Need Opinions on a couple old Martins.

[cydad761]

I am new here, just trying to do some research on my saxophones and possibly looking at buying an old bari or soprano someday.

I started playing in 5th grade in 1972 and did quite well in high school and played in college jazz band. Got away from playing for quite a few years and now my kids are in band and I am thinking of getting my lip back in shape and developing my interest in saxophones as a hobby.

I have an old Martin Indiana Alto with the gold keys (SN 615XX) and I was wondering what the main differences are between it and the ones with the silver keys. I have seen silver key examples with SNs both higher and lower on ebay. This is the instrument I used from 5th to 11th grade and it has its share of bumps and bruises. It is still very playable, but would need attention to be at its best.

I also inherited an old Lyon Healy American Professional Chicago (SN 368XX) from my grandfather. I am pretty certain it is a Martin Stencil. How can I tell if it is silver plated ot just nickel plated? It almost looks as if the keys were once gold, but they are mostly silver now, or maybe they are just tarnished, I haven't tried to polish it up. I can play this sax, but it is quite clunky due to missing corks and felts and some weak springs.

Having little experience with other vintage horns, I have no way of knowing if these are desireable instruments or just plain old saxes. Any opinions or insights are welcome.

Thanks!

Jeff

[MMM]

CYDAD, I have seen Indiana's go for much more than I thought they'd be worth, but only in as new condition. They usually don't fetch much $ on eBay, like the L&Hhief head on them are better (hear say!) Having said that, there are a few people who use the Indiana professionally on the forum and love it!
It's always the same with vintage saxes: get them set up properly and you could have a gem for very little $$$!

If I were you, I would spend just enough to see if they're worth more investment (particularly if the tuning is not too bad). However be careful, if you spend too much it may not be worth the investment.
Hope this helps, MMM

[Hornlip]

The Indiana was officially marketed as a student or intermediate horn, but it was much better than any student horn you'll find today. Though it's not exactly a powerhouse of a horn it's certainly worthy of professional use. It's definately got the dark Martin sound.

I had one with all-brass keys, a 1950's model, 58xxx or so, & it was really superb, especially for the price. In the 50's the model with the nickel-plated keys was a 'deluxe' version that was essentially the same as the all-brass with a few perks like a movable thumb-rest. It may be that later Indiana's from the 60's had nickel plating as standard.

Mine was a sturdy, well constructed alto with quick, light action and solid intonation. From what I can tell the body-tube is essentially the same as a 20's era "Handcraft" with improved keywork and larger bell.

If you're going to put any money into either of them, I would pick the Indiana. Mine had plain rivet pads, but it's worthy of repadding with plastic resonators. Mine was in super condition, had been freshly tweaked by my tech & sold on eBay for just shy of $400. They don't command much on the market, but they're better horns that the price indicates. If you're going to start playing again, you wouldn't go wrong putting some dough into the Indiana & getting it running.

I've seen Martin-stenciled "Lyon & Healy" horns. If the tone-holes are beveled, that's a dead giveaway. I would put the money into the Indiana & put the Lyon & Healy up on eBay!! :D