Description
When you find a vintage King that still has any of the pink or gold lacquer on the solid silver neck, you know the horn has been well cared-for, because that is the first thing to go. This is a beautiful, original lacquer King Zephyr Special tenor that looks like it was played for just a few years, and then put away. It has light play wear, and has had a few dents removed from the back of the bow, but it looks great now, and it is in impressively clean structural and cosmetic condition. This horn also had a recent overhaul with correct, flat metal resonators, and it plays great! Just how it should, with a big, bold, but velvety smooth voice. There just is nothing like a top-of-the-line vintage King in full song. It literally does shake the walls. The whole horn comes alive.
This horn has all the engraving on the lower key cups, three ring strap hook, double socket neck made of solid sterling silver. It includes the original case, or you can get it in a BAM Classic tenor case instead, for better protection and lighter weight.
I play a King Zephyr Special on tenor a lot, and mine is also from this same vintage. They are just really hard to beat for an all-around great-sounding and feeling tenor. The later ZS tenors (after 255xxx) lose some of the ornate features of these earlier ones. But the early Super 20 tenors are basically identical to the King Zephyr Special tenors, so it was a long-lasting sound concept that I wish someone would bring back today.
Pad wise, this plays very well on current pads, which are all in good condition with very little use since it was recently repadded. It just had a thorough setup and feels and responds really well. Very ‘alive’ body tube that shakes in your hands on low notes. Beautiful lush sub tones, and loud, wide, medium dark core tone that gets as bright as you want with the focus from the silver neck and a higher baffle mouthpiece. Pair with a Berg Larsen for the ‘full King experience.’
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