1939 King zephyr special, full pearls, sterling neck, original lacquer, maine saxes overhaul, new protec case - $4500
Wow! What an incredibly stunning instrument! The Zephyr Special is very rare and hard to find in this kind of condition. This was a premium transitional model that came right before the introduction of the Super 20 and has many of the same features as the first generation Super 20 such as the sterling silver neck, double socket neck joint, full pearls on all side keys, palm keys, G#, and side F#, gorgeous engraving on the bell keys and low Eb. The triple strap ring is a very cool touch as it allows the player to adjust the angle of the hang to their personal preference. The finish is all original and is very hard to capture in photos because it tends to look quite different wherever you place it in the room so I tried to shoot it from many angles. It looks even better in person though. It's really quite impressive. The best part of this horn though is the fact that it plays like butter with super light and smooth action and a very lush and deep tone that's very easy to control. It subtones beautifully and really fills up the room perfectly. I did a complete overhaul so it plays like a dream and comes with a new Protec case.
1929 Conn New Wonder II "Chu Berry" original gold plate - $2100
This is the same model alto that I've been playing on for the last few years myself! Here's a beautiful example of one of the best classic American saxes in original gold plate, satin finish on the body and polished keys. I would keep it for myself if I didn't already have one! I just did 4 hours of work on it to make sure it's gig-ready and playing great. It has mostly older pads except for the two I replaced. If you really wanted to splurge for an overhaul I could get it playing even better but I'm super picky and I think most people would be happy with the way it is now. There are just a couple small dings on the body and the neck is in fantastic condition with no damage and no pull-downs. The microtuner moves freely without any problems. The bottom bow guard is dented in a little but I wouldn't worry about it. The tuning on these NWII altos is absolutely fantastic, actually much better than most vintage horns in my experience and easily competes with any modern horn in that department. The keywork looks antique but it actually feels very comfortable and quick. It includes the original case which is in good condition but I would probably budget for a new case if you're gonna be going to gigs and rehearsals with it.
1953 "The Martin" committee iii - $2100
Here's a beautiful example of another vintage American classic, Martin's top of the line Committee III, known as "The Martin". This is a big blowing alto with a lot of personality and some of the most impressive engraving on any saxophone. This is the original lacquer and it looks stunning in person. It was re-padded fairly recently, I would guess within the last 10 years maybe and everything is sealing well. I just did a few hours of work on it, replaced one pad and several corks, cleaned some sticky pads etc. to make sure it's gig-ready. It plays great and includes the original case which is in good condition.
Selmer Super Action 80 Series III, Just Serviced Here, Original Case - $3900
This is from the first run of the Series III model, before the newer "Jubilee" edition. It is in excellent condition, no damage, and I just gave it a full annual service so it's playing great and is super clean inside and out and has fresh oil. It comes with the original case which is also in excellent condition. These horns are getting extremely expensive brand new so this is a great chance to get one at a much better price and you won't have to worry about having it serviced right away since I already took good care of it.
1947 Conn 6M original lacquer - $1100 As-is, $2800 with overhaul
Here is an original lacquer 6M with rolled tone holes, micro-tuner, and G# trill key. It was re-padded somewhat recently by the previous owner who was into doing DIY repairs so it is currently playable but not great so I'm recommending a full overhaul to get it to 100% playing potential. Once overhauled, this will play as well as any great 6M with a big powerful full voice and excellent tuning and projection. I'm selling this on consignment otherwise I would have gone ahead and done the overhaul already myself but since I don't own this horn I'm giving you the option to buy it as-is or have me overhaul it.
Jupiter carnegie xl series cas-860, new pads, original case - $1199
This great-looking alto has a particularly strong and powerful sound. This finish is no longer available. The body is silver plated and the bell and keys are gold lacquered. It had a recent re-pad at another shop and I did some setup work on it to get it playing 100%. It includes the original case.
1942 king zephyr - $1000
Here is a relacquered King Zephyr alto in good playing condition. It currently has black kangaroo pads and flat metal resonators. This horn is a good choice for someone who likes the classic American horns but doesn't want to spend a ton of money. This one has some interesting DIY additions from the previous owner like the plastic palm D riser (which I can remove if you don't like it), and the custom made pearl overlays on the left hand spatula keys. These Zephyrs are really fun horns with a very flexible sound. It includes an older wood case which is in good condition.
