Martin – Brass Foghorn

1929 Martin “Typewriter” Alto

Marty Ondricka — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 02:03:05 +0000

Up for sale is a stunning, collector-grade piece of saxophone history: a 1929 Martin Handcraft Master “Typewriter” Alto Saxophone (Serial #93134).

The “Typewriter” is one of the most famous and visually striking transitional saxophones ever made, produced for only a short window in the late 1920s and early 1930s. It gets its legendary nickname from the distinctive, round mother-of-pearl button inlays on nearly every key touch—resembling a vintage typewriter.

Condition & Playability

Fresh Professional Overhaul: This horn is 100% gig-ready. It has just received a complete top-to-bottom professional overhaul featuring brand new Music Medic Neo pads, corks, and meticulous mechanical adjustments. You will not need to spend a dime at a repair shop; it plays effortlessly from top to bottom with that fat, dark, resonant vintage Martin sound.
100% Intact Pearls: The biggest risk with buying a Typewriter model is missing or damaged key pearls, which are nearly impossible to replace. Every single round mother-of-pearl button on this horn is original, fully intact, and crack-free.
Original Silver Plating: The saxophone features its beautiful original silver-plated finish, Over 99% intact, a scratch near the thumb hook and 2 light scuffs on the lower bell.

What’s Included

1929 Martin “Typewriter” Alto Saxophone (Serial #93134)
Vintage Case
Original Martin #2 Mouthpiece with ligature
end plug

Martin Committee II Alto 1940

Marty Ondricka — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:11:02 +0000

The Martin Committee II alto saxophone from 1940 is a rare, pre-WWII vintage American horn produced in Elkhart, Indiana, featuring a distinctive “Lion & Crown” bell engraving, warm sound, and an estimated value between $1,000 and $3,500 depending on condition.

Design and Build Characteristics

Serial Numbers: A 1940 model typically falls in the roughly 133,000 to 139,000 serial range.

Engraving: Distinctive art-deco lion and crown graphic stamped on the bell.

Mechanics: Includes an adjustable thumb rest, solid nickel-silver keywork, and an advanced octave mechanism with pitch adjustment for second-octave C#.
Tone Holes: Employs tapered, beveled tone holes characteristic of vintage Martin craftsmanship.
Construction: Thick-walled brass body giving it a robust build, though delicate original lacquer often shows wear or burn.

Tone and Playability

Sound Profile: Known for a big, warm, and refined dark tone rather than a loud, aggressive commercial tone.
Intonation: Balanced scale and reliable intonation across registers, making it popular for jazz ballads and small groups

Condition
We rate each horn’s condition. Any defects are noted here. Each criteria is on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being poor condition and 10 being perfect.

- Body (dents, deep scratches, etc.) – 10 Perfect, no dents or deep scratches
- Finish (lacquer, silver plate, paint, etc.) – 10 No lacquer, beautiful patina
- Previous repairs (soldered posts, dent work, etc.) – 10 None noted
- Accessories (case, mouthpiece, etc.) – 9 Minimal wear on case
- Playability (leaks, sticky keys, etc.) – 10 Freshly rebuilt plays like new.

Selmer Manhatten Tenor 1935

Marty Ondricka — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 22:41:23 +0000

The Selmer Manhattan tenor saxophone from the 1930s is a “stencil” saxophone made by the Martin Band Instrument Company for Selmer USA. During this era, Selmer USA commissioned American manufacturers to build budget-friendly horns stamped with proprietary names like “Manhattan” or “New York”. Rather than featuring French engineering, it is structurally a Martin Handcraft model under the hood.

Key Features & Design

Beveled Tone Holes: This is the ultimate “smoking gun” for identification. Martin was the only manufacturer that used thick, soldered-on, beveled (tapered) tone holes.
The Body Tube: The saxophone utilizes the heavy-gauge brass body tube blueprint of the Martin Handcraft series.
Keywork Layout: As a 1930s stencil, it typically uses slightly older or simplified Martin key configurations to keep production costs down. It lacks the modern ergonomics of later Selmer Paris horns (like the Balanced Action or Mark VI).
Engraving: The bell is stamped with “Selmer Manhattan” or features Manhattan-themed branding rather than the traditional Martin crest.

