vintagesax.com

[clarnibass]

hi, does anyone have experience with www.vintagesax.com

i'm thinking of buyong a sax there.

[SuiZen]

I recently purchased Conn & Buescher curved sopranos from vintagesax.

Gayle was quick to answer the numerous emails I sent with lots of questions. The saxes were delivered in great condition, and I believe there's a one year guarantee, at least on the new pads. I may buy a straight sax next.

You can purchase from vintagesax knowing you'll get a great horn and service.

Bill

[max]

Me too - nothing but great things to say about Gayle... :D

[Dave Dolson]

Yes. Gayle is great. DAVE

[geo@loyola.edu]

You can't go wrong with Gayle. I speak from the experience of four saxophones from her already with a fifth in process.

[paulwl]

Ten horns (in as many years). Each 100% as advertised, with Gayle's careful tech work where necessary. She's true blue.

[clarnibass]

how would yo usay a sax from vintagesax.com would compare to a sax from ebay after i do an overhaul to it? (vitagesax would be about 1300$ and from ebay it would be about 200-500$, and another 200-300$ for an overhaul)

[Hurling Frootmig]

The difference would be that you know that Gayle knows her stuff and that the overhaul that she performs is going to bring the horn back to a better than new state using pads that are appropriate for the horn. She's got a very good sense of what to do and what not to do with Bueschers.

In the case of Buescher's, it is important to make sure that the snap in pads are all there and that when the overhaul is performed the snaps are discarded and the posts aren't ground out.

If you are lucky enough to find a quality sax tech who is interested in bringing a classic horn back to better than new state then go the ebay route if the horn meets your requirements.

I have purchased horns off of ebay and from other sources sight unseen with the realization that my sax tech would probably have to do a decent amount of work if not a full overhaul to get a horn playing well.

You should consider contacting Gayle to discuss her philosophy about the horns she sells and you may get a sense of why you should purchase from her.

[ProfessorZeek]

i checked out the site recently but a large percentage of horns seems to be replated to look super new. i actually was thinking of buying a few but want to get one in original lacquer. does gayle do a lot of replating on the horn she sells?

any opinions on replating?

CKL

[Jack W.]

I had my Buescher Model 140 alto plated at Anderson's (which is generally where Gayle sends her horns too, I think). It had been in about 60% original lacquer, only the finish was terrible with a lot of corrosion. The horn played so well that I figured it deserved a new finish, but I didn't want to relacquer it because of the problems with buffing and because it would decrease the value of the horn. And since I knew the horn was original lacquer to begin with, and that I had nothing to hide by plating it, I went ahead and did it. (Not that the horn will likely ever be for sale anyway, you'll probably have to pry it from my cold dead hands.)

Replating (as opposed to relacquering) probably will not hurt the value of the sax, since metal was added to the horn. (Disclaimer: from what I've read, this MAY not be true of Mark VIs.) I also requested that the people at Anderson's do the absolute bare minimum of buffing, and judging from the appearance of the engraving, they were successful. It looks just as detailed as before. And best of all, it sounds just as good as before -- maybe a shade brighter, but I've been told it will darken up again as the silverplate ages. And did I mention it looks a million bucks? :D

As for Gayle, I've bought two horns from her -- and since sold them, not because there was the slightest thing wrong with them, but because I simply happened to find in both cases something that worked even better for me, and I couldn't rationalize keeping both. In both cases, the descriptions were 100% accurate, she was very patient with all my questions, and everything arrived safely and quickly. Gayle knows her stuff and will treat you right.

As for eBay, if you can find what you want and it's actually as described, then you can save a bit over Gayle's prices, perhaps even with extensive work done by your tech. But if Gayle happens to have exactly what you're looking for, you can order it from her, get a gig-ready horn without having to wait for the repairs on your end, and also have complete confidence that there will be no nasty surprises. And if for some reason you're not satisfied, you can return it! To me, this is worth the extra premium, at least in some cases.

[Jack W.]

Oops, I forgot to mention -- in my opinion it would be completely fair to ask Gayle if a particular horn had had the original lacquer, and how much of it if so, before she had it plated. I'm confident she'd be honest.

[paulwl]

Replating (as opposed to relacquering) probably will not hurt the value of the sax, since metal was added to the horn. (Disclaimer: from what I've read, this MAY not be true of Mark VIs.)
Yes, I think it's a niche market thing that mostly applies to domestic vintage horns. Or perhaps VIs are the niche, since they're so highly valued to begin with.