1926 Martin Handcraft original silver plate - $750
This nice Martin Handcraft is in great condition and was re-padded elsewhere with white kangaroo pads which are in good condition and covering well. The horn is in good playing condition and ready to go with the original case which is functional but you probably want to budget for a new case if you're going to be taking it out to rehearsals and whatnot. I have a Protec here that will fit.
1957 Buescher aristocrat model 141 - $650
The Model 141 came after the more well-known Big B (Model 140) and is sort of a combination of the Aristocrat and the 400. You can see it has the extra large bell and back-side bell keys of the 400 whereas the rest of the horn appears to be just like the older Aristocrats. This one has the original lacquer body and nickel plated keys. It currently has a mix of older and newer pads and I just did a $100 play condition on it so it's in good playing condition and ready to go. It comes with what looks like the original case. This will make a great affordable horn for any beginner or hobbyist.
Archives
sold - Paul Beuscher (Pierret stencil) silver plated made in france
First, this is NOT a Buescher. The name Paul Beuscher (note the spelling difference) is stamped on the bell along with "27 Blvd Beaumarchais, Paris". I am 90% certain this was made by Pierret in France for someone named Paul Beuscher who apparently had a shop in Paris. Pierret was a relatively small French instrument manufacturer that produced several models of saxophones. I've identified it as a Pierret stencil because the keywork style appears to be very similar to some Pierret models. That's about all I know about the horn. I was unable to date the serial number but if I had to guess, I would assume it was made in the 60s or 70s based on the design and keywork style. It is in playing condition on modern but older pads. I did some minor setup work on it to get it ready for sale but the pad-job was done elsewhere. I am selling this as-is on consignment. Again, it is playable but not perfect and is priced accordingly. It's quite an interesting horn and pretty nicely made. This would make a nice starter horn for a hobbyist or other beginner. It includes an old wooden case that is usable.
SOLd - 1949 Buescher "Big B" aristocrat, maine saxes overhaul, new case
Here is another great example of one of my favorites, the Buescher "Big B" Aristocrat. This one has a fresh overhaul so it's playing perfectly and is super clean inside and out with all new pads and materials, perfectly level tone holes and excellent key-fitting. It has all of the original snaps and gold-plated springs and the lacquer is clearly original. These horns really sing with a beautiful voice and are very fun to play. It includes a new Protec case so it's 100% ready to go.
sold - 1952 Buescher Aristocrat "Model 140" Maine Saxes Overhaul, New ProTec Case
If you're not familiar with this version of the Aristocrat, it was made directly after the more famous "Big B" version and it is exactly the same horn part-for-part except with less ornate engraving. I did a complete overhaul on this so all of the pads, corks, and felts are brand new, the tone holes are perfectly level and the keywork is super straight and tight. If you've never played a good Aristocrat, the sound is mellow, smooth and flexible to your input. Johnny Hodges played one for most of his career. The keywork is very comfortable and lightly-sprung. This price includes a new ProTec case.
sold - King Tempo (keilwerth Stencil)
The King Tempo is an old Keilwerth stencil so this was made by Keilwerth as thus has no resemblance to any of the old King (H.N. White) instruments like the Super 20. I'm selling this on consignment so it's listed in as-is condition but for the money, this is a pretty nice horn for a beginner. The original case is included.
SOLD - Keilwerth SX90R, Maine Saxes Overhaul, New ProTec Case
This top-of-the-line Keilwerth alto is one of the first SX90R horns, back when they were stamped "Made in West Germany." It is practically mint condition and I just gave it a complete overhaul so all of the pads, corks, and felts are brand new and all of the tone holes have been carefully leveled and the keywork is perfectly tight and adjusted. It plays extremely well with a powerful sound and great flexibility of tone. I'm including a brand new ProTec XL case which fits perfectly so this killer horn is ready to take to the gig.
SOLD - 1930 Selmer Modele 26 "New Largebore" Alto, Maine Saxes Overhaul
This era of Selmer saxophones can be a bit difficult to identify one model from another as there was quite a bit of overlap and there were really no model names stamped on the horn until the SSS Selmer Super Sax, but I'm fairly certain this is the "Modele 26". There were a few versions of the Modele 26 and this appears to be what is now referred to as the "New Largebore". It appears to have been nicely re-lacquered, probably quite a long time ago and was done very well with minimal buffing as you can tell by the strong presence of the engraving. I just gave it a complete overhaul so it's playing 100% and needs nothing. If you like your alto sound mellow, smooth, and warm, you have to try this horn! The low range is particularly fat and impressive and responds very easily and subtones effortlessly. The neck has never been pulled down and both ends are perfectly round. It includes the original case and wooden end plug.
