Martin Handcraft Soprano Saxophone 82xxx Gold

This is a gorgeous original gold plated Martin Handcraft soprano. Currently all original condition including pads with nearly 100% gold present. Original case includes the mouthpiece, ligature, cap and lyre. There is one tiny ding in the upper part of the body and no other damage at all. "Louis Thomas" factory engraved in beautiful cursive on the side.

These horns are highly coveted for their warm, round, full, dark, pleasant tone, and for their good intonation. Build quality is also tops. This is keyed to high F. It's very hard to find a near mint gold Handcraft. This one took me 3 years to find! Everyone who has one is keeping it, and you only find them when their owners (like the above-mentioned Mr. Thomas) pass them on to the care of a new generation. This is one of the best sopranos ever made, priced less than a used Yamaha in top condition, in gold plate finish, which would alone cost around $3k to do today. That's not bad.