[Gayle Fredenburgh]

CKL,

I try to offer a good selection of vintage horns in different finishes. Right now if you consider all my inventory you'll find about 10% of my inventory has a new plated finish. I have many more in original lacquer than in plate available. I think it is important to offer choices. I invite you to contact me about an original lacquered horn if you have one in mind.

When I do refinish a horn I start with a good quality vintage sax. This is an expensive course of action and there's no sense putting a lot of hours and money into a horn if its not going to be a superior player in the end. I prefer to put plating on vintage American horns because it is more of a quality finish than lacquer. It lasts longer and adds more value to the horn. For years I've played vintage horns and noticed that many of my favorite playing horns are in silver plate. The plate bonds to the brass and seems to vibrate more freely than a horn with new lacquer. Silver plate does add a touch more brilliance or brightness and this balances well with a dark sounding horn like a Buescher, Conn or Martin. I don't usually resilver Mark VIs or Super 20s because they are a brighter sounding vintage horn and to my ears the added brilliance from the plate wouldn't be as desirable to the sound.

Gayle Fredenburgh
VintageSax.com

[twowheels]

Gayle is great to deal with, I've bought a couple of horns from her and never been disappointed. She is honest with a high degree of integrity.

[JfW]

Gayle,

perusing you're site, I'm very impressed with your collection. That Gold Plated Truetone alto looks especially remarkable. It's a shame my fanancial situation doesn't allow me to even entertain the thought of it's aquisition.

BTW, May I ask why some prices are listed, while other's are available only through contact?

[JL]

how would yo usay a sax from vintagesax.com would compare to a sax from ebay after i do an overhaul to it? (vitagesax would be about 1300$ and from ebay it would be about 200-500$, and another 200-300$ for an overhaul)

I don't think there is much of a comparison here. I've bought 2 horns from Gayle and both were in absolutely perfect condition. Both horns are over 50 years old and yet are BETTER than new! I don't think you'll find that on ebay. Also, I doubt you can get a high quality total overhaul for $200-$300. Most reputable techs who know what they are doing charge at least $700-$1000 for an overhaul.

If you want a great horn in great condition for a good price, go with Gayle.

[PrinceII]

Well..

I bought a sax from her years ago via e-bay. I'm not really impressed by her reparing skill. The horn needed to be adjusted again.

[Bo Meyer]

Well, ...........Price II

A saxophone bought several years ago, will need an adjustment, or even new pads, to play as it should.

I do not see your point in this statement.

Your saxophone should be checked on a regular basis, or when you feel it is the time.

I hope you treat your car better...............

[Paul Coats]

Our (Bayou Saxophone Ensemble's) bass sax, purchased from Gayle about, what, 5 years ago?, has needed only one repair... a new water key pad. Everything else has been perfect, no adjustments or any other repairs in all this time.

[Dave Dolson]

The old Conn straight soprano I got from Gayle in a trade was properly set-up and has needed no fixin' (except for altering the location of the palm keys, but that wasn't anything Gayle was responsible for). DAVE

[PrinceII]

The sax needed to be adjust few days after it had been purchased.

I do treat my car(s) very well, too.

[Paul Coats]

Any time I have traveled far from home, with a nearly constant high humidity, to places like Chicago in the very cold, dry winter, San Antonio in the dry Texas heat, some of my saxes needed minor adjustments.

I shipped a sax I had just overhauled to a fellow in Washington State, and he had to have a few minor adjustments. I purchased a sax from a reputable dealer/tech on the west coast, and I had to make a few minor adjustments. This is not at all unusual, or does it mean the work was not well done. It just happens.

I know many pros travel with a leak light in their bag. I do, as well as Curt @ Musicmedic's great little emergency kit. Before his kit, I just packed a lot of the same sort of items.

[tophatsax]

clarnibass,

My experience with Gayle was strictly via email, with questions regarding overhaul prices and a particular horn she had listed. She was very quick to respond and patient with questions.

Merry Christmas everyone!

[kcp]

Oh! You better watch out :shock:
You better not cry :cry:
You better not pout :x
I'm telling you why
SANTA CLAUS is coming to town 8)

He's making a list
Checking it twice :P
Gonna find out who's naughty :evil: or nice :D
SANTA CLAUS is coming to town! :D

He sees you when you're sleeping :?
He knows when you're awake :oops:
He knows if you've been bad :twisted: or good :wink:
So be good for goodness sake! :roll:

You better watch out :shock:
You better not cry :(
You better not pout :(
I'm telling you why
SANTA CLAUs is coming to town!
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[john]

I just wanted to thank the moderator for the edit on this thread. I come here for saxophone discussions/information. Your diligence and watchful eyes make that possible. Keep up the good work.

