Arta Guban 'Luxor Solo' Version 1, Tenor Sax, Silver #674k

Description

"Luxor Solo - Arta Guban" Tenor
"The Ram" - From Chadd's Collection
Year:
1970s-1980s
Make:
Arta Guban
Model:
Luxor Solo, VERSION 1
Status:
For Sale!
Finish:
Original
Serial Number:
674,14x
From Chadd's Collection: I am really fascinated by this sax. There are so many ornate features!
It has some of the most elaborate tube rings with 3D weave on the bell lip too! The sheet metal octave key on the neck is where she gets her nickname: "The Ram", the pearl bonuses are great--even on the neck screw!, I love the light engraving on the key guards and the G# too, the lucite pants guard like JK or older Kolhert, and the raise bell logo.
FINISH: 99% original satin/shiny Silver Plate with [goldwash] bell....that is actually a
lacquer
judging by the small, flaking part. I also did spot silver plate 4 small areas that shows some wear; but you won't find where.
DATING: This still needs better surety, but I've run into my own trickery to date this model. I have also owned the Alto "Luxor Solo" and it didn't have the matte silver finish. I had until I had a client tell me about his buying one new in 1984! However, due to the two versions (Version 1 and 2, with different engravings). So my best guess right now is to say this is a late 70s model.
I don't claim to know this for fact:
The history here is a bit scarce and tricky. From my own brief research, they say these are hit-or-miss saxes.  Talk of Romanian makers, made in Timisoara, Romania to market in Hungry. Just a whole wild bit of cross-country marketing and imports (to Germany/Czech also?). There's so much more to be dug up. I've also talked with other saxophone experts and a potential link to Dörfler & Jörka designs.
At any rate, we can all see the engineering pedigree for lineages of German/Northern Europe/Czech saxophone.
***
Also,
I believe this is "Version 1" by my own labeling  ,
by early dating comps, that has the fancier engraving with the raise logo. The other examples were all standard engravings. So that being said, I'll lean towards the 1970s.
The neck support also has the 3D weave! AND on the under-bell lip, around the bow connections, and on the bow ridge!
PADS:
In great condition, hardly used. It was a new rebuild when I bought it. Unknown rebuilder. She has tan prestini (?)pads and 50% flat metal resos sizing with rivet. The tone is very Czech-ish. Not as bold a Keilwerth but not gross and bright. She has some nice focus and power hidden in her sultry satin finish. Her acoustics hit the Mid-Trebles pretty hard and focused - so it's not a "quiet, mellow, muted, fat, vintage-sax tone".
CASE: YES
a black, older protec in great shape - molded, not square. (NOT PHOTOED YET, feel free to ask)
Item#:CPWWS0E6.3E0.6191.3-98