From 1985 to 1998 the year of manufacture is the first digit of the serial number + 1. For instance a serial number that is 7XXXXX = (7+1) = 8 = 1988 or 1998 and other indicators have to be used to decide whether it was made in 1988 or 1998 because there is no decade information in this serial numbering system and the serial numbers repeat for every decade.
To help decide which decade the instrument is from, the Jupiter logo designs can be used. The earlier Jupiter saxophones have a "Jupiter and KHS Musical Instrument Co Ltd" logo on the bell and have Taiwan near the model and serial numbers under the thumbrest. This was changed in the early 1990s to a "Jupiter and KHS Musical Instrument Taiwan" logo on the bell with no Taiwan near the model and serial numbers under the thumbrest. The newer Jupiter saxophones just have a Jupiter logo on the bell and have Taiwan near the model and serial numbers under the thumbrest. Earlier Jupiter instrument cases have a "Jupiter Wind Instruments" logo and newer Jupiter instrument cases just have a Jupiter logo.
Unfortunately the serial numbering system that was used had no decade information so in 1999 the serial number format was changed from a digit format to a letter format. For instance AXXXXX=1999, BXXXXX=2000 etc.
Common Jupiter Saxophone Model Codes
I know that too.
But if necessary take it to a technician to check it. I believe i do not need too much more. Then i have to play it to improve the sound and intonation.
Yeah, I'm with milandro on this one. It might cosmetically be in great shape but Jupiter's from over a decade ago can be pretty hit or miss. You've gotta play it and see for yourself. The price isn't bad at all, but if it needs alignment work, new pads, etc. It's probably not worth the hassle based on what the value of the horn is. But you might have a gem on your hands. Hope it works out well for you.
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