Two Martin Altos rescued this week

[Stencilman]

My wife and I went on a retreat that took us through some small mid-Texas towns and we found two Martin altos that needed to be rescued.

The first was a 1928 Handcraft that was hanging on a wall in a hamburger joint. The sax looked like it had been burried in the dirt for 20 years. At first, I thought that someone had spray painted it flat black. On top of the worst silver tarnish I've ever seen was a thick layer of brown dust that had settled on it. The pads were in bad shape. I talked the owner into trading it for my old Signet clarinet so he could have something in its place on the wall. When I got it home, it played amazingly well except for the G# key that would stick open. One leg of a key guard is missing but there are hardly any dents and these are very small. It has already had a wash and silver dip and looks very nice. Silver plate is 90%. Polish and pads will make it an excellent horn.

The other was a 1929 Melody Master stencil sitting in the corner of an antique shop. This one was a bit cleaner and is quite stunning now that it has been dipped and polished.

You can bet I'm going to be more open to taking more weekend trips with my wife! My two oldest son's have already claimed the horns and are quickly becoming Martin fantatics. The 13 year old is doing the overhaul on the Melody Master himself with a little supervision (he's watched and helped me do a few horns).

Just keeping the faith alive!

[Hurling Frootmig]

Great story. I'm always on the lookout for horns that need a good home but haven't had that kind of luck yet.

[Bootman]

Another fine service you have done here. Nice score too by the way.

[Stencilman]

Yes, a nice score but it would be nice if one was a tenor or C-mel (some people can't be happy :-) I now have 1928/1929 altos and sopranos coming out my ears: 4 altos and a Bb and a C soprano. Martin must have made a boatload of instruments those two years. With five very musical kids, they will all be put to good use.

[Bootman]

I once had a Martin Bari from this year range too. I have had plenty of altos from 1928/29. If you want to off load a Sop, let me know.

[Stencilman]

If you want to off load a Sop, let me know.Bootman, I'm sure you realize how funny that statement actually is and just forgot to include the :-)

I actually carry one of the sopranos to work everyday and play it for an hour before everyone arrives in the morning and then practice playing very, very softly during my lunch break. My little ones get serenaded every night after a bedtime story. I love them deeply - oh, and I love my kids too :-)

[Bootman]

stencilman,
I knew you would feel this way but I had to ask. :lol: :lol:

You never know unless you ask.

[noethew]

Hi,

couple of weeks ago I was on a gig and met anther saxplayer who was giging with another for the same venue.
I noticed immediatly that he did not play a standard tenor setup and went up to see what he was using.
I found out that it was THE MARTIN in silver with a Ponzol 2M MP. What a sound!!
In Switzerland Martins are not well known as there seems to be enough money around for MK VI's. I spoke with the guy and wanted to know his story about the horn.
He said that a couple years ago he was on a gig in a bar and saw a tenor sax hanging at the wall for decoration. He took it off the wall to find out about the working condition of the horn. He was so smacked about it that he played the whole gig with this horn.
He told me that four (!!) years later he went back to the same bar with the money in his pocket he got from selling his MK VI! He put the money on the bar and told the owner that this horn on the wall is no longer decoration.
I just loved the story when the proud owner of the Martin axe told me.
Ever since I am looking closer to decorations in music bars etc.

Werner

PS: Since that day I want a THE MARTIN alto (now giging with a soulfull Kohlert 57!)