Martin Troubadour Alto Newport Oregon – Brass Foghorn https://www.brassfoghorn.com Vintage Saxophones Mon, 27 Jul 2026 23:02:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://www.brassfoghorn.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/cropped-Site_id-32x32.jpg Martin Troubadour Alto Newport Oregon – Brass Foghorn https://www.brassfoghorn.com 32 32 1933 Martin Troubadour Alto https://www.brassfoghorn.com/product/1933-martin-troubadour-alto/ https://www.brassfoghorn.com/product/1933-martin-troubadour-alto/#respond Wed, 05 Feb 2025 21:25:23 +0000 https://www.brassfoghorn.com/?post_type=product&p=650 This 1933 Martin Troubadour is a vintage masterpiece in exceptional condition. Featuring what appears to be its original lacquer with no dents, the horn has been fully inspected and cleared by our service department. It delivers that iconic, soulful "Martin sound" and plays beautifully across the registers.
Included with the saxophone:
  • Matching neck and original case
  • Mouthpiece, ligature, and cap
  • End plug
Condition & Authenticity
A well-preserved specimen featuring original finish and a dent-free body.
The lacquer on this 1933 model is in remarkable shape, retaining the character and aesthetic of the era. Our professional service technicians have thoroughly vetted the instrument, ensuring it is structurally sound and ready for performance.
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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 
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