King Super 20 Tenor 1A Original Lacquer Plays on Older Pads 298492

Pending sale 1/13/25

This gorgeous original lacquer King Super 20 tenor from 1948 is in beautiful shape. This is the same vintage as Charlie Parker’s King Super 20 Alto, and Charlie Ventura’s tenor. In 1948, King was at the height of its powers and making some of the best saxophones that have ever been made. This one is in very good condition with nearly all of its original lacquer intact and no dents or dings. it has almost all the original gold lacquer over the solid silver neck (with matching serial number). To me, the Super 20’s that have the lacquer over the silver neck are the most desirable as collectors horns as well, since it is much rarer to find one with the neck lacquer intact — people always polish it off and shine up the silver. There have been some dings removed from the back of the body tube and bow here and there where you see a little smudge in the lacquer, and there are some stand scratches on the bell. The pads are old, so it’s time for an overhaul, but I prefer to buy them in clean original condition myself anyway, and then get them overhauled how I like. The price is great for a horn like this, so you can overhaul it and still be in good shape price wise. There’s almost no saxophone that brings together all the factors of desirability like one of these early ‘full pearls’ King Super 20’s. You’ve got a HUGE – absolutely enormous – tone. It’s powerful and medium dark, but cuts through a band with ease. Brightens up a lot when pushed or with a bright mouthpiece. You get the full pearls everywhere, engraved bell keys, solid silver neck, and the gorgeous original lacquer. It’s the total package!

It has old pads so plan on getting it overhauled soon.