Grassi 1974 ‘Standard-Jade Series’ Eb Alto, #27k (Archived)

Ida Maria Grassi Alto

A "diamond in the rough" alto! This little Grassi has a tone that blows us away in the shop. It reminds me a of the French tone that everyone is after. Not many people have ever played a Grassi, even more so, there is not a ton of information on these. These were "Made in Italy". To my knowledge, there is no set serial dating option for the company as some models were produced side by side.  So infusing standard sax-wisdom: this #27k could be on the cusp of the model change over into/out of the Jade Roller series. I cannot say if this sax is a true transitional-era sax with the black rollers, or if they were changed out. But this one has a black G# touch. However, the  octave thumbrest is that correct Jade coloring. (NOTE: I've seen a Jade tenor #29k with the green on the neck emblem, and black rollers and G# ... AND ... and #23k Jade alto (green: pads, rollers, neck) = she is a Jade Series.) Worth noting, there are 3-4 resolders, and dented C-post that I'll work on. The needle springs are working great.

FINISH: Original Lacquer Body, Nickel Plated Keys.

SOUND: Sweet, vintage, French-like - touches of brighter/crisper tone.

CASE: hard case. good condition, no gross odor, plastic exterior.

Current pad setup is a stock Selmer-style with plastic resos. It plays well enough to hear the sweet tone, but I think that you'd really fall in love with this sax with a fresh WWS Rebuild and pads chosen for your preferences.

***WWS Rebuild included at the listed price.***

Any one who actually knows what these horns offer will agree with the common statement: "These horns are highly undervalued, and offer you more for the money than many others in the same price range".

Sound File of this actual Grassi:

Item #:WWSE3.5E0.131.17-X