Ah, Martin saxophones, so lovely! Here's very nice example of a mid 1920's Martin Handcraft alto. This one was likely bare brass out of the factory and lacquered later in its life, what is known as a "first lacquer" (not to be confused with a re-lacquer).
The horn was very clean! Hardly a ding to be found, very nice lacquer condition, straight as an arrow. The old pads were still supple and usable for the most part, I replaced a few that were too hard/too far gone. This instrument was given a basic servicing, tear down and clean/de grease, reassembly with new materials as needed, full adjustment, new neck cork. Didn't need a heck of a lot!
The register mechanism on these old Martins is something else...its really a Rune Goldberg sort of affair, many moving parts and pieces! Luckily this one was basically functioning before I got it so I just had to make some minor tweeks.
The sound is of course lush and lovely, everything you'd expect from an old Martin. And did I mention these horns are heavy? They didn't skimp on materials here, that's for sure!
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