[jthole]

Very recently I bought a Grassi "standard" low A bari sax (thanks milandro :bluewink. It is gold lacquered (both keywork and body), and it has black rollers.
The G# key has a MOP inlay with a greenish tint, but that's about as "jadish" as my bari is.

The serial number indicates that it is from the early 1970's, at the same time as the jade roller saxes were made, I believe (correct?). So ... does anyone know why some of the saxes got jade rollers, while others didn't? My bari doesn't bear a model name (like "professional"), so I assume it is the "standard" model.

Thanks!

 

[jthole]

I see this question was answered already: http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?151415-When-did-Grasssi-(SN)-stop-using-the-Jade-Rollers

 

[milandro]

I have had two Grassi baritones (one low Bb and a low A, which yours now Johan ) both had only the G# in Jade colour , I have also seen another one with the same colour scheme.

The older Grassi ( well, '60, when they started) had green pads too.

 

[jthole]

Have you ever seen a baritone with jade rollers? But it seems that the jade and black roller models had the same level of workmanship, and the same build quality?

 

[milandro]

well, I have seen many more other types of Grassi saxophone than Grassi baritones and no, of the three Grassi baritones that I have seen non had a full set of jade rollers but all had only the G# in green.
The Jade rollers were, as previously said, the best model in the early years of the Grassi production. As they sought to improve their market position they introduced models with a more modern mechanics and , as far as I know, the horns with the older mechanics which would have been the previous " top" became their standard line.

This is the video of a Professional 2000 baritone . As you can see it has much of the same keywork as your does but a more modern action of the lower notes.
I am not responsible for the audio (my advise is to turn the audio off) ..........

 

[jthole]

Oh, that's horrible! (I went against your advice)

I'd love to have that bari though

 

[jthole]

Serial number of my bari is 337xx btw, that means mid 70's, I think?

 

[milandro]

Oh, that's horrible! (I went against your advice)

I'd love to have that bari though

you can ask de SINT, he is coming..............

yes 1976

 

[SaxMI]

I just picked-up a Tenor with jade rollers and green pads. Been sittin' for a while but it plays well even with thorn pads. Must say that it's built pretty solid. I hope it gets to be a good player after repad.

 

[milandro]

so it has original pads from the '60......the Jade rollers were the bread and butter model of the times and are very common and plentiful. They are good players despite their less than sophisticated mechanics compared to the top instruments of the times which they clearly tried to look somehow like.

Enjoy!

 

[SaxMI]

I took the Jaded tenor apart and must say the key plating is great. Some buffing will really bring them to life. As for the body, the lacquer has come off all over, some built-up of strange looking matter. Needs some major cleaning. I'm considering the unfavorable "de-lacquering". I've gown fond of the ax, it has character. Actually thinking of taking pics as I go along with the restoration. The pads have already been ordered and so it begins.

 

[jthole]

I took the Jaded tenor apart and must say the key plating is great. Some buffing will really bring them to life. As for the body, the lacquer has come off all over, some built-up of strange looking matter. Needs some major cleaning. I'm considering the unfavorable "de-lacquering". I've gown fond of the ax, it has character. Actually thinking of taking pics as I go along with the restoration. The pads have already been ordered and so it begins.

I look forward to hearing your opinion on the Grassi once the restoration is finished!

Fine car in your avatar picture, btw

 

[DetroitDave]

....Actually thinking of taking pics as I go along with the restoration. The pads have already been ordered and so it begins.

I do hope you will take photos as you go through the restoration process and post them here -- either as you go, or when it's all done. I'd love to see them and I am sure others would, too.
Thanks!

 

[Captain Beeflat]

Fine car in your avatar picture, btw

Agreed, I too have been looking at that car..
Is it a Cisitalia?

 

[SaxMI]

Here are some pics so far. I've taken the horn apart, removed the lacquer, cleaned the cups, etc. I received the pads but 2 are on back order, have to say Music Medic shipped these out the same day. I need to figure a way to clean the inside. Someone recommended Brasso to polish brass, well I tried it using on old cotton t-shirt, it scratched the brass on the few places I tried. Don't get that. Bummer.

There is a local place I'm thinking of visiting to see how much they would charge to glass bead the sax. I've seen other members do that. It gets to be a matt brass finish. It depends on the cost.

I hope I have this flickr thing right.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/sets/72157629303364951/

AHH! The car. That was my '81 Fiat Spider 2000. Put a lot of work into that car restoring it. Ferrari red paint, new top, redid the front and rear end, lowered about 2", roll bar, lots of time and love in that car. Moved to Florida and no garage. Sold for $ 1,500. Sad. I think I still have a complete engine back home in Chicago in my mothers garage for it.

Loved that car

 

[jthole]

The Spider 2000 is great We're more familiar with the Alfa Spider over here. Was that ever imported in the USA?

Thanks for sharing the Grassi pics!

 

[milandro]

That one is a Fiat 124 Sport Spider (Pininfarina design )

While this one is the (different) Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider (Pininfarina Desing)

 

[jthole]

Both wonderful examples of Italian design!

Almost makes me proud to play an Italian sax

 

[milandro]

well, my father had this other beauty GT 1300 Junior (Bertone Design), he drove us ( a family of 5!) to and from so many places with that car! So many memories!

 

[SaxMI]

Gorgeous car milandro Fiat or Fix-It-Again-Tony couldn't last in the US.