Just picked up a nice Prestige alto

[singlereed]

I found a nice Prestige alto on ebay - no 328**A (so no arguments about what A = Hz on this one!) - copper bodied model, almost minto condition. Obviously it has sat in a case for a while and a few corks are shot, but I've eliminated almost all the leaksand its going to be a good'un. A bit warmer sounding than the silver Anniversary S1 I used to have but still very sweet - great for those Paul Desmond moments. I'll send some pics to Saxpics in due course. Got it for a song, so I'm pretty chuffed with this one.

[stitch]

Is it stll in the eBay database, singlereed? Can you post the URL?

[Pete]

Thank you!

[srcsax]

Congrats! I play a copper Prestige alto as well and just love this horn.

[singlereed]

It was item 2542023995. The pics and description were not that good really, so I'll take some better ones and send them to Saxpics.

It is almost mint, no damage or repairs evident, though it is clear where the seam is on the body and bell, looks like thin straight lines of brass. It has a nice original case, mouthpiece and all the accessories including the turned wooden neck plug.

It is definitely a S1 (rather than S3) Prestige (though it is only marked 'Prestige') and it has the 'A' designation which according to Saxpics means that it is A=440Hz for the US market. For me its a non-issue as both my previous S1s were easily capable of being played in tune even though theoretically they were tuned to A=442.

Unlike the Anniversary model I owned and an S1 tenor I had from the same period, this one does not have the bronze- or gold-coloured springs, but has conventional blue steel ones. Of course they may not be original, but they are all the same so I doubt they would have all been replaced, especially as it has not been used much.

It plays pretty well, but due to obvious recent disuse, has a few more leaks than I can fix myself and some pads need re-seating or perhaps replacing, so it's going to the sax hospital on Monday. I'll report on its true abilities once it is in proper playing order.

[singlereed]

She's back now, having had a strip down, one new pad and umpteen leaks fixed. The sound is definitely warmer and smoother than the silver S1 I used to own which had a 'ringing' sound. The keywork plays a lot better on this one, but that is probably due to the skilled service its just had, as both were near mint. Although this will be a fine classical horn, it is also capable of a lovely effortless laid back tone with an easy subtone and I can't help being reminded of the sound of Paul Desmond, even though I lack his talent and sense of humour. :wink:

[jconnor]

I too have a 1981 S1 prestige. I'm interested in what you paid for yours. I paid £1,800 for mine in the UK. Mint condition. No probs at all. A fantastic warm horn. Sick of hearing the 'classical' label (as something derogatory).

[singlereed]

I paid £995 in the UK. I had it adjusted (it didn't need much doing and cost about £20) and I sold it for about £1500 if I recall correctly. It wasn't quite the horn for me after all and I preferred to continue with my Selmer. I also needed the money, and did buy it with an eye to turning a profit.