martin committee tenor

[markwigginton]

I have my eye on a martin committee, he says searchlight tenor. He says it has all good pads, no work needing to be done, ithas a lot of lacquer wear.. he wans $750.00 is that a good price?

[candiceartisan]

Are you kidding!! That's a great price, if it's in the condition he says. If you don't buy it, let me know how to contact the owner.

[milandro]

snatch it ! :)

[Dave dix]

They are great horns, small bell and very punchy and nice altisimo
Dave

[SaxColossusJR]

buy it!!I have seen them go on EBAY for $1500 +

[markwigginton]

i bought it! will keep you informed. my first martin.. also bought a 198xxx martin tenor 95% lacquer, all good pads, all original second owner.. he sold it for $950.. hope i got a good deal

[Dave dix]

I see GAS is very addictive!!!¬
Dave

[markwigginton]

what does GAS mean? i see posts with it all the time but am not sure at all what people are referring to

[jthole]

what does GAS mean? i see posts with it all the time but am not sure at all what people are referring to

The psychological condition common to photographers and musicians (woe me, I am both ;) ):

Gear Acquisition Syndrome :)

[Bernards20040]

what does GAS mean? i see posts with it all the time but am not sure at all what people are referring to

Gear Aquisition Syndrome
Looks like you have caught it;)

[markwigginton]

Well I don't like to confess negative reports over myself but I will say that I "thoroughly enjoy seeking out and purchasing saxophones until the wee hours of the morning"

[Jazz Is All]

Well I don't like to confess negative reports over myself but I will say that I "thoroughly enjoy seeking out and purchasing saxophones until the wee hours of the morning"

I think I caught that GASous disease from this forum, haven't bought yet but doing heavy midnight seeking. The movie of it ought to be called "Desperately Seeking Saxes".:D

[bruce bailey]

It is worse here in Florida. I got rid of 4 saxes this month BUT bought 5 more.

[Hotspur]

If its in good condition its a steal I know people who want alot more for theres like 1-2 grand more

[Dave dix]

They are nice horns and very playablewith great altissimo. Glad to see the price rising as i have a beaut of a tenor searchlight model
Dave

[Bootman]

A very under rated horn. They play great and have a bigger sound than you would expect from a small bell horn. Enjoy your first Martin experience.

[potiphar]

They are nice horns and very playablewith great altissimo. Glad to see the price rising as i have a beaut of a tenor searchlight model
Dave

Not as good as mine, Dave!

[Dave dix]

Oh yes it is and if you dont believe me i will have to come over and proove it!!
Dave

[potiphar]

Oh yeah? Well any time mate, any time... only make it quick before the government make me pay to work overtime!!!

[Jazz Is All]

Am I crazy? I may have to claim the devil made me do it, cause my wife is gonna blow a gasket, :shock: but I just bought a The "Martin" Tenor on Ebay, S/N 153,xxx for $1600. I was only window shopping a myraid of saxes to learn and get ideas mind you, and looking for an alto for much less, but now I know what GAS is cause the more I read about The Martin Tenor on Sax Pics, the Martin site, Sax Gourmet, here and elsewhere, it looked too good to pass up. (Well, alot of horns do too, but I had to start somewhere.)

I've always loved the tenor sound anyway, and although this is not as vintage as a Conn naked lady, or a searchlight, or one of those incredibly engraved models, it has tons of class and hopefully a great sound. I'm hoping for a longtime love affair here.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Martin-Tenor-Saxophone_W0QQitemZ250198969605QQihZ015QQcategoryZ 119030QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Only doubts I have are if it is as shiny and pristine as it looks in the pics from a recent relaq job, or really was cared for as the seller claims. Seller said not relaquered to his knowledge, but in the photos the engraving doesn't stand out as much as I've seen elsewhere. Maybe I should have asked here first but I didn't want to lose out to you big time gas guzzlers here.

Anyway the pads look new, so Was I right in thinking that even if it needs a bit of adjustment it still will be a great deal?? I paid a lot less than the $2900 Steve at Sax Gourmet values it at or even the $2000 that a similar one is going for on WW Sax. Or is that all just rationalizing? Sure hope this isn't an expensive mistake.

Now I'll need to find a mouthpiece for it and think I am going to settle for a Rico Royal large chamber 3 for the low price until I can afford something else. Would that be a good fit for a round, mellow lush sound or should I get the small chamber to brighten it up since the Martin is deep voiced anyway? I'm mostly into jazz and aside from Sonny Rollins and Dexter, I really love Johnny Griffin's sound and most of all, Joe Henderson. Thinking of medium facing and not too open cause a tenor is gonna need a lot more wind than my alto, and I will have to work up to it. I know that mileage varies on setups, so quesstimates are all I'm asking about .Thanks for any input..:)

[bruce bailey]

I was an early bidder on that one but since I got a gold plated HC a few weeks ago (and getting ready to sell my Chu tenor) I just couldn't go too high. I think you got a good one and if it IS a relacquer, it is a really good one. Since Martins are famous for bad lacquer I feel that relacs are OK. I have a 1961 alto that has pretty nice lacquer and looks stange without the dark spots! You will really enjoy it!

