The very first saxophone that I ever owned, and still own as a matter of fact, was a La Monte tenor sax. It was made in Italy, most likely sometime in the 1960s. I got it in the late 70s when my parents finally got tired of making rental payments on the Bundy tenor that I had been playing for 2 years.
I never knew much about the sax, but a few years ago a fellow SOTW member also had an Italian-made La Monte, and started sending letters to the Italian sax manufacturers inquiring if they were the makers of this stencil brand. Eventually Orsi confirmed that they were the makers of the Italian-made La Monte brand saxophones.
Over the years I have received many emails from owners of La Monte horns. The notes I get tend to all agree with my assessment of the sax: These instruments are arguably better than many, if not most, new student model, and even intermediate model horns currently on the market.
This morning I was doing my weekly window shopping for vintage saxes on eBay, and came across this little gem. It’s a vintage La Monte alto sax in seemingly beautiful condition.
Source: eBay.com
The seller admits he/she knows nothing about saxophones, so provides a lot of detailed photos in place of a description. This is what the seller does say:
This auction is for a Vintage La Monte Alto Saxophone (SN C9011 – Made in Italy) that is in very nice overall used condition in the case with the mouthpiece as shown.
I need to tell you upfront that my knowledge on saxophones is limited to say the least. However, I have sold many saxophones (including Selmer, Yamaha, Conn, and Martin) on eBay and have never had one returned.
Due to my lack of knowledge, the photographs will need to provide the best description of the instrument.
As are many of the items that I sell on eBay, this instrument is out of an estate.
The instrument has several areas of wear on the finish that is consistent with normal use.
However, I do not believe it has any dents.
The pads appear to be in very nice condition (see pictures).
The carrying case is in fair condition.
Please review the photographs as they describe the instrument much better than words. I have tried to provide several so that a potential buyer can make an informed decision prior to bidding.
I will guarantee the instrument to be as described or your money back!
I have started the bidding at $0.99 with no reserve. Therefore, the highest bidder wins the auction.
S,H,&I is $14.95 via standard ground shipping within the continental United States. This price will include professional packaging that I have done for me by an outside vendor. They use all new boxes, bubble wrap, and foam peanuts to insure that your purchase will arrive in perfect condition.
The pictures do show a very nice looking horn, given its age, and the fact that it was considered a student model instrument, therefore it was not marketed toward an adult crowd. Often student horns look in very rough condition. Not this one however…
Source: eBay.com
The corrosion around the body tube & bow is the worst damage that is visible on the horn.
Source: eBay.com
The lacquer is worn on the Eb key & key guard…
Source: eBay.com
Source: eBay.com
Source: eBay.com
Source: eBay.com
Source: eBay.com
The really shocking thing about this auction, is that at the time of me writing this post, approximately 10:00 am PST, the price currently sits at $34.33 for this little sax. So far only 6 people have bid on this horn. The auction ends tomorrow, January 2, 2009, at 19:22 PST.
If you’re interested in finding out more about these Orsi-made stencil horns, check out the La Monte page on my main website.
I got a saxophone from a pawn shop recently. And it looks very similar to this one. I think it is of this brand, but I cannot be sure. I would like to know what this saxophone is.
Send me some photos and I’ll take a look. helen@bassic-sax.info
Please make sure the photos are in focus; include all angles of the horn; and include a photo of the serial #.
Just came across your post after searching for info on an H&A Selmer Bundy Baritone Saxaphone that I recently purchased. I took this sax to my repair guy as a post needed to be fixed and the cork was rotted out. Other than that the sax was in absolutely beautiful condition. My repair guy has over 30 years in the repair field and many more in the teaching and playing field. He was taken a back by the overall condition of the sax most of the lacquer is still there and only a couple of very small dings around the bottom of the bell. When it got to the serial number he was baffled.
He had never seen a serial number starting with a letter, B21xx but believes that based on the key work that the sax dates from the early 50’s at the latest. I was hoping you could take a look and give me your opinion on the sax, maybe an estimate of the date range, and how these performance of these saxes rate.
Based on your PDF I believe this is a student model as it is a Bb and not a low A. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Scroll down a bit on the link to see the pictures. http://www.ebay.com/itm/171179068268?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Thanks
Scott
Hi Scott. Welcome to my site.
I’m a bit confused.
Edit: That’s an understatement. 😳 I was so confused, I couldn’t even look up the right eBay ad—even with a link provided for me.
I was having a blond moment. :shit: And I can get away with saying that, since I am blond. :devil2:
when I click on the link it comes up as sold so not exactly sure whats happening when you click it. The sax I bought is an H&A Selmer Bundy. Unfortunately it is still with my repair guy as he is swamped before the holidays so I can’t take pictures just yet. As I have found thus far, the only company that used a letter before the serial number was Orsi and H&A Selmer Bundy did have Orsi stencils. Looking through your brochure from your website and looking at other vintage Orsi horns on the net I have found them to look very similar, especially the spatula key. I’m hoping when I get the horn back that I can look a little closer and find a “made in ____” stamp. As you are the only person I have found that seams to have any idea about Orsi horns I thought you the best to ask. I will for sure take some new pictures and send them to you as soon as I get the Horn back.
