Vintage 1948 Martin "The Committee" Alto Sax, Orig. Lacquer, New Pads, New Case

LONG story...

I have a bit of a history with Martin saxophones. 

Wichita Band Instrument Company was the repair shop at Paramount Music in the late fifties / early sixties and we were, for a time, the local dealer for their brasses.  Martin saxes were among the very first instruments that I padded, more than six decades ago.

So here we have one that’s a dead ringer for the Martins I knew years and years ago.

Just to maker sure we’re straight on models here ( keep in mind I’m doing this all from my memory so there might be an error or more)…

The pro-model saxes from Martin were re-designed after the war and were given the name “Committee Models”.  I’ve forgotten who was on the sax-design model, but Renold Schilke told me HE (and he only) was the design committee for the trumpets.  The saxes all had hand-soldered tone-holes (like the best Haynes and Powell flutes), the tone-holes not “extruded” or “drawn”.  

Clothes-guards were always light-weight and also hand-made.  Pad cups were shallow (makes it easier to seat pads correctly) and the spring tension was light and lovely. 

Martin also introduced a model that they gave the name “Indiana”.  Basically the same sax, but simpler keywork, not as much attention given to details. 

Eventually Martin also brought out an “Imperial” model that was a jived-up “Indiana”.  We don’t see these very often.

The pro-models that Martin called “Committee” are often confused by sellers who refer to them as “The Martin”, from the bell engraving.  The boys at Martin called them “Committees”, so we do the same.

And yes, the “Magnas”.  Think it was Paul Richards’ idea (RMC company).  The Magnas are the same as the Committees but with jive trim. 

The alto I’ve put on EBay today is unique in that it’s got 95% of the original dark Martin lacquer.  Never any major dents, a few minor dings that we’ve carefully burnished out.  The body of the sax is stamped 166891 which means 1948.

Our alto has an original neck, from the same time-period, bearing same stamp number 166891.

Please note also that our alto has the original decal just below the thumb-rest that gives the several patent numbers that Martin owned, granted it's worn some.

Yes, all new pads and corks, like all the vintage saxes we sell. Also comes with Vito Melodia mouthpiece, new case, and we'll throw in some reeds of your choice, as well as accessories.

Happy to send “on approval” and if you don’t like this beauty, send ‘er back and we’ll still be friends.

Excellent scale (no too-sharp low notes) and easy easy to play.  Lots of pro players used these superb saxes in the late forties and early fifties and not everybody played a Selmer. Do a Google search and you’ll believe me.

Enough said about this one.  Write me for more info, ask me questions and I guarantee I’ll write you back with my totally biased opinions!

GR/EDR WBIC in Wichita

*** HERE'S MO INFO....

ALL pads and corks are new, from our shop in Wichita.  American lacquer, sharp engraving. Original lacquer worn maybe 5 percent.

“ALL new and all used instruments sold by Wichita Band Instrument Company come with our 24 month service warranty. It’s in addition to any factory guarantees. For two full years, we will repair or replace (whichever in our estimation is the more advisable), pads, corks, springs or other parts required, at no charge to the customer. In the event of cracked or damaged wood sections, we will repair at no cost to the customer or replace the section and charge the customer only for our net costs for the replacement section. Often, wood replacement parts are supplied from the manufacturer at no charge. The customer is responsible for shipping and insurance charges. Cases and plating finishes are not covered by our service warranty but are sometimes covered by factory guarantees.”

 *** WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT COMPANY / WICHITA, KANSAS / USA

****

Wichita Band Instrument Company is a small musical instrument emporium located in the center of the USA.  The owners are Kansas natives Gary L. Ray and his two sons. 

Founded by a woodwind repair technician in 1953, we soon will commence our seventy-fourth year in business.

We’re not a “back bedroom” operation but can report that we are the owners of a proper “brick and mortar” workshop.

We enjoy a sterling reputation for ethical business transactions and confirm to our friends and clients

the simple fact that we expect to be in business forever.