The Martin Imperial 1968 Alto Saxophone

This is a 1968 “The Martin” Imperial alto saxophone, made in Martin’s Elkhart Indiana factory. The Imperial was sold as Martin’s intermediate model, but it shares the same factory and craftsmanship as the pro horns. The main difference is less expensive key rods. It plays far above its intermediate label, with a big warm, classic American sound and very fast key action that also is the quietest I’ve ever played on. It plays especially well with a large-chamber mouthpiece, which brings out its full rich tone.

The lawyer is original and it shows its age and as you can see in the pictures it’s splotchy. There are no dents but there is a small cut or crack if you want to call it in the side very lip of one part of the bell that was there when I bought it used. it has never changed in size or area and does not effect the playing of it whatsoever. I have been playing saxophones for 39 years and counting and had my tech look over it and he didn’t do anything to it bc its quiet action and plays top to bottom. As with any horn, in shipping, one little thing could come out of adjustment but the sax has been very helpful to me on gigs as a backup horn. I own four other altos so I am downsizing.

The case is original and latches but the hinges are loose. Its never popped open on me carrying it by the handle before but I am careful with it so know that. The original case is better than an aftermarket because the bell keys sit on the opposite side of modern horns and most new cases aren’t made for that configuration. You will enjoy this as a msin player or as a dependable back up. The price is right and these big bore , rolled tone hole style saxes are tanks and beasts.