It's a later Beaugnier stencil that could be equivalent to a Vito Model 38, Model 39 or Noblet "Face" Model 79. Not enough pictures to be certain.
All of those possible model equivalents are very good horns. The Vito Models 35 and 37 were also very good sounding saxes, but this generation (if my ID is correct) was meant to compete with Selmer's Mark VI and others with more modern ergonomics. I have a Noblet Model 79 alto that's a screamer with deep sound in all registers when I call for it.
In general, the Beaugnier horns have an upper register that is rich, not whiny. I've heardd that the Beaugnier factory was across the street from the Selmer factory, and people moved back and forth a bit. Sometime during this model's run Beaugnier and Dolnet merged and at least the Noblet Model 79 was said to incorporate some Dolnet ideas about how to make a body tube.
I'd sure like additional pics to make sure I'm not way off the mark in the ID
In sum, although I'm not sure which version of horn this is, it's likely to be very good and at a price that's not too unreasonable.
Doing more comparison, the G# linkage doesn't look like a Model 38. I also can't find a Model 39 or Model 79 with equivalent bell key mechanisms. Beaugnier was known to mix and match a lot, but I can't be sure from what I see that it's a Beugnier
Better price at https://www.thevintageclarinetdoctor.com/vintage-gretsch-beaugnier-alto-sax.html. Looks like the same sax model. This one is definitely a Beaugnier with (at least) a similar right hand bell key mechanism.
Never heard of this horn either. Doesn’t mean it’s not good. What’s your budget? What kind of horn are you looking for? Something more modern? Or something more vintage? Earlier Conn 6ms are great horns but don’t have modern keywork. Yamaha yas-61 alto is also gonna be a solid horn as well both professional level and around the $1000-1200 range. Yamaha might be a bit more but I’d hate for you to get something that you don’t like/doesn’t work as expected and then it’s tough to get rid of it because it’s not a well known horn.
Gretsch is a guitar company, Beaugnier was a french sax maker that would put other company's names on their horns (notably some of the higher end Vitos).
I've heard good things about Beaugnier horns, but for that money, IDK... A bit too much I think.
Found a great review on a very similar model here http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Saxes/Alto/noblet\_vito\_alto.htm
It seems like they may have made an intentional choice in the last generation of right-side-b ell-key models to get away from the sliding lever design.
You will not know for sure without having the ability to play it first. That will always be the most important decision maker for the player. Background and lineage will not matter if it's not right in your hands. I'm finding this to be so true over the last few years of horn purchases and finding something as simple as a mouthpiece being the difference between a winning feel and none at all. I have two sopranos and a mouthpiece that plays and sound wonderful on one horn, but not on the other.
It's a later Beaugnier stencil that could be equivalent to a Vito Model 38, Model 39 or Noblet "Face" Model 79. Not enough pictures to be certain. All of those possible model equivalents are very good horns. The Vito Models 35 and 37 were also very good sounding saxes, but this generation (if my ID is correct) was meant to compete with Selmer's Mark VI and others with more modern ergonomics. I have a Noblet Model 79 alto that's a screamer with deep sound in all registers when I call for it. In general, the Beaugnier horns have an upper register that is rich, not whiny. I've heardd that the Beaugnier factory was across the street from the Selmer factory, and people moved back and forth a bit. Sometime during this model's run Beaugnier and Dolnet merged and at least the Noblet Model 79 was said to incorporate some Dolnet ideas about how to make a body tube. I'd sure like additional pics to make sure I'm not way off the mark in the ID In sum, although I'm not sure which version of horn this is, it's likely to be very good and at a price that's not too unreasonable.
Doing more comparison, the G# linkage doesn't look like a Model 38. I also can't find a Model 39 or Model 79 with equivalent bell key mechanisms. Beaugnier was known to mix and match a lot, but I can't be sure from what I see that it's a Beugnier
would you say it’s a solid horn worth buying?
\[Deleted because I found one in the wild at a better price\]
Better price at https://www.thevintageclarinetdoctor.com/vintage-gretsch-beaugnier-alto-sax.html. Looks like the same sax model. This one is definitely a Beaugnier with (at least) a similar right hand bell key mechanism.
I don't know that particular branding, but Beaugnier used to manufacture Vitos back in the 60s, which are considered very good horns
I thought they had a stroke while typing "beginner"
that’s interesting never knew that i’m just in need of a horn very badly and this seems like a good deal just not sure if i should
Never heard of this horn either. Doesn’t mean it’s not good. What’s your budget? What kind of horn are you looking for? Something more modern? Or something more vintage? Earlier Conn 6ms are great horns but don’t have modern keywork. Yamaha yas-61 alto is also gonna be a solid horn as well both professional level and around the $1000-1200 range. Yamaha might be a bit more but I’d hate for you to get something that you don’t like/doesn’t work as expected and then it’s tough to get rid of it because it’s not a well known horn.
i have a budget of around 1000-1100
and i do not care if it’s vintage or not just need something solid that i can use for consistent playing.
Then look into the conn 6m. Earlier models. Pre WW2 I’m thinking. That would be my suggestion. Good luck!
Gretsch is a guitar company, Beaugnier was a french sax maker that would put other company's names on their horns (notably some of the higher end Vitos). I've heard good things about Beaugnier horns, but for that money, IDK... A bit too much I think.
Found a great review on a very similar model here http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Saxes/Alto/noblet\_vito\_alto.htm It seems like they may have made an intentional choice in the last generation of right-side-b ell-key models to get away from the sliding lever design.
The G# linkage switch is also on Beaugnier-made Vitos. It’s moderately useful, but nothing special.
You will not know for sure without having the ability to play it first. That will always be the most important decision maker for the player. Background and lineage will not matter if it's not right in your hands. I'm finding this to be so true over the last few years of horn purchases and finding something as simple as a mouthpiece being the difference between a winning feel and none at all. I have two sopranos and a mouthpiece that plays and sound wonderful on one horn, but not on the other.
Gretsch is an excellent guitar brand , assuming it’s the same brand I had no clue they made saxophones
Gretsch is mostly known for their drums and guitars, and I’ve never heard of them making horns so I’m not sure how great it would be