Ida Maria Grassi “Jade Rollers” Alto Saxophone – Made in Italy – Serviced
A particularly attractive and unusual Ida Maria Grassi alto saxophone, circa 1974, serial number 26236, made in Italy and belonging to the early Grassi family commonly known as the Giada or “Jade Rollers” instruments.
The characteristic green rollers are all present and give these saxophones their familiar nickname.
This particular example is even more distinctive because it has a beautiful set of abalone-style mother-of-pearl key touches, which work wonderfully with the green rollers and make it visually unlike almost any other saxophone I have encountered.
Following a careful clean, service and regulation, it is now playing very freely throughout the full range.
Service work
The saxophone has been carefully gone through and serviced, including:
The saxophone is now playing cleanly and easily from top to bottom and is ready to use.
Pads
This instrument has not received a complete new pad set.
The existing pads were assessed during the service and individual pads were refloated where necessary to improve their seating.
They are currently sealing well enough for the saxophone to play very freely throughout the register.
A playing video demonstrates the instrument in its present setup.
The Jade Rollers
These early Grassis are commonly referred to as Giada or “Jade Rollers” because of the distinctive green rollers fitted to the C/Eb and left-hand table mechanisms.
Grassi documentation from surviving instruments places serial numbers in this exact area within the Jade Roller family; a documented Giada alto exists at serial 26300, only 64 numbers away from this instrument.
The instruments themselves were not generally stamped with a specific model name at this stage, so “Jade Rollers” is best regarded as the recognised description of this particular Grassi variant rather than a formal model name engraved on the saxophone.
Abalone key touches
One of the most striking features of this particular saxophone is the set of colourful abalone mother-of-pearl touchpieces.
I have researched these fairly extensively and have not been able to establish that Grassi routinely supplied abalone touchpieces on the Jade Roller instruments.
Surviving original examples generally have conventional pale mother-of-pearl touches, so I believe these are most likely a high-quality later customisation rather than a factory feature.
They have been fitted extremely neatly and, visually, they complement the jade rollers beautifully.
Condition
Cosmetically this is a really attractive vintage Grassi.
There is normal lacquer wear, spotting, marks and patina consistent with its age, but overall it presents extremely well and has a wonderful vintage appearance.
The contrasting keywork, green rollers and iridescent abalone touches make it a particularly eye-catching instrument.
Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
My emphasis has been on getting the saxophone clean, well regulated and enjoyable to play, rather than trying to make an older instrument look artificially new.
Playing character
This is a very enjoyable alto.
Following the service it feels free and responsive throughout the register, with the strong, rich character for which these early Italian Grassis have developed something of a following.
It plays easily from the bottom of the horn right through the upper register.
A playing demonstration is included so that you can hear the actual saxophone being offered.
Case and accessories
The saxophone comes with the modern hard case shown in the photographs, which appears to be a Gear4music-style case.
Also included is a pad saver.
The modern case is a useful practical addition and provides considerably better day-to-day protection than many surviving period cases.
Included
The sale includes:
No mouthpiece, stand, harness or other accessories are included unless specifically stated.
Playing video
If on eBay a playing demonstration is included so that you can hear the actual saxophone being offered.
If viewing on Reverb please contact me and I will supply it.
Play-testing before purchase is also very welcome and encouraged.
About my saxophones
I restore vintage saxophones in my spare time because I enjoy preserving unusual and interesting instruments and bringing them back into playable condition.
My focus is primarily on getting them mechanically sound, properly regulated and enjoyable to play, rather than attempting to make old instruments look artificially new.
Each saxophone is carefully checked, regulated and play-tested before being listed, and I provide detailed photographs and a playing demonstration wherever possible.
This is a particularly distinctive example of an early Italian Grassi Giada / Jade Rollers alto, with its original-style green rollers, wonderfully unusual abalone touches and excellent playing response.
Collection, inspection and play-testing welcome.
Leak-tested and played in before listing.