[trebek59]

RE: Jazz is All: Stay away from small chambered pieces on martins. At least in my experience, the larger chambered mpieces seem to perform much better, especially intonation wise.

[rispoli]

Anyway the pads look new, so Was I right in thinking that even if it needs a bit of adjustment it still will be a great deal?? Sure hope this isn't an expensive mistake.

I am sure it's a relacquer, looks identical to my favorite one (out of 5 I used to own) and, if it does not need much to be in top playing shape, I think you bought it for a good price on the base of its shape ad very desirable serial range.
It's hard to say if it needs nothing from photos: pads may be new but inappropriate ones (thick) or not placed well by a sloppy tech (I've seen many cases). Also tone holes must be checked since they are soldered and somehow delicate on Martins: chances are that some may need leveling.

Other than that, the relacquer may affect its resale value but not necessarily the way it plays. Like I said, my pesonal pick out of 5 was a relacquer completely rebuilt. Some saxophones benefit from a whole rebuild and, when the lacquer coat is in poor shape, many owners opt for a rebuild + relacquer job. Yours looks not overbuffed (but check also the tone holes: you can spot there too a good relacquer job, not just by the engravings).
Expect unmatched warmth from it, especially if equipped with plastic resonators (metal will give you more volume but at the expense of a bit of warmth, in my experience: not a bad option but not my personal favorite). I think also a BA or SBA can give you similar warmth, but in another price range...
So congratulations ad good luck. I look forward to see you joining the Martin club...

[Jazz Is All]

Thank you for the encouraging words. Paid for it today and still have butterflies in my stomach. I have a good tech here if it should need any work but I´ve got everything crossed hoping that it is just fine as is.

As to the sound, I´m not sure what resonators it has, but will find out. I would love a deep, warm, smokey almost throaty sound if I can get that. So I am surmising from the advice to do that I should go with a HR piece rather than metal w/ a large chamber like maybe an Ebolin, a morgan or a vandoren Optimum, although for $ reasons (now) I think I have to try the $15 Rico Royal Graftonite large chamber in a 3 or 5 (I the latter isn´t too open for my lung power).

Any opinions?:)

[potiphar]

Thank you for the encouraging words. Paid for it today and still have butterflies in my stomach. I have a good tech here if it should need any work but I´ve got everything crossed hoping that it is just fine as is.

As to the sound, I´m not sure what resonators it has, but will find out. I would love a deep, warm, smokey almost throaty sound if I can get that. So I am surmising from the advice to do that I should go with a HR piece rather than metal w/ a large chamber like maybe an Ebolin, a morgan or a vandoren Optimum, although for $ reasons (now) I think I have to try the $15 Rico Royal Graftonite large chamber in a 3 or 5 (I the latter isn´t too open for my lung power).

Any opinions?:)

Consider a metal Link as they go well with Martins - as smoky and as throaty as you could wish, for me.

[pc1234]

Thank you for the encouraging words. Paid for it today and still have butterflies in my stomach. I have a good tech here if it should need any work but I´ve got everything crossed hoping that it is just fine as is.

As to the sound, I´m not sure what resonators it has, but will find out. I would love a deep, warm, smokey almost throaty sound if I can get that. So I am surmising from the advice to do that I should go with a HR piece rather than metal w/ a large chamber like maybe an Ebolin, a morgan or a vandoren Optimum, although for $ reasons (now) I think I have to try the $15 Rico Royal Graftonite large chamber in a 3 or 5 (I the latter isn´t too open for my lung power).

Any opinions?:)

I can't offer any advice re: the Graftonite based on direct personal experience, but when you do work your way up to a higher priced mouthpiece, a Morgan large chamber (I play a Morgan 7L on my HC Committee II tenor) should work very well on that horn. I have also heard others say that Otto Links are a nice match. Before I switched to the Morgan, I played a Link copy in HR (the Kessler OL7 Pro) and it had a terrific sound. I had a slightly easier time with the intonation up high when I used the larger-chambered Morgan, however, so I made the switch.

I'll also echo the opinions re: relacquers above. Not as much of a concern with Martins because they are so heavy to begin with, and actually it can be a plus because the original lacquer wears away so easily on these horns.

