Description
Holy cow! This is one of the nicest examples of a King Super 20 that I have had the pleasure of selling. It just got a complete overhaul! It was original pads 63 years old, when I got it, and now it’s totally fresh, clean, and completely restored. It’s awesome!
The tone of these horns is just to die for. Powerful, resonant, very loud when pushed (it goes to 11). The solid silver double socket neck gives you extra focus, and a dark core with lots of overtones. The horn overall is bright and projecting, but in a way that stays fat, like only American saxophones can. Ideal for either cutting through a band, or playing the most gorgeous ballads, this is one of my favorite saxophones of all time.
This tenor has no damage, no dents or dings, and almost all its original lacquer. The solid silver neck even looks odd to King fanatics like me because it still has its original gold lacquer over the silver, which you hardly ever see. There’s some scratching on the back of the body tube from normal use, and a couple of tiny, nearly invisible dings I got removed from the bow, but you’d never notice anyway. It’s as nice as you will ever find. And priced to sell!
The best demo of a “Series III” Super 20 that I know of can be found here. It’s one of the only cases that I have found where I heard a demo and what I consider the essence of the tone of the horn itself is front and center on display (as opposed to the mouthpiece, the player, or a bunch of other distracting noise. Listen and enjoy! This is the same horn as in the demo, just made a year or two later.
Matt Waldman (verified owner) –
This is my first Super 20 after playing Mark VI and Mark VI-based horns. Brian did a fantastic job shipping the instrument. Everything was packed tight. He placed cork under the rods to hold the keys in place, bubble-wrapped items for extra cushion, and the instrument arrived in great condition.
The instrument itself is as advertised. The key action is light, the springs and rods are in great shape, and the condition of the lacquer are exactly as Brian described.
It’s a great player of a horn. Bright profile. Lush low register when called upon. Screams up top. I can’t imagine ever getting rid of this horn and it’s a great contrast to my other (new) horn–and I am happy with that one.
Brian was especially helpful during the research and buying process. He’s patient, responsive to questions, and provides helpful suggestions without imposing his will on the process. This will be my first stop when I’m looking to expand my collection of instruments and mouthpieces.
Speaking of mouthpieces, I also purchased the GSA Link-Gregory-refaced replica and it is now my go-to option. I look forward to seeing which mouthpieces he replicates in his collection.
When it comes to saxophones, unless you’re a skilled repair technician, I prefer to get what I pay for rather than engaging in a high-risk, high-reward venture where I might get a steal of a deal but the odds are against it.
Brian has built an excellent reputation and I’m looking forward to doing business with him again.