Vintage
Martin Standard Alto Sax
(These are photos of this
actual sax).
Serial Number 143572 Low Pitch
(We think this makes it 1941-1942).
Engraved: Martin Standard
ELKHART- IND-USA
£899
SOLD
As you can see it's a lovely
deep old gold lacquer which although scratched is remarkably intact.
We cannot find any dents so this truly is in lovely original condition.
It has just been serviced by Sue Redsull and it
plays really well with a classic old American sound. It has the original
case which is also in remarkably good condition. Old ebonite USA
mouthpiece included. I can't imagine a better example has survived
since 1941.
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."
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