Happy Holidays,

john

[paulwl]

Oh! You better watch out :shock:
You better not cry :cry:
You better not pout :x
I'm telling you why
SANTA CLAUS is coming to town 8)

He's making a list
Checking it twice :P
Gonna find out who's naughty :evil: or nice :D
SANTA CLAUS is coming to town! :D

He sees you when you're sleeping :?
He knows when you're awake :oops:
He knows if you've been bad :twisted: or good :wink:
So be good for goodness sake! :roll:

You better watch out :shock:
You better not cry :(
You better not pout :(
I'm telling you why
SANTA CLAUs is coming to town!
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
But you gotta shout! :o
And you gotta swing out! 8)

Boys with their horns
Little toy drums
Swing it right out like rummy dum-dums
'Cause Santa Claus...is comin' to town!

Curly head gals
That cuddle and coo
Winkin' their eyes :wink:
They're flirtin' with you :oops:
'Cause Santa Claus...is comin' to town!

Now the dancing kids at Danceland
Will have their jubilee
They'll all start a Truckin'
Right around! That! Christmas tree!

So you better watch out :shock:
Better not cry :cry:
Better swing out 8)
I'm tellin' you why...
Santa Claus...is comin' to town!

– as recorded by the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, 1935

•~•~•~•Joyeux Noël and a Cool Yule, y'all!•~•~•~•

[Harri Rautiainen]

I just wanted to thank the moderator for the edit on this thread. I come here for saxophone discussions/information. Your diligence and watchful eyes make that possible. Keep up the good work.
Happy Holidays,
johnThanks John,
Happy Holidays to all of SOTWers and thanks for using this forum.

[Paul Coats]

Harri: A VERY Merry Christmas to you, and all of my friends here on SOTW! Thanks for providing this wonder forum where we can all learn so much from each other.

[OnyxSax]

I've had two horns (Conn Chu Tenor and Baritone) overhauled, restored and replated by Gayle. While both horns came out very well, the work on the Chu Baritone in particular is nothing short of spectacular. The Maryland folks who have seen and played both horns can attest to this.

In all my dealings, from the first e-mail inquiries to follow up after the horns were returned, Gayle has been prompt, honest and courteous.

[LarryG]

I recently purchased a Conn 10M from Gayle, and I couldn't be happier with it! She really took the time to make sure that it played perfectly. She was all ready to ship it out, and put it back on the bench because she didn't like the way one of the pads looked. The attention to detail was evident also in the packing, with her little pieces of cork so the keys didn't move.
This is the first horn I have purchased from Gayle, and I am already planning on the next! I wouldn't hesitate to refer her to anyone. Thanks Gayle. :D

[T-MAN]

I'm another satisfied customer of Gayle. She was very quick to reply to emails and answered all my questions thoroughly. My horn was shipped to me in very secure packaging and was very nicely setup. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a vintage sax.

The horn I purchased from her was a 319xxx 10M with silver plating and a gold wash bell. This is one smoking tenor with a huge sound that looks like it's brand new. Thanks again, Gayle.

[Wicked Good]

I've bought two saxes from Gayle: a Conn 10M tenor and a Buescher Aristocrat baritone. The 10M was an "as-is" horn (that I eventually had beautifully restored and silver plated by Steve Fowler), while the bari was purchased completely restored and silver plated.

Both horns are killer players, and Gayle's descriptions and customer service were accurate and outstanding in both transactions. The next time I'm looking for a vintage saxophone Gayle's getting my business. Period.

[geo@loyola.edu]

The 10M was an "as-is" horn (that I eventually had beautifully restored and silver plated by Steve Fowler), while the bari was purchased completely restored and silver plated.

Hey, Wicked, when was this? And how long did it take? I've had a job like this pending with Steve for years.

[Wicked Good]

As I recall, I bought the 10M from Gayle in late 2000, and sent it to Steve in early 2001. I eventually got it back in early-to-mid 2003. Too long? Yes. Worth it? I think so.

The horn had structural issues and had to be completely rebuilt, and I had opted for a silver plating job as well. Under normal circumstances I wouldn't have bothered dealing with it, but this tenor made my sound come alive like no other horn (even other 10Ms) ever had.

There were some substantial delays, apparently due to some ongoing health issues on Steve's end. Eventually I grew weary of the wait and demanded the horn be finished and returned ASAP, which Steve did. Having said all that, I have the highest regard for Steve's work. He did a fantastic job, and the horn just flat out screams.

My advice is just to keep on him until he finishes the job. He's a fine technician and a good person, but does seem to need prodding to actually finish a big project like that.