prestini alto info

[bob3dsf]

I saw a prestini alto in a local pawn shop. I'm curious about these horns. I don't know anything about this brand. I've read most of the posts in this (prestini) section. I gather that they are pretty good and are a pretty good bargain for their price. The horn I saw looks like a Selmer SA80 series 2 or 3 (to me, I don't know anything about the reference models, etc.) It has the tear drop fork F key, and an angled high F#. The keys are the same color as the body (versus the nickel plated keys common on student model horns). Its priced at $400. Its missing a couple pearl/pearloid buttons and a couple three pads. I figured I would use these deficiencies to haggle a lower price. Any opinions on this horn? Possible good find? I don't remember seeing if it was marked as "classic" or anything else. I didn't write down the serial number, maybe that would help as well. Thanks.

BC

P.S. I'm looking to get a better horn than my YAS-23 for alto calls.

[J.Max]

They are OK made in Taiwan horns. Probably not better than the YAS-23 you already have.

[Jerry K.]

The only Prestini models I would own today would be the Classic or SA453 models as they are high intermediate horns. A few years ago I considered the Classic to be a pro horn but Prestini has failed to keep up with other Taiwanese made brands in my opinion. In addition they have put far more emphasis on the low end Chinese made horns rather than improve their top models which are made in Taiwan. The Classic would say Classic in the engraving on the bell and both horns I suggested come in either a brown or black vinyl covered rectangular case. If a hard plastic case it would likely be recent Chinese made horns. I would suggest playing the horn against your current horn to see which you prefer and bring a tuner.

[bob3dsf]

Thanks for your opinions

[pth]

The only Prestini models I would own today would be the Classic or SA453 models as they are high intermediate horns. A few years ago I considered the Classic to be a pro horn but Prestini has failed to keep up with other Taiwanese made brands in my opinion. In addition they have put far more emphasis on the low end Chinese made horns rather than improve their top models which are made in Taiwan. The Classic would say Classic in the engraving on the bell and both horns I suggested come in either a brown or black vinyl covered rectangular case. If a hard plastic case it would likely be recent Chinese made horns. I would suggest playing the horn against your current horn to see which you prefer and bring a tuner.

The Classic is a very good horn. I am about to offer one for sale on the Marketplace thread.