[Canadiain]

Now, some of you will know that my Earthtone horns are ageing somewhat disreputably (as I hope to age ) but what in Gods name happened to this Earthtone Alto 2001 that is on a well known auction site?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/B-S-AlTO-S...606434?hash=item1a7c5ccda2:g:pyEAAOSwdvRc4nvB

Still, some would say it has character (perhaps not the sort of character you would want to meet down a dark alley late at night), but it has the adjustable palm keys too, so maybe there is a bargain to be had here for someone...

 

[Dr G]

It looks like a Katrina horn to me - one that was submerged in water for a while. I would anticipate frozen rods and rusted springs ready to snap.

 

[Sacks Of Phones]

Auction says it's in Hong Kong

 

[soybean]

Someone tried to remove the lacquer and stopped mid job? (yes some of the earthtones had lacquer)

 

[Instrument Attic]

Looks like we're seeing the combination of worn off lacquer, patina / oxidation where the lacquer is worn off, and oxidation under the lacquer.

Life near the ocean has taken its toll on this horn. Not to mention the bell crease, bow dent, nasty pads, ...

 

[click]

Looks as though it was left too close to the fireplace in a stand.

 

[BOPITY FUNK]

It's cheap -if sells cheap it's well worth spending money getting it fixed up. I'm tempted to have a punt myself, these are great horns and I've had stuff in far, far worse condition than this.

 

[soybean]

I don't know guys. The bow is dented in and the sax needs an overhaul. Might be cheaper to buy a used one that plays.

 

[Dr G]

“Beautiful sound

Needs overhaul to make it work”

OK.....

I agree that it may be due to sea environment exposure - or it could have been bought in a box of salvage instruments. Regardless, it could be a huge job if the rods and pivots are all corroded and frozen. The most honest part of their description is that it is being sold as a parts horn.

 

[J-Moen]

“Beautiful sound

Needs overhaul to make it work”

OK.....

I agree that it may be due to sea environment exposure - or it could have been bought in a box of salvage instruments. Regardless, it could be a huge job if the rods and pivots are all corroded and frozen. The most honest part of their description is that it is being sold as a parts horn.

Must mean the beautiful sound of beating it with a hammer. That explains the dents

 

[click]

“Beautiful sound

Needs overhaul to make it work”

OK.....

I agree that it may be due to sea environment exposure - or it could have been bought in a box of salvage instruments. Regardless, it could be a huge job if the rods and pivots are all corroded and frozen. The most honest part of their description is that it is being sold as a parts horn.

The "parts horn" statement is the kicker. How a "parts horn" can also have a "beautiful sound" takes a little stroll through imagination lane. viz: these horns sound beautiful and buying this horn will provide some missing parts to help you get there, perhaps, when you cannibalize.

 

[Canadiain]

I think this may be the same horn post renovation?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/B-S-Alto-Saxophone-fresh-overhaul-with-roo-pads/303318496628

 

[Sp8ctre]

The "parts horn" statement is the kicker. How a "parts horn" can also have a "beautiful sound" takes a little stroll through imagination lane. viz: these horns sound beautiful and buying this horn will provide some missing parts to help you get there, perhaps, when you cannibalize.

The "parts horn" inclusion is a safety measure on eBay so a buyer can't come back and demand a refund for a non-working item. It's used quite often in electronics auctions...

 

[soybean]

I think this may be the same horn post renovation?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/B-S-Alto-Saxophone-fresh-overhaul-with-roo-pads/303318496628

That is a good guess.