Mysterious sax

NoFlogging · 07-25-2009, 02:16 AM

Hi!

I recently became interested in playing the saxophone, and as I was looking around for a horn to get me started, I found this saxophone up for auction on the net. The seller claims that the brand is Tone Craft De Luxe, and that it says "Made in italy" on the saxophone. It doesn't say wether it's an alto or a tenor in the description either. The starting price is about 150 dollars (no bids yet). Is there anyone here that recognize the brand? What do you know about it? I've done som searches here on the forum and I can't seem to find anything

Cruzweb · 08-06-2009, 03:26 PM

No idea about the brand from that picture, it's way too small. A serious seller will give you the serial number as well as brand and playing info.

It definitely looks like a tenor as well.

Ghosts · 11-03-2009, 05:15 PM

Budget-price saxophones have been widely sold in Europe under the name of Tone Craft. Sometimes marked 'Made in Italy' and sometimes 'Made in Czechoslovakia'. I have had an alto and a baritone, but neither was much good. A friend paid a lot of money for complete overhaul of his alto, but it didn't make much difference. I've heard rumours that early Yanagisawa saxohones were sold under that name, but I'm inclined to doubt it.

**Enviroguy** · 11-03-2009, 06:41 PM

Most of the Italian made saxes I've seen are cheaper student models though some are dressed up well. There are of course some very notable exceptions.

Being new to the sax, I highly recommend you start out with a good solid reputable horn. If you will tell us what your price range is, we can probably give you some advice.

Also, if you try some creative searches using the search button above, you will find literially hundreds of threads where other new players are asking the same questions. I figure SOTW averages at least two of these every day.

But if needed, go ahead and post with your price point, goals and expectations. It makes those of us with limited knowledge feel good to share what little we know with new players.

**JayeSF** · 11-04-2009, 12:47 AM

It'd be helpful to see the opposite side of the horn.

I am gonna come in here and more or less disagree with the flavor of the replies so far.

My impression from the pic is this looks to be a failry old horn, certainly no later than early-mid 60's. Note the wire guards and such.

If that's the case, the terminology of "student", "beginner", etc. is moot in this instance. If the horn is that old and it's made in Italy, I'd say well better than a 50% chance it's gonna be a good player. I have had a lotta these come thru here...most seemingly made by A. Rampone or Rampone & Cazzani. These older ones were actually pretty good.

If it is $375 or under and in decent shape, I would be inclined to take a chance on it. If more than that, it should be completely set up to play with no issues. Even mint, the market doesn't support a price on one of these of over $450-500.

D'OH !!!! I just noticed this thread must'a gotten pulled off of page 5 ! OP only posted once, on 7/09....