Bottali Brevetto Bottali Tenor Rothphone Overview

The Bottali Brevetto Bottali Tenor Rothphone is a seldom-encountered historical double-reed instrument that occupies a fascinating space between the sarrusophone and the saxophone. A rothphone is essentially a sarrusophone-type double-reed instrument wrapped in a saxophone-like form, using a double reed while offering a fingering system closer to the saxophone. That combination makes this instrument especially collectible for historical woodwind specialists, saxophone-family collectors, double-reed players, and musicians interested in rare alternatives to the standard modern saxophone family. Special note: this instrument would optimally take a Rothphone reed, but we find that a bassoon reed works reaasonably well.

Bottali Brevetto Bottali Tenor Rothphone Specifications

• Instrument Type: Tenor rothphone
• Manufacturer: Bottali
• Model: Brevetto Bottali Tenor Rothphone
• Reed Type: Double reed
• Fingering System: Saxophone-style keywork
• Finish: Silver plate
• Engraving: Brevetto Bottali; F.lli A.M. Bottali; Milano; Italia
• Case: Hard case with purple interior lining
• Accessories: Neck

Condition & Setup

This vintage used instrument is in excellent playing order and has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested by The Mighty Quinn Brass and Winds. Cosmetically, it shows heavy wear consistent with age and use, including widespread scratches, tarnish, discoloration, plating wear, and exposed brass-toned metal in worn areas. A large solder repair is present at the lower bow and body brace area, with additional finish disturbance around nearby brace and guard points. The included hard case is heavily worn, with exterior scuffs, patching, worn edges, distressed hardware and handle wear, and visible wear to the purple interior lining.

Who the Brevetto Bottali Tenor Rothphone Is For

The Brevetto Bottali Tenor Rothphone is best suited to a collector, historical woodwind player, double-reed specialist, repair technician, or adventurous professional musician who values unusual early keyed wind designs. It is not a substitute for a modern tenor saxophone; its appeal is the distinctive double-reed voice, saxophone-influenced fingering concept, and collectibility of a Bottali instrument from a rarely seen branch of the saxophone and sarrusophone traditions.

Common Questions About the Bottali Brevetto Bottali

What makes a rothphone different from a tenor saxophone?

A rothphone uses a double reed and belongs more naturally to the sarrusophone tradition, but it is wrapped and keyed in a way that is visually and mechanically closer to a saxophone. That hybrid design is a large part of its historical interest.

Why is this instrument especially collectible?

Rothphones are rarely encountered compared with standard saxophones, clarinets, oboes, and bassoons. A Bottali tenor rothphone is most compelling for collectors and specialists who value unusual historical design, double-reed acoustics, and saxophone-family keywork concepts.

What should a buyer consider before purchasing a historical specialty woodwind?

Historical specialty woodwinds require a different buying mindset than modern production instruments. Setup, repair history, pad condition, structural work, case condition, and access to appropriate reeds and service expertise are all important considerations.