Meet the amazing plastic sax, the VibratoSax introduced and made available in 2010. The first models are around $400 plus shipping at last check.

You might remember that Charlie Parker played the first ever (and last I think) plastic alto sax that made it to production, the Grafton sax. Those instruments are extremely rare and even rarer in playable condition. I think the last one sold for ~$15,000 on eBay. Charlie’s sold for even more.

The saxophone forums like the Woodwind Forum has been talking about this new instrument and manufacturer for a while now. Here are the threads I’m following now:

• VibratoSax
• VibratoSax Review
• VibratoSax Plastic Sax Video

And here’s the video which is astonishing because the performance is better than those I’ve heard from the manufacturer:

I think the video of this instrument (above) speaks with more authority than many of the guesses, speculation, and out right disses by those who have not seen the instrument. Although I don’t think this instrument will replace my primary sax anytime soon, it is a fascinating event in the history of the saxophone. I have placed a request on many of their videos for a Charlie Parker tribute VibratoSax to be made with the same cream color, unique key shields and gold lacquer neck, keys and touches as the original. We’ll see.