Hey there Scott.
Scrap my last comment. Some days it doesn’t pay to get out bed. 😉 I accidentally clicked on the “More chances to get what you want” horn. 😳
OK, so now that we’ve figured out that I was sleeping when I answered you’re original question, let’s take another crack at this. Yes, what you have there is an Orsi-made baritone. You were bang-on with going to my vintage Orsi catalogue pages.
You are also correct in your assessment that it is a stencil of Orsi’s student model 118A. Your horn however, has a nailfile left pinkie key, which likely makes it older than the instrument depicted in the catalogue. Unfortunately there are no serial # charts for Orsi horns, and Orsi has not proven to be a reliable source of information for players either. Furthermore, I understand they have ceased saxophone production.
My tenor, D83XX, was estimated to be from the 1960s when I first got it used in the 1970s while still in school. Given this piece of information, and what I’ve since learned about the horns, I would agree with your tech that the horn you bought is most likely from the 1950s. The nail file G# (and the letter B) pre-dates the horn that I have. (Other horns in my Bassic Sax Pix gallery with A & B letters have the nail file feature, if you’d like to check your horn against them for features.)
As far as rating your sax’s performance, that unfortunately I can’t do, since I have never had the opportunity to play an Orsi bari. In general I can say that my Orsi is built like a tank; has a sound that is heavy on the core tone; and is better than the majority of student horns on the market. If I didn’t have so many horns to choose from, I could easily use it as a back-up horn. It is that good, and that reliable. Orsi saxes in general are underrated. They are not a pro-quality horn by today’s standards, but are not clunkers either. They are decent, solid instruments which will serve the player well.
Hope this helps Scott.
What kind of work does the Bundy need? I see it didn’t come with a case. What kind are you going to get for it?
Thanks for the help! The sax needed a post replaced a couple of pads reconditioned, new cork, and to loosen a sticky key. In the grand scheme of things not much! I’m not sure what case just yet. My repair guy is talking to his contact to look at a case. Any recommendations on the case?
Have you got the case thing figured out yet Scott? For bari, my recommendation is often the Protec Pro Pac contoured case. They are a decent, “all around type” type of case, which apparently works for both low Bb and low A horns. That said, if you can try one before you buy it, that would be a great idea. Not all horns are built the same, and the angles of the bells are sometimes different, therefore not fitting in this case or that.
Besides the Pro Tec case (which is not always as expensive as they show on their website, I’ve seen it in local music stores for less occasionally) your tech will also have access to catalogues from a few different companies that we mere mortals don’t. 😉 Seriously, he will. I don’t know which ones he’ll have, but one he will have for sure is Allied. Among other things, Allied sells replacement wooden cases.
My tech ordered the top-of-the-line replacement alto case from Allied for me, and it was crap. Maybe it was just this one case, but the solid brass latches were held with cheap springs that were already giving out (the case was brand new BTW). There were also a couple of other things wrong with it, but for around $200 or more, I said I didn’t want it. I mention this only because years ago I bought a replacement case from Allied for another alto, and that case is lovely, so I had no reason to think that things would be different.
Make sure that whatever you buy, you have the option to see and try it out before you buy. Those would be my words of advice on the subject Soctt.
Good luck on the case hunt. Enjoy your bari when you get it back…helen
I just got a La Monte alto in same overall conditions as the one you show on the picture, however it needs some work, I will say it needs a overhaul to make it top shape, I got it on ebay few days ago I won the bit for 93.30 +SH , I hope it will be worth of the money. It looks very good. where can I get repair kit for it, like springs and pads?
Hi Frank.
I’m sorry I didn’t see your question until today. I’m assuming that you found your answer by now. You don’t mention where you live, but if you’re in North America, I’d suggest you get in touch with Music Medic. They have one of the largest varieties of pads, and will sell them one at a time. Other companies will only sell them in sets, or in large quantities, aimed at repair shops.
Hope this helps…helen
Hi Helen so which do you really prefer the La Monte Saxophone or the Selmer Bundy H@A Alto Sax for Student level?
I have a sax lamonte , my sax don’t work because don’t have it some parts.could you helpme to fix it or do you know someone who can fix it? , i live in mexico.do you can sent any information by e mail to me at svrm_85@hotmail.com ?
Best regards
Hello Severiano.
Welcome to my site. What parts is your saxophone missing? Pads? Cork? Or is it a part of the saxophone itself like a key or a rod? If the horn is missing a mechanical part, or something like the neck, you might need to buy another saxophone as a “donor” horn to use the parts from.
Where abouts in Mexico do you live? Let’s see if I can help you find someone to help you out.
Regards,
Helen
:2cents: Hi — I have a La Monte Bari Sax. It’s a big heavy saxophone – and you need pretty big hands to play it (keys are spread out a bit far)
I’ve never seen anyone mention the Bari Sax Orsi Stencil — but it looks like Orsi made a pretty complete lineup of La Monte’s.
