a CyberSax featured instrument ...


"The Martin" 

Silver Plated Tenor Saxophone
United States Military model with 'U.S.' engraving
176,xxx s/n (built 1951), original case, offered without mouthpiece
 


Beautiful gold bell wash accentuates very good silver plate. 


One of the few examples of silver plated saxophones built after 1930, these fine Martin tenors were custom made for the United States Military. This one proudly served for many years with its classic fat, smooth Martin tenor sound. The instrument plays very well and has a good overall appearance, despite some 'battle scars'. Plating is 90% plus and has a very good sheen, as these pictures show. Most of the plating wear is on the touch areas. The instrument was overhauled several years ago and played lightly since that time. Pads are near new condition flat metal resonator type, which are a good fit for these Martin instruments. In that overhaul, the plating was buffed instead of hand polished, as is recommended for fine plated saxophones, so the engraving is not as strong as it should be. Still, the engraving details show up well and the gold bell wash is very nice.

As for those 'battle scars', there are two messy solders performed some time ago, perhaps while the sax was still in the military. These could be cleaned up, but applying the heat needed to do this work is problematic considering the soldered tone holes. Since the play is not affected the risk is probably not justified, especially considering the very good overall appearance of the instrument. This sax also has a a slight bend in the upper body that is noticeable to the trained eye (you probably can't see it in these pictures), but that does not affect playability. Straightening this bend would also be problematic, considering the soldered tone holes, so to risk this is not warranted, as well. There is a dent in the neck that could be straightened if the the octave vent were removed and resoldered, again considered unwarranted for something that is merely cosmetic. The original case is still sturdy, but as you can imagine it shows the ravages of its service.

These flaws are presented in such detail for the sake of honesty and full disclosure, but please don't take the impression that this instrument is either unattractive or that it does not function well. It is still lovely and still plays beautifully. The tone is typical fat and rich Martin, the mechanics are excellent, and all the soldered tone holes are intact. Overall, it is a desirable classic 'The Martin' tenor, regaled in lovely and rare silver plate.




(Left) full left view; (Center) details of upper stack; (Right) full rear view 


 
(Left) closer lower left view; (Right) lower stack details


 
"Battle Scars"
(Left) dent near octave vent; (Center) messy solder on bell key guard post; (Right) messy solder on top G key post

Thank you for your interest in this fine vintage 'The Martin' tenor saxophone, offered at $1,450, plus shipping.


back to 'For Sale' page

Phone Sax: 918_625_9773 

email CyberSax