Olds 1940s ‘Super’ Bb Tenor, Silver #1,08x (Archived)

F.E. Olds Super Tenor, Silver

Price: SOLD
  • Year: ~1938-45? (+/- 1941)
  • Make:  Olds
  • Model: Super
  • Status:  SOLD
  • Finish: Silver
  • Serial Number: 1,08x

The rare OLDS Super tenor sax - in superb condition!

These are strongly linked to Martins - think: Committee 1 & 2 blended. These are very well built saxes. There was a tone of love and craftsmanship in this era. This sax arrived in what I believe is likely the original pad setup from that era! - it is only a rivet in the pads, no resonators. The tone of it is thus muted and tubby. I should capture this for history's sake! At any rate, with a proper pad setup these will have a focused core tone and the small bore acts much like a Committee 1 & 2. The silver in very well intact, the neck has the matching serial number... CONS: There is solder evidence near the neck insert. My plan, address some of that on the body neck receiver, and silver plate any repairs (aka: make it awesome!). Otherwise, the sax is in excellent condition!

BEAUTY NOTE: I tried  capture the luster of the pearls - I couldn't with a camera! These pearls glimmer with a green/turquoise hue that is so beautiful. I've also taken extra photos for documentation; and you'll notice that I have anti-tarnished/polished a few areas as a test. Enjoy!

CASE: A vintage wood case, with a white/yellow interior fuzz; likely the original also! It's only in "OK+" shape. A horn of this caliber should demand a new case, but I hate to separate the original parts.

REBUILD: Included in the price is a WWS Standard Rebuild: Prestini Tan pads, Resos at 60%+ (flat nickel with rivet), natural cork throughout, plus extra love for OLDS keywork.  Ask me about special gold plating on the engraving or other ideas that we are considering. 

2016 added research (to be continued): Prior to growing internet knowledge, Sarge used his collection and experience to help with the history and profiles on saxes. This horn needs an update to documentation: The CA company employed a former Martin employee. Thus the strong link in design from Martin. Was is made by Martin?-No; but you can clearly see the direct similarities.

Sound Files:
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Track 1: Sarge Playing on: Buescher 400 TH&C vs. Conn Chu Berry vs. Olds "Super" (from his collection).

Item #:WWS1S0.2S0.00.661.7-0