Hi George. Welcome to my site.
I have never seen, or even heard of a La Monte baritone. Do you happen to have a photo you could upload? You can add an image a comment. I would really love to see a photo of one.
If it’s an Orsi, it will have a letter as part of the serial number like B34XX or E79XX or something like that. Have you seen my post containing the sax pages of a vintage Orsi catalogue? Do either the low Bb or low A models look anything like your La Monte?
Thanks for the visit George. I’d really like to hear a bit more about your horn, and see a picture or 2 as well if possible.
Regards,
Helen
Wow — am I bad!
It took me forever to visit your site again and then I noticed that I left your question stranded, my apologies…..
… anyways to make amends, I took a few pictures of my La Monte Bari… hope this broadens out your understanding of this species of saxophone a bit.
here’s another picture
and a shot of the serial number
oh, and here is a shot of the trademark stencil…again my apologies for not following up!
Hi there George.
Thanks for posting these. In the meantime I’ve actually seen some La Monte baritones. (Not many, but a couple anyway.)
If you’re ever interested in comparing your sax to other Orsi baritones, check out the Orsi gallery in Bassic Sax Pix. If you click on stencil horns, you’ll see the 1 La Monte that popped up on eBay about a year or so ago.
Thanks for checking back in George.
Don’t be a stranger…helen
Hi bernie. Welcome to my web site.
The letter in the serial number is the classic feature that all Orsi-stenciled saxes that I’ve come across share. If a sax says “Made in Italy”, and has a letter in the serial number, you know you’re holding an Orsi made sax. I have not seen any published serial number listings for the Orsi horns. So unfortunately there is no way of knowing what year your sax was made.
To my knowledge, these letters are sequential, and related to the horn’s production time, and not to their production location.
I just went to the Orsi website to check something about their history that I read there a little while ago, but I see that they’ve changed their site, and it’s now in only Italian. 😮
I was trying to find the exact location of where their factory used to be (or if it changed). I’m going to poke around some more and see if I can find more in English. If I do, I’ll post the link.
If you have a picture of your sax, you can upload it along with a comment here. It would be interesting to see what your Superior looks like. If it follows the pattern, it should be a stencil of Orsi’s pro model series.
Thanks for stopping in bernie. I hope you drop by again, and you have a chance to share a picture of your sax with us.
Regards,
Helen
Hi Helen,
Does anyone know what the letter in the La Monte Superior serial number means? My alto s/n is D6946. I am thinking the D could be the place it was manufactured or represent the year. I know it was made mid 1960s and states “made in Italy” on the body.
regards,
bernie
Hi there John. Welcome to my site.
I’m sorry I didn’t get around to saying hello earlier, I had a bit of a hectic day. When I noticed your comment this morning, I was really pleased that you wrote. You are so right, these Orsi saxophones are very much under appreciated.
I believe this under appreciation is really much more the case here in North America. In Europe, the Orsi brand is much more widely recognized.
Did you happened to see this Orsi Superior alto that I wrote an article about? It is the same as the one you just bought, and sold for $145.00. It took quite some time to sell. I watched it languish on eBay, and couldn’t believe it. This is a pro horn, I kept thinking. Finally it sold, but it took its sweet time, and didn’t fetch a lot of $. I don’t get it. Really, I don’t. I guess if it doesn’t say Selmer on it, it won’t bring in a lot of money at the moment. Good if you’re buying. Bad if you’re trying to sell.
I saw the La Monte Superior you just bought, while it was on eBay. I was wondering what it would end up going for. Even if you have to get some work done on it, you’ll still have a fine sax for the money.
Thanks for dropping in John. Hope you do so again. It would be great to have some conversations going about the Orsi stencils. Let’s chat ’em up, and drive up their value. 😉
Here’s a Photo of my new LaMonte Superior Alto Sax.
Interesting Sax. I just purchased a La Monte Superior Alto off eBay for the ridiculously low price of $138.00 It’s a twin to my Carlton Tenor (Also an Orsi Stencil) It has the same tear drop brace as the Orsi’s, nickel keys, & guards. My Carlton Tenor is a Stencil of the Orsi 117ab, and this LaMonte I just bought is a stencil of the Orsi 116ab. From what I gather they were Orsi’s Pro line back in the day.
I’m puzzled why there seems to be so little regard for these saxophones?
My Carlton Tenor blows almost every modern student & intermediate Tenors in the weeds. I am using a Berg & Larsen HR .95 Mp with it and It compliments the sax wonderfully! Such an awesome rich dark smokey sound. I expect this La Monte I just bought will do the same.
Funny thing, almost everyone I see tells me the same thing. “A saxophone made in Italy!!?” “Wow!” “I never knew they made saxophones in Italy!”
Poor Marketing perhaps?
Who Knows. I do know I’m a lifelong Orsi & Orsi Stencil Fan!
Update: This horn sold on January 2, 2009, for $122.50. In total there were 23 bids on this saxophone.