Martin ‘The Martin Alto’ 198xxx

Description

This nice, clean The Martin Alto plays well on a recent overhaul and comes with the original neck and case all in excellent condition. When these are setup correctly, they are really a joy to play, and have a dry, powerful, jazzy tone (think Art Pepper meets the Rhythm Section). They are quite reasonably priced for what pro-quality saxophones they are. Beautiful lacquer, beautiful hand engraving, heavy brass construction and accurate intonation are other big pluses. There is really nothing negative to say about this horn. It’s super great.

Martin saxophones of this era came with a 50 year manfacturer’s warranty! Can you think of anything made today that has a company that committed to quality? Every detail of the design of this horn is thought-out. The key shapes are all unified and beautiful, like the lines of a classic American sports car. The keywork is comfortable, fast, and sturdy feeling. The thumb hook is adjustable, palm keys fit well in your palms, octave key and thumb rest are all well done. If you like product design of modern stuff made in the USA, this is for you. And man, the hand engraving is also super clean and pleasing. The bell key guards are my favorite on any saxophone.

For a combination of design, beauty, and functionality, these horns are hard to beat. They are currently very undervalued, and they represent good investments. In five years, they will be much more expensive. Get this one before it’s gone!