The Martin Imperial Kenosha U.S.A. Alto Saxophone / 320322

For sale in very good playable condition this The Martin Imperial Kenosha U.S.A. Alto Saxophone / 320322. Has visible scratches on and a small dent or two but this does not affect the playability of the instrument.

The alto saxophone is a woodwind instrument that was invented by Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax (1814-1894) in the 1840s. Sax wanted to create an instrument that combined the best qualities of brass and woodwind instruments, and that could be heard outdoors and in concerts. He based his design on experiments with an ophicleed, a brass instrument with keys, and a base clarinet mouthpiece. The French government patented the saxophone in 1846, but Sax may have invented it as early as 1838.

 The alto saxophone is a conical tube with a narrow end that has a single-reed mouthpiece attached. It has a U-bend and a slightly flared bell and is made of drawn brass. The alto saxophone is pitched in the key of E♭, which is a major 6th below the written note, and uses the treble clef. It's smaller than the B♭ tenor saxophone but larger than the B♭ soprano. The alto saxophone is the most common saxophone and is used in many different styles of music, including jazz, concert bands, chamber music, and marching bands. It has a wide dynamic range and tonal qualities similar to the human voice, which makes it a prominent solo instrument in jazz. Charlie Parker, who often played the alto saxophone, is considered by many to be the greatest saxophone player in history.

The original Martin company was founded by John Henry Martin in 1865. Born in Dresden, Saxony 24 February 1835, the young horn maker immigrated to the United States in 1855 settling first in New York City and then in 1865 moving to Chicago where he set up the Martin company.

The Martin Band Instrument Company, founded in Chicago in 1865 by German immigrant John Henry Martin, began making saxophones in the early 1900s. The company continued to produce saxophones, along with other band instruments, in Elkhart, Indiana until the 1960s. In 1971, the Leblanc Corporation acquired the brand and began stamping young style horns with the Martin name. The company discontinued the Martin brand in 2007. 

Martin saxophones are known for their craftsmanship, with some models built entirely by hand. The finish is also noted for its quality, with a matte silver plate and brightwork on the bell. 

Henry Charles Martin , John Henry's oldest son, continued to work with The Martin Band Instrument Company until 1923 when he formed his own company, the Henry C. Martin Band Instrument Company.

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