: Shifted to Yamaha-style model numbering after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Important Identification Notes serial number list
If you have the number and need definitive answers, follow this three-step process:
Would you like a printable short version (e.g., a quick reference card) or help adapting this into a video script or infographic? amati kraslice saxophone serial numbers
Before diving into digits, it is essential to understand the maker. Kraslice (German: Graslitz ) has been a center of instrument making since the 16th century. In 1945, after WWII, the Czechoslovak government nationalized several instrument makers—including the famous V. Kohlert’s Sons—and consolidated them into one state enterprise: .
For decades, saxophonists searching for a vintage instrument with a unique voice, robust construction, and surprising affordability have turned to the workshops of . Formerly the Czechoslovakian powerhouse known as "Amati," these horns—often labeled with the town name Kraslice (Graslitz in German)—represent a fascinating chapter in woodwind history. : Shifted to Yamaha-style model numbering after the
For saxophone enthusiasts, repair technicians, and collectors, few regions carry as much mystique and historical weight as the town of Kraslice in the Czech Republic. Known historically as Graslitz when it was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and later Germany, this small town was a powerhouse of brass and woodwind manufacturing. Today, instruments bearing the name are gaining a cult following for their robust build quality and unique tonal characteristics.
, has a complex history tied to the nationalization of instrument makers like Kraslice (German: Graslitz ) has been a center
⚠️ Amati also produced stencils for other brands (e.g., King Tempo , Conn Director clones). Those may have different serial sequences or no Amati markings at all.
Thus, an "Amati Kraslice" saxophone was produced in the same buildings, often by the same craftsmen, who previously made Kohlert saxophones. The serial number on your horn tells you not just its age, but whether it is a pre-nationalization prototype, a Cold War professional model, or a student horn from the 1980s.
Detachable bells, modern ergonomics matching Japanese build styles. Detailed Historical Eras & Model Breakdown 1. The Toneking and Post-WWII Era (Serials 0 – 20,000) Amati Kraslice AAS 21 - Saxophones - CafeSaxophone Forum