Re: resonators - I have flat brass resonators on my tenor and it seems to be able to provide plenty of warmth or power when I need it. Maybe it's crazy, but I have noticed the difference in warmth vs. power much moreso with the Martin altos, depending on the resonator set-up, than I have with the tenors. I much prefer Martin altos (of any vintage) to have plastic resonators, because you get more of that 'silky' sound with them - brass, to me, appears to flatten out the sound a bit and make it just a tad more generic (albeit louder). The tenors seem to be so darn good, however, that it doesn't appear to matter which resonators you use. That's my experience, anyway.

[jazzcat58]

You did really well!,i bought one recently "the martin tenor 62 and paid over 2000dollars, but saying that it is absolutely immaculate, i mean no scratches blemishes dents etc.
I knew that when i got it though and it really does play well!! i did,nt mind paying the extra as i wanted an A1 example.
As far as mouthpieces are concerned the links i agree with but i am using a guardalaLT king which is wicked,especially for that r,n b sound.

[jazzcat58]

You did really well!,i bought one recently "the martin tenor 62 and paid over 2000dollars, but saying that it is absolutely immaculate, i mean no scratches blemishes dents etc.
I knew that when i got it though and it really does play well!! i did,nt mind paying the extra as i wanted an A1 example.
As far as mouthpieces are concerned the links i agree with but i am using a guardalaLT king which is wicked,especially for that r,n b sound.

[bruce bailey]

I just got a Rico B5 to try since everyone here seems to like them. Great mouthpiece. It may upstage my Link HR and Tonalite. Works well on both my Martin and Conn.

[Swampcabbage]

I play a Berg 100/1 M on my Martin Tenor and really enjoy a quick response and lush tone.

[rispoli]

I think I have to try the $15 Rico Royal Graftonite large chamber in a 3 or 5 (I the latter isn´t too open for my lung power).

Any opinions?:)

Get the Rico Royal B5: it's outstanding on my Martin (and not just that).
It's a standard 6* opening, very comfortable to play with a Vandoren traditional 2.5 or 3.

[Jazz Is All]

I am sure it's a relacquer, looks identical to my favorite one (out of 5 I used to own) and, if it does not need much to be in top playing shape, I think you bought it for a good price on the base of its shape ad very desirable serial range.

It's hard to say if it needs nothing from photos: pads may be new but inappropriate ones (thick) or not placed well by a sloppy tech (I've seen many cases).
Expect unmatched warmth from it, especially if equipped with plastic resonators (metal will give you more volume but at the expense of a bit of warmth, in my experience: not a bad option but not my personal favorite).

I look forward to see you joining the Martin club...

I looked at the large size photos closely again and from what I can see the resonators look like brass, or metal, and not the plastic ones. But there seems to be a difference of opinion here about the effect of that on the sound, so I'll have to give it time and see how I like it.

http://i16.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/cd/30/2ba5_3.JPG

Do you really think the pads look wrong, inappropriate, sloppy or too thick? I don´t mind paying for an adjustment but I sure don´t want to have to shell out for a repad just yet.

And thanks for the the warm welcome to the Martin club, I am certainly looking forward to the experience for a long time to come:) .

[rispoli]

With regard to resonators, I meant to say that flat metal ones take away a bit of warmth, not all for sure. Might be worse with domed metal perhaps (I have no experience with those on Martins).

Pads look right but I can't really tell if they sit properly. Doesn't really look in need for a repad, very likely you'll be fine with a few tweaks.

[Jazz Is All]

With regard to resonators, I meant to say that flat metal ones take away a bit of warmth, not all for sure. Might be worse with domed metal perhaps (I have no experience with those on Martins).

Pads look right but I can't really tell if they sit properly. Doesn't really look in need for a repad, very likely you'll be fine with a few tweaks.

Wheeeeeeew (sigh of relief)

BTW, love your avatar. There was a big exhibition of Kandinsky here about 10 years ago that I still have vivid memories from.

Get the Rico Royal B5: it's outstanding on my Martin (and not just that).
It's a standard 6* opening, very comfortable to play with a Vandoren traditional 2.5 or 3.
I have already been shopping for a Graftonite for my alto and was going to try both the B3 and the B5. My horn came with a Kessler Selmer C* clone which I intuitively feel is not the best piece for jazz or for me. I recently read that the square chamber is the problem and a bad design acoustically and what you need for a responsive easy blowing piece is a round chamber. The Ricos have that.

Since the Kessler clone is a .065 I figured the B5 at .080 might be too big a jump in opening, so was going to start with the B3 first. As to reeds, I have just moved up to #3 reeds (vandoren blue, ZZ, PlastiCover) after being unable to tongue the palm key notes with my 2s and 2.5s. No problem blowing the entire natural range of the sax now with the 3s after a bit of prep. I´m getting both low Bb and B and the high notes at will, although I still have to work on my intonation up there.

