Vintage
Martin Standard Alto Sax
(These are photos of this
actual sax).
Serial Number 143963 Low Pitch
(We think this makes it 1941-1942).
Engraved: Martin Standard
ELKHART- IND-USA
£699 SOLD
incl.vat & UK mainland delivery.
A great old sax full of character. Silver plated and in good condition for its age. Obviously its picked up some superficial battle scars over 50 years but nothing of significance. Plays really well since we spent £200 on a total overhaul by Dennis Primmett. This included replacing all pads, corks & felts. It's fast, smooth and solid to play with a classy old US tone.
We always supply these old saxes with the accessories they arrive with. In this case there's no mouthpiece or strap and the case is a very old Le Blanc, structurally sound but the interior is missing. Please get in touch if you'd like to order a new case, mouthpiece or any other accessories.
A main characteristic
of Martin is its thick soldered tone holes. Everything about the Martin is
robust and so is its sound. The Martin's sound remains full and warm
where
others
sound shrill.
Company
history
Originally “The Martin Company” was
founded by John Henry Martin. John Martin , born February 25, 1835 in
Dresden Germany, learned to make instruments in Germany as an apprentice.
In 1855 he emigrated to the USA, where in 1865 he moved to Chicago. The
“The Martin Company” was founded by him in 1865 (other sources claim
around 1890) in Chicago. In 1871 it the factory the factory was destroyed
by a (not the) great Chicago fire. In 1876, he moved to Elkhart and became
the 6th employee to work for Conn. His health forced him to retire in
1902. In 1920 he died.
The second company called “The Martin Band Instrument Company” was founded in 1904 (other sources claim 1906) by the five sons of John Martin. From 1904 (or 1906) till 1910, the five brothers build their instruments in their homes. In 1910 they moved to Elkhart, where at Baldwin street they started their factory.
We would sincerely appreciate any further information on this sax if anyone out there has any!
Taken from saxquest.com, "Martins are one of the best sounding horns ever made, and they were the last of the completely hand-made saxes. I have a 1954 "The Martin", and it sounds great. They have beautiful tones. The mechanism of a Handcraft might take getting used to, but try it out, and you'll hear how beautiful the tone is. If the horn is serviced by a good tech, it should be great".
Thanks to Dave for the following email, "I have the same alto but with more engravings in a floral style made in 1940.Absolutely wonderful saxophones with a nice full mid-dark tone (Louis Jordan use to use one). Hope you get a decent price as they are pro instruments and worth every penny."
Thanks to Edwin van Druten for the follwing email, "It's basically what I call a "Handcraft committee" but watered down. It was sold in the same periode as the Comm II. Not a bad sax though."
To order old, interesting saxes click here or better still come and visit us.