[Tom West]

There is an 8830 alto for sale locally that I’m interested in. This was the model with the sterling silver body tube and brass bow and bell. I was under the impression that these horns are supposed to have a silver neck but this particular sax has a brass neck. Is a brass neck the correct (original) neck for an 8830? Or is it a replacement neck? Thanks in advance for any advice offered, Tom.

 

[1saxman]

I believe any of the Sterling silver series saxes would have at the minimum a silver neck.

 

[andre251]

XX30- silver neck and body
XX33-silver neck and bell
XX35-Silver neck, bell, and bow
XX37- Silver neck, bell, now, and bell

Yes, it should definitely have a silver neck. I think they are trying to pass it off as original but they likely swapped out the neck. You can always ask to get it cheaper and then buy a sterling neck later.

 

[Dr G]

Yikes, that's a seriously expensive neck!

https://www.kesslerandsons.com/product-category/saxophones/sax-necks/alto-saxophone-neck/

 

[Tom West]

Thanks, you guys, I’ll pass on this one. I appreciate your help.

 

[charlie sax]

Hi! The 8830 and 8833 instruments (unlike the later 9930 and 9933) apparently came with gold-plated brass necks, with the solid silver neck as a factory option. My 8833 alto was, I understand, the only one delivered with the solid silver neck (wonderful horn, by the way). Do you happen to know if the 8830 is still available? I might be interested if it is......

Thanks!

 

[charlie sax]

XX30- silver neck and body
XX33-silver neck and bell
XX35-Silver neck, bell, and bow
XX37- Silver neck, bell, now, and bell

Yes, it should definitely have a silver neck. I think they are trying to pass it off as original but they likely swapped out the neck. You can always ask to get it cheaper and then buy a sterling neck later.

This is true of the 99xx series, but there were only ever 8830 and 8833 instruments and they came with gold-plated brass necks as standard and solid silver as a factory option (as per a Japanese catalogue I saw online some time ago). I understand my 8833 alto is the only one they shipped with a silver neck - the others had (like the 880s?) gold-plated brass necks.

 

[Jerry K.]

Thanks, you guys, I'll pass on this one. I appreciate your help.

I would reconsider if you like the horn when you play it and if the price is decent. Per Charlie Sax post it may have the proper neck. I'd go play it if local and buy it if it's a Yanagisawa neck and gold plated at the right price. Is the asking price affordable for you and have you determined the value from the Yanagisawa fans on this site?

 

[belassiter]

I just picked up an 8830 alto, and I didn't look closely at the neck until after I had already bought it. I noticed a "GP" on the side, and then that it's a slightly brighter color than normal brass. So I realized it's a brass neck with gold plating. This lines up with Charlie Sax's statement on the standard neck on the 8830.
As a side note, I bought this as either a replacement or backup for my 880. Still need to do some more play tests to decide which one I like better.

 

[charlie sax]

I just picked up an 8830 alto, and I didn't look closely at the neck until after I had already bought it. I noticed a "GP" on the side, and then that it's a slightly brighter color than normal brass. So I realized it's a brass neck with gold plating. This lines up with Charlie Sax's statement on the standard neck on the 8830.
As a side note, I bought this as either a replacement or backup for my 880. Still need to do some more play tests to decide which one I like better.

Hi! If you decided to sell the 8830, I'd definitely be interested......
Also - let me know if you find any significant difference between the neck on your 880 and the GP neck on the 8830? My 880 alto has a GP neck, but I don't know when in the model history they added that (because the much earlier 880 alto I had a plain lacquered brass neck - which was also noticeably shorter, with a different octave key "pip" position!)

 

[kevgeek]

I have an 8833 Alto which I bought in '89 (original owner). Serial number 149xxx. It has a silver bell and a gold plated neck. On the side of the neck it says "GOLD.P". Great horn. Not looking to sell it, but I am curious what it's worth these days.

 

[charlie sax]

I just picked up an 8830 alto, and I didn't look closely at the neck until after I had already bought it. I noticed a "GP" on the side, and then that it's a slightly brighter color than normal brass. So I realized it's a brass neck with gold plating. This lines up with Charlie Sax's statement on the standard neck on the 8830.
As a side note, I bought this as either a replacement or backup for my 880. Still need to do some more play tests to decide which one I like better.

Hi again! Did you come to any conclusions re 880 vs. 8830? I would be very interested to hear your thoughts. (also possibly interested in buying it, if you decided to sell)

 

[liggy]

I had an 8830 years ago and it had the GP stamped on the neck. The silver body tube had a pinkish lacquer over it. Don’t remember if the neck was GP over brass or silver.

From what I remember - it had the best keywork of any horn I have owned. It felt heavy. I felt my silver plated 62 alto was more vibrant.

Since my sound concept has changed over the years I wouldn’t mind having the 8830 back.

 

[bandmommy]

Hi again! Did you come to any conclusions re 880 vs. 8830? I would be very interested to hear your thoughts. (also possibly interested in buying it, if you decided to sell)

Absolutely NO offers to buy, sell, or trade are allowed outside of the marketplace/classifieds.