[luna7580]

I just bought a horn off ebay. It says it's a martin handcraft stencil harmony with a serial # of 1915 lp. I haven't played in a few years and I miss playing so I bought this one because I liked it and it looks like something that wont take much work and time. I'm only playing for my own pleasure at home. Can someone take a look and tell me what they think of this horn?

i tried to include the link from ebay, if it doesnt work then i have pics i can email:if you copy & paste, it will take you the listing.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230191399829&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:CA:1123

 

[bruce bailey]

This probably was built at the Indiana Band Inst. Co. after they were bought by Martin in 1928. It has the aux Eb on the front rather than the rear which is much better as it is a direct action. Probably does not have the high C# adjuster which may make C#3 and D3 sharp. Basically similar to a HC series 2 with that key modification on Eb. I have the same horn marked Indiana and it was made in 1933 and I would put yours in that area.

 

[luna7580]

i'll be receiving my sax in the next week or so, i spoke to the seller directly and he said i may have to adjust the pads but it is in almost ready to play condition. thank you for replying

 

[hgrail]

Nice looking horn. I've got a Handcraft from this era - it has a great sound and plays well with a fairly open Vanduren mpc. The keywork is good too once adjusted properly. The palm keys were a bit low for my liking - but they were easy to get used to (I'm too lazy to get risers I guess)

Get it adjusted by a tech once you receive it. Otherwise it may not be playing at it's best and you may be (unneccisarily) dissapointed.

"Ready to play" - yeah, I've heard that before...

 

[luna7580]

i've only played on selmer's and from what i've been reading it seems like this is going to be something i'm going to like....about the mpc, i've been reading something about mpc with a "large open chamber" should be used on old sax's like these....can you tell me what is meant by that???

 

[bruce bailey]

The old mouthpieces of the time are really fat inside. It is really not that important on the horn you are getting as anything will get good results. I use a Selmer Super Session and it is perfect.

 

[bruce bailey]

Also, even if the pads are not perfect, these play well with older rivet pads. I have one with original 1932 pads and it plays as well as one with new pads.

 

[luna7580]

thank you for the information.....I can't wait to see what she plays like....

 

[betelsax]

I have a Handcraft from the same era. A Meyer 5 mouthpiece is a perfect fit for me and might just work for you...