What do you think about buying a Martin Imperial?

[Birinaite]

I'm abou to buy a Martin Imperial sn 1119xx. Is that a good horn? The keywork is that bad? And intonation???
I live in Brazil and everything is very expensive here so I want some opinions before leaving my city to try the horn :wink:

[garyinla]

That is a Handcraft Imperial, made in the early 1930's.
It is the model after the Handcraft Troubdador model) and before the Committee I.

It is a pro horn.

It has solid nickel keys for faster action.

The keywork is good.
The tuning is good.
The tone is good.

If the horn doesnt play well, it is a repair/rebuild issue.

If it is relacqoured, obviously it has less monetary value.

For the monetary valuation, you can look at comparable horns on ebay.

[basil b.]

I agree with Gary these are fabulous horns, I have two altos 110xxx and 111xxx and I can't part with either though I should sell one. They sound as good or better than anything out there. They are very heavy though.