Sound and Playability

Because it is built on a Martin platform, it does not sound like a focused, laser-like French Selmer. Instead, it delivers the iconic “American Vintage” sound:

Big and Fat Low End: Martin horns are legendary for massive, broad, and velvety low registers ($B\flat$ and B).
Dark and Resonant Core: It yields a spread, warm, and dark tone. When pushed with a small-chamber mouthpiece, it can easily take on a gritty, piercing R&B or Rock & Roll character.

Collector and Market Value

Affordable Entry to Vintage Sound: Because it bears a stencil name, it does not command the high price tags of a true “The Martin Tenor” or a Selmer Paris horn. It typically sells for under $1,000in un-restored condition, $1200 to $2000 restored and working.
Repair Warning: The soldered, beveled tone holes can occasionally develop leaks if the original solder deteriorates. Repairing them requires a specialized technician experienced in vintage saxophones, which can make overhauls costly
Condition
We rate each horn’s condition. Any defects are noted here. Each criteria is on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being poor condition and 10 being perfect.
- Body (dents, deep scratches, etc.) – 8– Dimple size dents throughout
- Finish (lacquer, silver plate, paint, etc.) – 8 – Lacquer wear
- Previous repairs (soldered posts, dent work, etc.) – 9– a couple of key guards may have been re-soldered.
- Accessories (case, mouthpiece, etc.) – 8 – case is decent
- Playability (leaks, sticky keys, etc.) – 10 – Fresh overhaul, plays like new

Martin Committee I

Marty Ondricka — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 23:24:43 +0000

This 1935 Martin Committee alto saxophone is a masterclass in vintage craftsmanship, handmade in Elkhart, Indiana. Famous for its signature rich, warm resonance and iconic eagle-and-skyline engraving, this horn has been professionally serviced and plays with the response of a brand-new instrument.

While it was re-lacquered in the past, the finish remains in stunning condition. The body is remarkably clean, showing no signs of dents or previous repairs. This is a battle-tested classic that is ready for many more years of performance.

Included with purchase:

Martin Committee Saxophone
Mouthpiece & Ligature
Hard-shell Case

Hand-built in 1935 during the golden era of Indiana instrument manufacturing, this "Committee" model has undergone a full professional service. Mechanically, it performs like a modern horn while maintaining the dark, soulful tonal characteristics that collectors and jazz players seek. The absence of past structural repairs or dents ensures the acoustic integrity remains uncompromised.

Aesthetic Condition:

Lacquer is shinny and smooth, It looks very good. The engraving is faint but visible. Looks amazing for a sax that is 90 plus years old!

Martin Comittee III Alto

Marty Ondricka — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:15:51 +0000

The

Martin Committee III, famously engraved as “The Martin Alto,” is a legendary professional saxophone manufactured by the Martin Band Instrument Company during its “Golden Era” in Elkhart, Indiana (roughly 1945–1960s). It is highly sought after by jazz musicians for its thick, smoky, and powerful tone that many modern horns cannot replicate.

Key Features & Character

Sound Profile: Known for a massive, lush, and “dark” sound with exceptional projection. It is often described as “singing” and “rich,” making it a favorite for solo jazz and big band work.
Construction: Features soldered tone holes (rather than drawn), which many believe contributes to its resonance and unique sonic character.
Ergonomics: While vintage, the keywork is generally considered comfortable and responsive, though it lacks modern features like a dedicated high F# key found on contemporary saxophones.
Visuals: Typically features a beautiful honey-gold lacquer and elaborate floral engraving on the bell.

Current Market & Availability

These instruments are no longer in production, so they are primarily found through vintage dealers and auction sites. Prices vary significantly based on condition and restoration status.

