[Mando]

I’m looking at an Armstrong tenor sax for sale locally. The horn is marked Elkhardt, Indiana, and the serial number is 31-18578. Searches on this site re: serial numbers haven’t given me the solid dating I’d like. One interpretation of the numbering system suggests 1981: 31 + 50 = (19)81. The seller says it is “more than 20 years old”. Can any one help provide something more certain, please? It is a student/intermediate horn with good tone, as I understand. Many thanks.

 

[milandro]

Well, without pictures I am not sure that it is possible to make a positive identification , many Armstrongs were based on the toneking IV Keilwerth design and may very well be made in the ’80. However, despite being good players their value is lower than the Keilwerth models they are based upon. Also the same horns were sold as Conn too.

Frankly speaking , if yours is one of these, establishing the exact era is rather immaterial in terms ov value. As for playing, well, play it if you can, and they can be good players. I am afraid that value is (assuming I have got this right) not great

 

[Mando]

“Frankly speaking , if yours is one of these, establishing the exact era is rather immaterial in terms ov value. As for playing, well, play it if you can, and they can be good players. I am afraid that value is (assuming I have got this right) not great.” Thanks, Milandro. Makes perfect sense. My question was curiosity-driven more than anything. At best, I’m looking for a decent student tenor that I can recoup my money on when I decide trying to learn tenor at the same time I’m learning alto is a bad idea! And from what I’ve learned on this site about who makes/made specific saxophone “brands”, I thought I’d ask for guidance.

 

[ZootTheSim]

Does your tenor have a model number, Mando? Mine's a 3055T, which I believe is later than yours--maybe from the '90s or even the early 2000s. But wow, what a great tone once it's warmed up! I sometimes consider selling it, but it was my first tenor, and I can't bring myself to let it go.

 

[Mando]

Thanks for your reply, Zoot. I went ahead with the purchase, but can now say that there is no model # anywhere on the horn. Only the serial number and the Armstrong name with Elkhart, Ind, USA. It will likely not have the tone you describe in yours, but I plan to have a lot of fun with it. Happy to hear how pleased you are with your 3055T.

 

[ZootTheSim]

Yeah, my Armstrong ("Stretch") is such a fun horn. Congrats on your new tenor, Mando! And please do post some pics, if only to help the intrepid milandro make an identification.