Saxophones Should I jump on this "The Martin Tenor"?

[maerlim]

I have the opportunity to buy a mint "The Martin Tenor" s/n 192xxx. It has original lacquer and pads. It looks like someone bought it in the 50's, wrapped it in cellophane, and preserved it for 60+ years. The price is in the $2800 range, which I would have to put on a credit card. My question is, is this a once-in-a-lifetime find and I should jump on it, or is this a kind of thing that pops up once in a while and I can safely wait until I have cash-on-hand and get another one at a future date?

Thanks!

 

[jonf]

Well, if it hasn't been played for 60 years it'll still need a full service, the pads are probably hard and any oil on the keys will have dried up. I'd rather pay a good bit less money for something that's actually been played, even if it has cosmetic marks.

 

[kevgermany]

I've been thinking about this since you posted. It's top price... And there's work to factor in, as Jon said. Maybe it's a little too expensive.

 

[thomsax]

I have the opportunity to buy a mint "The Martin Tenor" s/n 192xxx. It has original lacquer and pads. It looks like someone bought it in the 50's, wrapped it in cellophane, and preserved it for 60+ years. The price is in the $2800 range, which I would have to put on a credit card. My question is, is this a once-in-a-lifetime find and I should jump on it, or is this a kind of thing that pops up once in a while and I can safely wait until I have cash-on-hand and get another one at a future date?


Thanks!

If you are looking for a "The Martin Tenor" and it is the sax you want to own and play this may be a opportunity! With new pads and modern resonators, corks and a good setup you will get a special sax. But thera are lots of other good sax ..... . Play before you buy or inspect the sax. If it's from a shop you can have sent to you, otherwise I would collect the sax myself.

 

[thesaxman71]

i think it is a high price, haggle and put money saved towards restoration.

 

[thomsax]

But if you're are looking for a sax in style of "The Martin Tenor" ther are no modern alternative. To built a new horn in the same style would cost £ 6000.00-7000.00. It possible to built a new sax in Martin-style, but to sell sax at that price?

Okay, $ 2800.00 is a lot for a mint Martin. But still less than they ask for a MkVI wreck.

 

[ProfJames]

Agree with Thomsax. $2.8k is a premium price but they are incredible horns. I have seen them available around the $2k mark but if your one is in A1 condition what a find. Having just found a Martin Master that is in A1 nick I do know they exist!!!

Thomsax has a great deal more experience than I do so I would follow his advice. The Martin sound is absolutely unique. GFI

 

[maerlim]

Sorry I didn't reply before now. I was wrong about the price. They were offering it for $2000 as-is and $2800 with an overhaul. I bought it as-is, then took it to master technician (and all-around magic-worker) Blaise Buchanan. Blaise looked at it closely, mentioned he'd never seen one in better condition, and thought it best to keep it as "original" as the horn will allow - less than $100 worth of work. All in all I couldn't be more pleased!

I'd post pictures but can't post links yet. 🙁

 

[maerlim]

As a way to get around not posting links, you can google "saxquest mint martin tenor" which will take you right to the pictures.

 

[ProfJames]

What have you done about the tenor??

 

[maerlim]

What have you done about the tenor??

Sorry, my post count is low enough that my posts are still going through moderation, which is taking extra time.

 

[ProfJames]

Looks great.....beautiful instrument and a great investment. My Martin Master "Typewriter"..............

 

[ProfJames]

Looks great. Looks as good as my "Typewriter"...............................

 

[maerlim]

Thanks all for your input!

 

[maerlim]

Ooh, I appear to have full access to the board now, so let's try a link to pictures:

http://www.saxquest.com/index.php/p...-lacquer-the-martin-tenor-sax-sn-192616-P6919

 

[ProfJames]

Beautiful saxophone. What does she sound like? Post a sound clip and welcome to the forum! Thomsax has the greatest Martin experience so I am sure he will enjoy a sound clip.

I was going to buy the "Typewriter" from here - http://www.bandmastersmusic.com/7001.html until I got one here in the UK by pure fortune the week before I went to the USA last month! The one I bought is silver as opposed to gold lacquer but I have been advise that silver was more rare! Either way it sounds fantastic but is taking a bit of getting used to because of all the pearl keys.

 

[maerlim]

I have it in the capable hands of the local master tech, who's just doing some adjustments and replacing a couple pads. His lead time is about a week. When I get it back I'll be sure to post a sound clip. It sounds... amazing. 🙂

 

[ProfJames]

Remember to put it on house insurance!

 

[kevgermany]

Lovely. Hope it plays as well as it looks!

 

[maerlim]

Remember to put it on house insurance!

Already done! 🙂