Martin Commitee I "Searchlight" 1936 - Alto saxophone

Vintage Martin Committee I "Searchlight" Alto Saxophone – Extensively Restored, Outstanding Player

For sale is a vintage Martin Committee I "Searchlight" Alto Saxophone, one of the most sought-after early Martin models, renowned for its powerful, rich, and uniquely complex tone.

This instrument has recently undergone an extensive mechanical restoration and is in excellent playing condition. The keywork has been carefully regulated and tightened, resulting in a responsive and precise action throughout the entire range of the instrument.

As part of the restoration, all round springs have been replaced, all corks and felts have been renewed, and all pearl key touches have been replaced with new pearls. The mechanism now feels tight, smooth, and dependable, providing a level of playability that is difficult to find on many vintage instruments.

The lacquer has recently been chemically removed, leaving the instrument in its natural bare brass finish. The body was not aggressively polished, allowing the saxophone to retain its vintage character while presenting a clean and attractive appearance. Some players appreciate the aesthetic and feel of bare brass, while others believe it allows the instrument to resonate more freely.

Please note that this saxophone is being offered primarily as a player's instrument rather than a collector's piece. Over its long life, the horn accumulated a number of dents, dings, scratches and unevenness's. Most of the dents have been professionally removed. Only a few minor / shallow dents- or unevenness's remains. There are also several older solder repairs visible on the body. These repairs are historical and were not part of the recent restoration. Structurally the instrument body is straight and the neck has no pull downs. 

The saxophone plays exceptionally well, but the cosmetic evidence of these earlier repairs remains visible and is reflected in the asking price.

Condition

• Excellent playing condition
• Extensively restored and regulated
• All round springs replaced
• All corks and felts replaced
• All pearl key touches replaced with new pearls
• Tight, responsive keywork
• Pads sealing properly
• Previous dents professionally removed
• Several visible historical solder repairs
• Recently stripped to bare brass
• Cosmetic condition reflects age and decades of use
• Serial #115XXX (neck matching)

Sound
The horn delivers the classic early Martin voice: big, warm, complex, and powerful, with plenty of projection and character. It has the rich, broad tonal palette that has made the early Committee models highly regarded among vintage saxophone players.

This is an opportunity to acquire a highly playable Martin Committee I Searchlight Alto at a fraction of the price commanded by pristine collector-grade examples. It is an ideal instrument for a musician seeking the distinctive Martin sound without paying a premium for cosmetic originality.

Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description. Additional photos and playing samples are available upon request.

Buyers are responsible to check up- and pay any import duties and taxes to the destination country.