[trecht]

Guardala black nickel Pro Custom alto on eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dave-Guard...Alto-Saxophone-/173697728217?oid=173686684287

I've never played a Guardala but reading up on them it sounds like people have high opinions of the B&S horns, but that there are also new "NY Guardalas" made by Amati that are less highly thought of. Which kind is this? What would you pay for it?

 

[saxcop]

This is a German made Guardala. This one needs a lot of cleanup and finish is a little rough. I think this one is over priced. Think its worth $1200 -1400. I would wait for a Medusa if buying an alto. I do think highly of B&S. I have 7 of their horns but only one alto.

 

[milandro]

If you want a B&S medusa there is a friend who sells one and I can put you two in touch

 

[trecht]

Thanks Milandro, but this one is local and I like to be able to play a horn before I buy.

How are the Medusas better than this model?

 

[milandro]

I think they have the same body and the keywork is just slightly different

 

[soybean]

If this one is based on the 2001 model alto, it is different than the Medusa. B&S Company re-designed the alto with a smaller bore, (bore similar to the Mark VI). I prefer the later alto redesign. It’s a better alto sax in my opinion although some people prefer the earlier large bore. They are all good saxophones, and since you live so close, you should go play that horn and decide for yourself.