SOLD - 1941 Buescher Aristocrat "Big B", Maine Saxes Overhaul
The pictures here don't even really capture just how gorgeous this horn is. I just finished a complete overhaul so it's playing better than new and it looks stunning! The early Aristocrats are some of the best saxophones ever made. If you know me, you probably know that I love Bueschers and I talk about them all the time. This one is a great example of the best Bueschers ever made. The original finish is nearly mint condition with just a little wear in a few spots. It includes an older hardshell case that is in good useable condition. It's not the best case in the world but it will work just fine. This horn plays like butter and sounds as sweet as any alto you will find. It has all of the original snap-on resonators and gold-plated Norton springs which are in excellent condition and perfectly adjusted for a very light action.
SOLD - Cannonball Big Bell Stone Series, Two Necks, Original Case
This Cannonball has a black nickel-plated body and silver plated keys and two original necks, one silver plated and one black nickel. It has been played professionally for several years and is in excellent condition with no dents. The pads are mostly original. It is in playing condition but the new owner may want to have it cleaned and serviced so I have priced it accordingly.
SOLD - Yamaha YAS-23, Maine Saxes Overhaul, Made in Japan, New ProTec MAX Case, Yamaha 4C
Here's a no-brainer, the best student model saxophone on the planet, playing better than new after a complete overhaul. Everything has been replaced - pads, corks, felts, tone holes leveled, keywork tight, super clean inside and out. I'm including a brand new ProTec MAX molded case and a Yamaha mouthpiece.
SOLD - Selmer Super Action 80 Series II, Excellent, Perfect Playing Condition, Fully Serviced Here, Meyer 5 & Selmer C* Mouthpieces, Original Case & Cover
The Series II is Selmer's best-selling saxophone and has been in constant production for about 35 years and is still one of the finest saxophones on the market. This one is in excellent condition and had a full annual service here last year which included a full disassemble and cleaning, oil change, replaced several pads, and a full setup and regulation. It has been played very little since then and is still in perfect playing condition. This is still the go-to horn recommended by college saxophone professors and is extremely well-made and durable. The action is flawless, the tone is full and balanced, and the tuning is as good as saxophones get. It comes with a Meyer 5 and Selmer C* mouthpieces, Vandoren Optimum Ligature and Rovner Dark. It comes with the original Selmer wood-shell case and leather cover. The case is in good usable condition and the cover is intact but has some zipper issues. This is a great chance to get a Series II that plays like new (and looks almost new) but costs a lot less.
SOLD - 1935 Buescher Aristocrat Alto, Maine Saxes Overhaul, New Hiscox Pro-II Case
The Buescher Aristocrat is one of my absolute favorite saxophones and these early examples play incredibly well. If you're someone that has never tried a Buescher because it doesn't say "Selmer" on the bell, you might be shocked at how well these horns play. The beauty of tone in particular is hard to beat at any price. Johnny Hodges sounded pretty good on his Aristocrat! I gave this one a complete overhaul so it's playing better than new and is ready for serious playing and I'm including a brand new Hiscox Pro-II case at this price and it fits perfectly. I'm not 100% positive about whether or not the lacquer is original. It's certainly possible that it was re-lacquered quite a long time ago but if it was, it was done very well. There are no signs of over-buffing to be found anywhere, either on the keys and posts or the engraving. It has all of the original gold-plated Norton springs and all of the resonators are the original snaps except for one that was not present when I acquired the horn. This horn is just a real joy to play and sounds incredible! I might keep this one for myself. We'll see!