Important Considerations for Buyers

Matching Serial Numbers: Check that the serial number on the neck matches the body; this is crucial for the horn’s acoustic integrity and its value as a collector’s item.
Original vs. Relacquer: Horns with original lacquer generally command higher prices among collectors.
Maintenance: Due to their age, many “as-is” listings will require a “re-pad” or “overhaul” (which can cost several hundred dollars) to be in peak playing condition.
Mouthpiece Pairing: Owners often recommend pairing it with vintage-style mouthpieces like a Meyer 5M or Otto Link to complement its warm character.

Condition
We rate each horn’s condition. Any defects are noted here. Each criteria is on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being poor condition and 10 being perfect.

Body (dents, deep scratches, etc.) – 10
Finish (lacquer, silver plate, paint, etc.) – 10 – Raw brass with great patina
Previous repairs (soldered posts, dent work, etc.) – 10 none noted
Accessories (case, mouthpiece, etc.) – 9
Playability (leaks, sticky keys, etc.) – 10

Martin Indiana

Marty Ondricka — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 22:46:43 +0000

This 1959 Martin Indiana Deluxe is a true collector's find, featuring the iconic heart-shaped left-hand thumb rest and an adjustable right-hand hook. This particular model is the most desirable version of the Indiana line, preserved in stunning condition with its original, lustrous lacquer and intricate engraving.

Freshly serviced and playing like a brand-new instrument, this horn is as much a joy to perform with as it is to look at. It comes complete with a high-quality vintage hard case, a Bundy II mouthpiece, and a ligature.

Key Features

Details on the unique hardware and aesthetic of this 1959 model.

Model: Martin Indiana Deluxe (1959).
Ergonomics: Signature heart-shaped thumb rest and adjustable right-hand thumb hook.
Aesthetics: Mostly intact original lacquer with elaborate, shiny engraving.
Condition: Recently serviced; plays with the response and reliability of a new horn.

1933 Martin Troubadour Alto

Brass Foghorn — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 21:25:23 +0000

The Martin Handcraft Troubadour is a rare and unique vintage saxophone produced by the Martin Band Instrument Company between 1931 and 1934 (serial numbers approximately 101,622 to 108,300). It is highly regarded by collectors for its “freaky” and innovative key mechanism, specifically on the alto models.

Key Features

Unique Palm Key Mechanism: On the alto, it features only two right-hand palm keys that perform the work of three. It eliminates the traditional altissimo E/F vent key by using a double spring that activates the chromatic side C key as the vent for high notes.
Physical Build: These horns are known for being exceptionally heavy and ruggedly constructed compared to other Martin models. They typically feature beveled tone holes, a signature Martin design intended to provide a better seal for the pads.
Sound Profile: Players describe the Troubadour as having a powerful, even intonation into the altissimo range, with a “vintage sound” characteristic of old Martin horns.
Aesthetics: The Troubadour often came in silver plate or exquisite gold plate artist models with intricate floral engravings.

Comparison to Other Martin Models

The Troubadour was a short-lived model that bridged the gap between the famous “Typewriter” and the later “Imperial” and “Committee” series.

Model	Production Years	Notable Feature
Typewriter	1929–1931	Circular pearl keys resembling a typewriter.
Troubadour	1931–1934	2-key RH palm system on altos.
Imperial	1934–1936	First Martin with bell keys on the same side (left).
The Martin	1945–1963	Considered the “pro” standard with a dark, smoky jazz sound.

While primarily an alto model, there are recorded baritone saxophones in the Troubadour serial range, though they often retained standard Handcraft keywork rather than the unique Troubadour palm keys.

Condition
We rate each horn’s condition. Any defects are noted here. Each criteria is on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being poor condition and 10 being perfect.

Body (dents, deep scratches, etc.) – 10
Finish (lacquer, silver plate, paint, etc.) – 9 – Looks like original lacquer
Previous repairs (soldered posts, dent work, etc.) – 10 none noted
Accessories (case, mouthpiece, etc.) – 9
Playability (leaks, sticky keys, etc.) – 10