Description
This beautiful, original lacquer Martin Committee 1 alto is one of the best deals on the site in terms of value for the price.
This professional, handmade (in the USA) alto has extensive skyline engraving on the bell featuring searchlights, an airplane (which was at that time something rather new!), and a city silhouette. These Martin altos are currently undervalued for the kind of quality they represent. They were handmade to very high standards, and they hold up over time like tanks. The brass is high-quality and thick, and the build is just top notch. It has an adjustable thumb hook, durable nickel keywork, brazed tone holes – the works. This is a horn you can play for a lifetime and it won’t ever fall apart. In fact, Martins came with a 50 year warranty from the manufacturer. Can you think of anything that comes with a 50 year warranty today?
They are excellent players as well. Those who have already played one, know this very well, but for those who have never had the opportunity, you will be very pleasantly surprised (or possibly blown away) by the tone you get. It is warm, centered, balanced between bright and dark, lyrical, and easy to push without any trouble. These horns also have quite comfortable keywork, once you get used to the left hand pinky keys, which takes most people a couple of weeks. Intonation is just fine as well – a medium or large chamber mouthpiece does just fine on a Martin.The sound is much more complex, soulful, and generally interesting to play and to listen to than modern altos.
Condition wise, this is a very clean example. It still has its beautiful original lacquer intact from the 30’s, which is very unusual. And it had a full overhaul last year and is in great playing condition. It should not need any more than a routune checkup for many years to come. It’s a simple, already-restored instrument to purchase and to own and play.
This is a turn key purchase for a beautiful, well-made vintage American alto saxophone. Get it now – there’s only one available!
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