These are the very best of the Aristocrat series. These horns are much more desirable than any of their ancestors. You’ll be unlikely to find them in anything but lacquer. These are really nice players, much sought after. The others were still basically True Tones.

They play much better! They will always have snap in pads and Norton springs. Physical appearance is similar to the True Tone, but the neck is different, the keyguards are more deluxe. They’re almost always seen in satin silver. The other members of the family still had the True Tone label. There are only alto and tenor horns in this series. Add 20% for gold plate.Ĭurved soprano $ 2200 deduct 20% if keyed to Eb onlyĬ soprano $1000 MUST have original mouthpiece!! Most of the examples you will find will be in a satin silver finish. The later examples have snap in pads and Norton springs. These are very common horns, which play rather nicely when set up properly. Relacquers are generally worth 25% less than 100% originals. Deduct for needed repairs and/or restoration to original condition. I have based my valuations upon the following assumptions: (1) the instrument is in perfect playing condition and needs nothing in terms of repair (2) the finish is original and completely intact (3) the original case is intact (4) the instrument has not been altered or modified from its original condition, having the correct style pads, springs, no neck pickups etc. I would encourage those critics to do their own research and publish their own findings. I am well aware that some will question my figures and criticize my findings. I have only addressed instruments for which there is a regular and established market, so not every model is included. I did not consider auction sales (such as E-Bay) private sales between individuals who are not regular dealers pawn shop or other irregular sources, or any anecdotal stories. I have based my research on actual selling prices by recognized dealers. When I set out to prepare a reference guide for pricing vintage horns, I did so with the clear understanding that it’s not a perfect world, and that the preparation of a perfect value guide would be impossible.

Sml soprano saxophone