SOLD - 1925 Conn New Wonder II, Maine Saxes Overhaul, Satin Silver & Gold Wash Bell
This gorgeous Conn alto is a real player! It blows open and free with a fat, solid tone and amazingly good tuning. You might be surprised to see that it actually tunes much better than just about any alto out there. You probably don't want to use a small chamber mouthpiece on these horns but anything in the medium to large range will work great. It's in excellent condition and the neck has never been pulled down. The microtuner works perfectly and is airtight. Just push your mouthpiece all the way in and use the microtuner to set your baseline and you're good to go. The ergonomics are excellent and I have the spring tension nicely balanced, even on the low C#. I did a complete overhaul with flat nickel-plated brass resonators. It includes an old non-original Conn case. It works but you may want to budget for a case upgrade. This is one of the best altos I've ever played and it's a ton of horn for the money. I can't recommend this one highly enough! I definitely see why these are really "in" right now.
SOLD - Early "Purple Logo" Yamaha YAS-62, Maine Saxes Overhaul, 4-Digit Serial
This is a very early 62 from the first run of this model with a 4-digit serial #2,xxx. The purple logo on the bell has worn off which is pretty common for these since it was basically just a purple paint transfer logo. It's in excellent condition and is playing like new or better since I just finished a complete overhaul on it. I used domed nickel-plated brass resonators. The neck is original and was never pulled down and I fit it to the receiver. This is an excellent horn with very solid construction, great tuning, and a warm, full tone and the key layout and ergonomics are as comfortable and slick as any horn you will find. There is a good reason why everyone is looking for these early Purple Logo Yamahas. The original case is included.
SOLD - Near Mint 1976 Selmer Mark VII Alto, All Original!
This gorgeous Mark VII has all of the original pads, corks, and felts from the factory and the lacquer is about 98%! You can even see the final coat of lacquer sprayed on the edges of the pads. This closet horn is currently playable but leaky as you might expect from 1976 pads. I'm selling this as-is so the new owner will definitely want it overhauled to get it to its full potential. These are fantastic altos and are highly undervalued in my opinion. Everyone wants to compare the VII to the VI but it's a completely different horn and is excellent in its own regard. This will be a monster player with a proper overhaul. It includes the original hardshell case which is also in near mint condition.
SOLD - 1945 Buescher 400 "Top Hat & Cane" Mint Original lacquer, Maine Saxes Overhaul, Original Case & Accessories!!!
This has got to be one of the most gorgeous saxophones I've ever seen! It came to me with original pads and corks from the factory so I gave it a complete overhaul worth around $1300. It's now in top playing condition and it just looks absolutely stunning. It has every original snap-on resonator and gold-plated Norton springs which are in remarkable condition. This is a very special find and would be perfect for any player or collector. It includes the original tri-pack case, original white Buescher mouthpiece (cracked shank), and some cool original stuff like the warranty card, two leather straps, lyre, and a really old bottle of Selmer "Speedex" lacquer polish! If you're looking for a gig-worthy case, the ProTec XL fits well, available for $175.
SOLD - 1946 Buescher Aristocrat "Big B" Alto, Original Lacquer, Maine Saxes Overhaul with New Hiscox Pro-II Case
You will have to look long and hard to find a Big B alto that plays or looks better than this one. I just did a complete overhaul worth about $1300 and it plays exactly how you would hope - colorful, flexible, warm and buzzy, great focus and projection and the action is superb. Yes, this is the model that Johnny Hodges played for most of his career. The lacquer is original and just really gorgeous all over. This horn is pristine. It has every single original snap-on resonator and gold-plated Norton Spring. The sale price includes a brand new Hiscox Pro-II case and it fits perfectly and is super light and strong. The super rare vintage Brilhart Streamline Tonalin (Charlie Parker!) is not included of course but it is for sale on my mouthpieces page!
SOLD - 1992 Grassi Prestige Alto, Mint Condition, Made in Italy, Maine Saxes Overhaul
I just did a full overhaul on this gorgeous mint condition Grassi Prestige alto and it sounds fantastic. This was Grassi's top of the line saxophone and this one was made in Italy around 1990-1992. When I found it, it was in mint condition but the pads were shot from sitting in the closet for 25+ years so I gave it a complete overhaul (around $1300 worth) and it's virtually indistinguishable from a brand new horn. It comes with the original hard shell case which is in great condition as well. These horns are very hard to find and almost impossible to find in this condition but they have quite a cult following as you'll see if you read any of the sax forums. I'm a big fan. The action feels like Mark VI but the tone is deeper and a bit darker but very sweet too. This is a big-blowing alto!
