Johnny Hodges, Sigurd Rascher, Cannonball Adderley...Eric Dolphy...Arthur Blythe and Charles McPherson... Marcel Mule and Benny Carter. All of these artists have used the innate lyricism of the alto sax to make their statements. Which one of these will you choose to make yours?
Overlook the dirt and tarnish and you'll see a lovely, original, gold-plated True Tone from 1926! Key mechanism includes the alternate front F key and roller G# key. Original white pads are still in place, but it will clean up nicely and play with a warm, dark tone. Scheduled for new pads* and hand-polishing.
Original gold plate is 90%. Scheduled for new pads* and hand-polishing.
This transitional alto is from 1931. Its original silver plate is excellent, as is the gold plate inside the bell. Body is straight, snap-in resonators are intact, and its "**" neck is perfect. Scheduled for hand polishing and a VintageSax pad job*.
A "New Aristocrat" in original silver plate from 1932. Light gold wash in bell, snap-in resonators intact, and the neck is a "**". This lovely alto will polish up nicely, and is scheduled for a VintageSax pad job before sale*.
Here is a bargain Buescher transitional alto! This 1933 alto has an old lacquer finish that is bare brass in places. Body is straight and the mechanism is tight. New pads with domed metal resonators in place. "01" neck is in great condition.
A "New Aristocrat" in original silver plate with gold-plated bell. This transitional alto dates to 1934; its original snap-in resonators are still intact, it has an "01" neck, straight body, built-up high E key, and many modern "Aristocrat" features. Its sound is rich and dark like a "True Tone" but with better intonation! Scheduled for a VintageSax repad.*
The original lacquer on this early Aristocrat is amazingly good for its age. This alto has an "01" neck, gold-plated Norton springs, and "Art Deco" engraving. Its body is straight and true, its original resonators are intact, and its pads are in very good condition. It has a rich, dark tone with very good intonation. Comes with its original case.
The original silver plate on this 1936 Aristocrat is 95+%, and the gold-plated bell interior is beautiful. This model features "Art Deco" engraving, gold-plated Norton springs, a "01"-stamped neck, and a dark, resonant tone with a little something extra. It has excellent intonation and is one of the most desirable of the early Aristocrats. Scheduled for a VintageSax repad*, while reusing the original snap-in resonators.
A newly-silverplated Aristocrat built in 1938! Please excuse the tarnish; beneath it is a like-new alto that plays wonderfully. It has like-new Roo skin pads with metal resonators. Intonation is very good, the neck is clearly marked "01". Scheduled to be cleaned and hand-polished before sale.
This Aristocrat dates to 1945. Its lacquer is worn, and she's no longer all that pretty, but her sweet, dark tone is beautiful. Engraving is the "Big B" style, and the neck is stamped "01". Scheduled for a VintageSax pad job* with original snap-in resonators.
This is a 1949 Buescher 400 alto with the "top hat and cane" engraving. Lacquer is missing from the engraved area, but is present on most of the body and keys. The alto has its original gold Norton springs, all original pearls and rollers, neck, and Buescher tone ring. The pads are in good condition, and its original snap-in resonators are intact.
A beautiful, original silverplated alto from 1950. Definitely a special order horn from Buescher (plating was rarely done by this time). Gold plate inside the bell, Norton springs, and a straight, clean body. Scheduled for hand-polishing and a VintageSax pad job*.
Original satin gold plate! Has the crosshatched G# key. Is scheduled for new pads.*
A silver "Chu" alto in good condition, with split bell keys, the crosshatched G# key, and rolled tone holes. Made in 1926.
Made in 1928, this alto is in wonderful original condition. It has rolled tone holes, nailfile G# key, longer palm keys, and a fine-tuner on the original neck. Silver plate is 95%+ with gold-plated bell interior. Scheduled for hand-polishing and a VintageSax pad job *.
A gold-plated alto from 1929! The engraving on this horn is special, a cabin scene by a lake with mountains in the background...looks like Utopia to me! I have disassembled this alto and it is awaiting new pads. Of course, it has rolled tone holes, the microtuner neck, and all of Conn's special qualities.
Early 6M made in 1931, silver-plated body with gold-plated bell interior, "Art Deco" engraving, and rolled tone holes. Scheduled for hand-polishing and a VintageSax pad job*.
This transitional 6M was made in 1934. Silver plate is 95%, with gold plate inside bell; the silver plate has small wear on edges of keys, guards, and rods. Pads have flat metal resonators and are like new. Rolled tone holes, swivel thumbhook, underslung octave key are all there with the "Ladyface" engraving. The original neck (marked "STD'D") has a functional fine tuner mechanism. This alto is in very fine playing condition, and has a strong, clear voice.
This silver-plated 6M was covered with silver paint for many years. It's a classic case of an ugly duckling turning into a swan! This alto hails from 1945; its body and neck are stamped "VIII", and it's perfect. Of course, the tone holes are rolled, and all rollers and pearls are original. Locking set screws are on order, and will be installed. New metal resonator pads have just been seated, so the alto plays with a powerful, rich tone, and a good scale.
Do you love unique engraving on gold-plated horns? Here is an Elkhart alto sax (made by Martin) in original gold plate, with exquisite engraving all the way up the back of the body tube. The bell features an artistic baby with his painting palette. This alto dates to the 1920s, and is in wonderful condition. It has never been damaged, and still has its original case. Gold plate is 99%! New pads with flat metal resonators help give this alto a sweet, clear, dark tone.
This Zephyr dates to the late 1930s. This alto is in excellent cosmetic condition, with 99% original silver plate. The "art deco" engraving and key mechanism make for a stunning appearance. It has the triple strap ring and double-sleeved neck as well. Scheduled for a hand polishing and a VintageSax pad job*.
This is an unusual, all original, silver-plated Zephyr with gold-plated keys. The body is free from dents, and the plate is very good. It has a 3-ring straphook, and the double-sleeve neck receiver. This alto is from the early 1940s, and has a quick action with a wonderful, punchy sound. Scheduled for a VintageSax pad job*.
This Magna dates to 1962. It was Martin's top pro model, with adjustable bumpers to regulate low C, B, and Bb, an adjustable thumb rest, silver cross inlaid on the bell and neck, and extra rollers on the G# spatula mechanism. Lacquer is original, with little wear. Neck has matching serial number and a tear-drop tightening screw. Original Samsonite-type case is included. Scheduled for a VintageSax pad job *.
An all original Mark VI alto from late 1958! This is a well preserved horn with original lacquer, red zipper case and even the original wooden end plug. It has no dents or previous damage. Many pads still have the original Selmer Metal resonators intact! Neck is in beautiful condition and of course has the serial number stamped on it. Plays well with older pads but could use a new set of pads.
The Holy Grail of Selmer altos! Its original lacquer is gorgeous! Made in 1965, this is the highly sought-after David Sanborn-era alto. Its tone is clear and powerful, with fast, easy response. American-style engraving, nylon resonator pads, and matching serial number is stamped on the neck. This is a museum piece, and a great player. Original Selmer Traypack case is in great condition as well.