Vintage
Martin Imperial Alto Sax SOLD
(These are photos of this
actual sax).
Serial Number 300499 Low Pitch
(We think this makes it 1950).
Engraved: The Martin Imperial
ELKHART- INDIANA-USA
£499
incl.vat & UK mainland delivery.
No serious dings but plenty of pitted and scratched lacquer as you would
expect after 50 years. At some time the lip of the bell has been bent and
straightened. This is a nice horn to play with that good solid Martin
trade mark feel. It has just been serviced by Dennis Primett. It has the
original Martin case & mouthpiece both in good condition.
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 h
e
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, "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."
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