SOLD - Brushed Nickel Silver Keilwerth SX90R Alto, Excellent Condition
This gorgeous German alto is Keilwerth's top of the line with rolled tone holes and a brushed nickel silver body with polished gold lacquered brass keys. It is in near-mint condition and includes the original case. The SX90R is a handmade German horn with all of the bells and whistles - G# lifter mechanism, adjustable palm keys, rolled tone holes, and this one is very unique because of the brushed nickel silver body. This is the only one I've ever seen with this finish. It's playing quite well on mostly original pads and materials.
SOLD - Cannonball Big Bell Stone Series Alto, Recent Overhaul
This is Cannonball's top of the line alto and was overhauled a few years ago by Bill Street with black pads and big solid brass resonators. It's in excellent playing condition and has zero damage. It comes with two necks - the Fat Neck and the traditional neck, both matte silver plated. The body is matte silver plated and the keys are gold lacquered. It comes with the original case which is also in excellent condition.
SOLD - 1958 Selmer Mark VI Alto - All Original, Nearly Mint Condition, One owner!
This is a rare find! For many saxophonists, this is the holy grail - a nearly mint condition five digit Mark VI alto with original case, end plug, original Soloist D mouthpiece with ligature and cap, and even the Selmer "Saxchain." The serial number is 79,xxx. This gorgeous horn still has every original pad with the original metal Tonex resonators!!! If you're familiar with these horns, you know just how rare this is. Selmer switched to plastic resonators right around this serial number. Actually this is probably one of the last Mark VIs to have metal resos. Most sources seem to indicate that they switched around 77,xxx. What's even more extraordinary is that most of the pads are still sealing incredibly well. There are some leaks in the lower register - low C and below but most of the other pads are sealing quite well. I decided it would be best to sell it with all of the original pads and let the buyer decide whether to have it overhauled or to just replace the few leaking pads at the bottom. Either way, the Tonex resonators are reusable so you can have it re-padded and retain the original resos.
The original lacquer is a gorgeous dark gold honey color and is around 99% intact. Even the case is in remarkably good condition as you can see. This came to me from the original owner who bought the horn new in 1960 and you can even see the original sales slip for his first down payment. He took amazingly good care of the horn throughout its life and as a result, it is quite a breathtaking time capsule. Even all of the corks and felts are original and in excellent condition! The neck is in perfect condition and has never been pulled down. The Soloist D mouthpiece is also in excellent condition with the original facing and no dings or chips.
I played the horn myself and I found the intonation to be quite good, much better than most from this vintage. Some of these early VIs tend to be quite sharp in the low register but this one does not have that problem. It plays with great focus and color as you would expect and the action is just about the best you will find on any saxophone, vintage or modern.
This fine instrument is not cheap of course, but for the serious player or collector, this represents a truly rare and exceptional find. You may never see another five digit Mark VI for sale in such great all-original condition. This really is a museum-quality Mark VI from the most desirable vintage. Contact me for more info and pricing.
The original lacquer is a gorgeous dark gold honey color and is around 99% intact. Even the case is in remarkably good condition as you can see. This came to me from the original owner who bought the horn new in 1960 and you can even see the original sales slip for his first down payment. He took amazingly good care of the horn throughout its life and as a result, it is quite a breathtaking time capsule. Even all of the corks and felts are original and in excellent condition! The neck is in perfect condition and has never been pulled down. The Soloist D mouthpiece is also in excellent condition with the original facing and no dings or chips.
I played the horn myself and I found the intonation to be quite good, much better than most from this vintage. Some of these early VIs tend to be quite sharp in the low register but this one does not have that problem. It plays with great focus and color as you would expect and the action is just about the best you will find on any saxophone, vintage or modern.
This fine instrument is not cheap of course, but for the serious player or collector, this represents a truly rare and exceptional find. You may never see another five digit Mark VI for sale in such great all-original condition. This really is a museum-quality Mark VI from the most desirable vintage. Contact me for more info and pricing.
SOLD - 1938 Buescher Aristocrat "Series I Art Deco" Alto, Overhauled
This first-series Aristocrat alto is playing great on a fresh overhaul (around $1400 worth). It has all of the original gold Norton springs and most of the original snaps. For the missing snaps, I used nickel-plated domed resonators sized like the originals. This is most likely an older re-lacquer. It was done so well that I almost couldn't tell until I zoomed into my photos.
