GETZEN SAXOPHONES elkhart,ind

[dolphyo]

i always wondered who made these wonderful beasts. built like a german u-boat and project like an artillery shell launched in space. i own a project tenor sax i got for almost nothing. it reminds me of a conn in its keywork and the body like a buescher? help? :roll:

[sonnymoon]

I posted something in the manufacturers thread on a theory I have about this horn. I have one, and though the keywork is a little old fashioned, it plays well and has a strong bottom end. I was made in Italy, mostly looks like a Conn, (mercedes benz keyguard, 10 m style LH pinky table with a nail file G#, and keywork like a New Wonder) The thumbrest below the octave key and the octave itself are mother of pearl buttons like a Buescher tru-tone. Briefly, my theory is that these are the product of Marshall Plan relief efforts after WWII, but still am researching. I'm glad someone else seems to dig the horn. I got it for a song and use it as a backup.

[spiderjames]

I've always believed these to be Rampone and Cazzani stencils but I have no real proof of this other than they look similar and R&C sometimes used the mercedes keyguard and nail file G#. Just a guess really.

[sonnymoon]

I think that is a good lead, Spiderjames. I will research that angle, to see if they were in business back in the post war era. I saw another Italian stencil on e-bay, an "Artcraft" that had a similar LH cluster with the red rollers. Another interesting feature is the thumb hook. It is adjustable and looks like a trigger housing from an old M-1 rifle.
I've been using a metal link on mine and it definitely has a Conn vibe.

[Captain Beeflat]

soonymoon.
You will find that Rampone & Cazzani have been making instruments since circa 1832; before the Crimean war!

[sonnymoon]

I meant the Crimean War. ;)

Thanks, though, I am not familiar with that brand other than the name. I will check it out. I went to there website and I must say, it is nicely done.