So in going to the Martin Tenor, I was going to do the same thing and start with a 3 facing, particularly until my lung power is up to the job of playing a tenor. I don´t want to have the added challenge of blowing a bigger opening too. Of course in that case I could play softer reeds (1.5, 2) to start I suppose, and equalize the playing field. Is my take on it correct?

--Also, what effect does the size of the chamber have on the ease of blowing with one particular tip opening? Is the big chamber more work to blow than the small one, or is it the reverse, with the small offering more resistance through a narrower channel?

--Any ideas on a lig for the Martin? I was thinking of trying a regular old Selmer 2 screw to start off and then maybe get the cheapest model FL. I use a Rovner light on my alto and liked it, but now I find that unless I play with the adjustment of the tightness of the screw and get it just right the reed either leaks and sounds too scratchy or is too muffled sounding. constantly tweaking it to get the right spot. When I use a Rico Plasticover it is less apparent because they are so bright it´s hard to muffle them and I have to crank the sucker down anyway to get a good pop test because the plastic doesn´t absorb water. Today I actually sanded the facing of one to make it smoother and seat better. I like that PC sound at times but for mellower tones generally prefer cane.

--And finally, (sorry for the long posts and all the questions) shouldn´t I go for the A chamber, given that a number of people here said that a big chamber works best? Or is the B, big enough?

I sure appreciate the feedback from all the members of SOTW which helps in the day to day of playing and learning.

[rispoli]

I don't find a lot of difference in the way the A,B,C chambers blow in the same opening. I am a lazy blower and not so experienced player: the 5 opening with a 2.5 Vandoren traditional suits me very well.
Given the very low price you might order both a 3 and 5 opening, perhaps an A3 and a B5. You can find them brand new on Ebay for 12.99$.
As ligature I use a Vandoren Optimum: also the Vandoren Masters suits them very well.

[Blowhard2]

You have a bargain !
I bought one 10yrs ago in UK ( my first tenor ) for $1200, needing a full repad!, but from a retired pro, who had used it for 40 yrs!
It had little lacquer left, is amazingly light in weight , has a small bell, but produces a wonderful bottom end sound with a Link bakelite , or metal 7 facing with 2 1/2 reeds!.
The pinky keys take some getting used to, and I still play mine, and hanker after that sound , but now find my Mk7 better ergonomically ( for me!).

[bruce bailey]

Those do look to be metal resonators. Keep in mind that the early Martins had rivets and the ones like yours came with metals. The pads look pretty good to me so you may get by with just a little tweeking. I generally don't repad unless a third or more are bad. Most often changing the palm and low Eb pads will get you by. Rest easy!

[candiceartisan]

Pads look good, but they might be slightly too big. Could look that way because of the picture being taken at an angle. A vintage metal Link is the way to go on a Martin. You'll love the sound!
Candy

[Jazz Is All]

Pads look good, but they might be slightly too big. Could look that way because of the picture being taken at an angle. A vintage metal Link is the way to go on a Martin. You'll love the sound!
Candy
What about a Brilhart level air 7, have you ever played one of those and does it compare to the link or at least will it be a good match for the Martin? Also considering an Ebolin. What do you think? then again for the price of either of those I could buy several Graftonites, which if the difference in response isn't great would be the more cost effective way to go. Any opinions?

[Dave dix]

A lever air will cut your head off. I use one every know and then when i need to get past the git on guitar but my main piece is a metal lawton 7*B which is fabulous for all styles and works on all my horns from chu, new wonder, 10m,pan am, true tone,156 ,S1 aristo,searchlights,committee,typewriter and a mk7 all tenors
Dave

[olhonker]

Hey Jazz, It looks like you got a great deal, the horn looks in great condition, since I ahve one and it is the best ! You will be happy, I use an old Steve Broadus, 4* 3 12 reed, or good too is a 3-4 * Brilhart HR, with a 2 1/2 Rico plasticover??. Good Luck, BB

[-88-]

JazzIsAll:
Two things 1) I now have two Martins. One I bought from Rispoli. A very nice playing Martin indeed. It has brown plastic resonators. I just acquired another Martin that is a closet horn in perfect condition. It has flat metal resonators. The difference between the two is noticeable, but not by much. Yes, the plastic resonators are *slightly* warmer. Rispoli is right about that. But, the difference is not enough to go making any changes. Frankly I really like both horns (damn!). But that brings me to point number two. 2) I started using a hard rubber Morgan 9L and it rivets the ear in a flood of dark round beauty. The Morgan 9L is a large chamber piece that seems paired in heaven for the Martin. That said, I hasten to add that I also started using an Amma on it too. Man. We are lucky to be alive in these times! You will find Morgans at junkdude.com


So the Martins are right up there with my SBA's for quality of sound. You got great bargains alright.