-40%
French American by Martin Alto Sax
French American by Martin Alto Sax
French American by Martin Alto Sax
French American by Martin Alto Sax
French American by Martin Alto Sax
French American by Martin Alto Sax

French American by Martin Alto Sax

$ 155.76

Availability: 100 in stock
  • Model: French American
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Finish: Brass with age patina
  • Custom Bundle: Yes
  • Body Material: Brass
  • Exact Year: 1940(?)
  • Key Finish: Brass
  • Bundle Description: new pad saver for dry storage (not pictured)
  • Condition: Very good vintage/used instrument. Completely functional with good vintage ergonomics and fairly fast action. Ready to play bottom to top, (high F). Older pads and small dents in many places that do not affect function or structural integrity of the horn. Lacquer < 60%. This vintage horn shows its age, but has lots of life left and is currently playable. All mechanisms work as designed, but players will want their own techs to adjust the horn. Original case with little musty smell. Handle repaired with tape. Latches are all functional.
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
  • Key: Eb
  • Brand: Martin
  • Body Finish: Clear Lacquer
  • All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted

    Description

    Very nice vintage alto with excellent tone and response. (It sounds like my professional level Martin instrument.) I'm guessing that this is a late 1940 instrument by Martin, by style and if the serial number for the stencil horn lines up with mainstream production. (Serial Number is 168, XXX.) The horn features the same manufacturing as their professional horns with solid body and soldered and beveled tone holes. (See pictures) I've had the horn for a while and depending on the mouthpiece you put on it it can have that huge vintage sound! What I like best is that complex tone I can only get from my Martins even when playing a cheaper mouthpiece. It makes a unique and beautiful sound to my ear. Very workable action for a vintage horn and adjustments/cleaning will speed it up. The pads are old, but in playable condition. Corks are also veterans, but I've put on a new neck cork. Plays in tune from bottom, (which speaks easily), to the top. Small dents in many locations and worn lacquer. (I love that old look helping the horn tell its story.) (Stand, mouthpiece and neck strap - not included.)