What is this sax, specifically? I have recently come across a tenor saxophone. It is engraved VITO and says Japan and 020385.?
At first I thought 020385 was the serial number, but now I think it is the date the sax was made. From my research I think Vito is a 'student' grade sax made by Yamaha which seems well regarded based on what I've read so far. The word VITO is stenciled on the sax. I would like to learn more about this sax but cannot find the serial number. I have looked in and outside the bell/horn and various other places, to no avail. If I could find the serial number I could find out for sure what actual model this is, although I think it might be a YTS-23 (not sure.) Inside the case, there is a part for the sax that says Leblanc on it, and I am aware of Leblanc and that this company had a role in making saxophones and I think importing parts from Japan and assembling them in Wisconsin.
I realize I can go to a store that buys and sells and refurbishes musical instruments to learn more about this sax, possibly for free, however, in case I receive an offer to buy it I don't want to walk in entirely ignorant of what I have and 'give it away.' It's not that I think the sax is anything special. It's not like it's vintage if it's only 20 years old, but it might be worth more than the $50 I paid for it at a garage sale.
Can anyone help me out? I've been to the two or so websites that claim to have serial number information to help identify the sax however if I can't find the serial number they aren't any good to me.