack as the key mounting stub cracked off from the body.
This particular feature presents the owner with something of a paradox - if you want to have one of these things repaired you'd be seriously well advised to find a repairer who's tackled one in the past, unless you want your horn back with assorted stubs cracked off it...but if you find such a person there's a very good chance they'll refuse outright to work on the thing - and if they do consent to work on it you can expect to pay a very considerable premium! I'll just say that again...a very considerable premium. Mmmm....."

[Stan]

I am assuming that you've read this
http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Saxes/Alto/Grafton_alto.htm
if not, I can only advise you to do that !
Anything Stephen Howard wrote is very interesting or funny, worth browsing the entire site but at this moment you should surely read this article

pay particular attention to this!

I quote:
"...Another huge drawback was the impossibility of bending keys on the horn.
Oh sure - you could bend the keys ( as you would do when adjusting key angles etc. ) but your efforts would be repaid with a sickening crack as the key mounting stub cracked off from the body.
This particular feature presents the owner with something of a paradox - if you want to have one of these things repaired you'd be seriously well advised to find a repairer who's tackled one in the past, unless you want your horn back with assorted stubs cracked off it...but if you find such a person there's a very good chance they'll refuse outright to work on the thing - and if they do consent to work on it you can expect to pay a very considerable premium! I'll just say that again...a very considerable premium. Mmmm....."

I know, I know... I was kidding :)

Stan

[milandro]

well I knew that you are a brave chap and you might have been tempted to have a go.....write to the people at the saxwinkel in Deventer, they certainly know how to deal with that and I'll be glad to take you there!

[Pete Thomas]

I am assuming that you've read this
http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Saxes/Alto/Grafton_alto.htm
if not, I can only advise you to do that !
Anything Stephen Howard wrote is very interesting or funny, worth browsing the entire site but at this moment you should surely read this article


Stephen is currently working on my Grafton. Although it is very good cosmetic condition, the original spongy soft pads make for a disappointing action IMO. he has found that there is quite an air gap behind the pads, so is replacing them all and sorting this out in a noble attempt to improve the situation. I suspect that his Grafton page will be updated soon with his experiences doing this.

Apparently he's waiting for better weather, he doesn't want to work on the Grafton while it's near freezing as the acrylic gets more brittle and is in danger of breaking.

[milandro]

Yes Pete, I've read the article and I know that Grafton Sthephen Howard is talking about was yours.
The horn is definitely very delicate to work witha nd also playing should be done using the outmost attention.
I must say I did it with trepidation, even though I have a good insurance ;) :) when the guys at the Saxofoonwinkel in Deventer-Holland offered me to try it

Their Grafton has been fitted with toptone pads (an iconoclasm... perhaps, but very good!) and apparently all the springs have been replaced....I can only say that I would endorse their restoration method but I am sure that Stephen's restoration would be as good and competent as theirs.

I think is most important to keep the orn away from light at all times, I believe that U.V. light damages its plastic.

[Stephen Howard]

[QUOTE=Pete Thomas]Stephen is currently working on my Grafton...../QUOTE]


And may I reiterate what a complete and utter pain in the **** these things are to work on!
Still, I didn't tape up the swearbox and I now have £21.80 in it...at 10p a go.

Quickest way to disassemble a Grafton? Drop it.
Quickest way to reassemble a Grafton? Buy another one.

Regards,

[JimD]

I seem to recall that Willie Garnett had some choice things to say after he worked on Parker's Grafton before it sold at Christies.

[bubblegirlsax]

I think the Grafton sounds great, and I can't wait until the polymer sax comes out. Are you going to play it regularly or just keep it?

S.

[Stan]

I think the Grafton sounds great, and I can't wait until the polymer sax comes out. Are you going to play it regularly or just keep it?

S.

I am playing it once at week. I also started a very slow cleaning process :). I am thinking about the opportunity of making a plastic mpc specifically designed for this wonderfull saxophone.

Stan

[bubblegirlsax]

Hey if you can make your own mouthpieces, go for it! Would be interesting to see what difference it would make -- not that I know ANYTHING about choosing alternate mouth pieces.

[Pete Thomas]

I am playing it once at week. I also started a very slow cleaning process :). I am thinking about the opportunity of making a plastic mpc specifically designed for this wonderfull saxophone.

Stan

That will be cool.

I think Graftons were issued with a white Dearman mouthpiece which go very well with it cosmetically, even the ligature and cap if I remember correctly. (Mine's at the workshop at the moment).

[milandro]

Well if there's someone who can do a specific mouthpiece for the Grafton " Stan is dah man! " ;) :) seriously I am waiting for the chance to acquire some of Stan's mouthpieces. He is both (next to being a scientist!) an accomplished player and a mouthpiece maker/refacer. The credentials are all there! Go Stan Go! Take it away!

[Andy71]

Complimenti Daniele!
Lo so che lo suoni una volta alla settimana ma potresti mettere sul tuo sito qualche file dell' ultimo arrivato?
Sono proprio curioso di sentire come suona, che imboccatura usi?
:)

[Stan]

Complimenti Daniele!
Lo so che lo suoni una volta alla settimana ma potresti mettere sul tuo sito qualche file dell' ultimo arrivato?
Sono proprio curioso di sentire come suona, che imboccatura usi?
:)

I only use my mouthpieces :). A Grafton story and sound files will appear in the near future on my webpages. Now I am too busy with mpcs.
All the best,

Stan

[Stan]

Just finished the cleaning process... now it looks better than ever ;)
I've placed two short sound clips here:

http://www.hobbysax.com/Mysix.html

(end of page)

all the best,

Stan