King 1927 ‘KING’ Eb Baritone, Lacquer #90k (Archived)

1927 King Baritone Sax

(Plays OK on mixed pads! - easy low Bb on a quick blow test)

Here's a rare, early King baritone sax. The model is called the "King" and this one has a serial number in the middle-end of the run up to about #110k. True to this model it has a dedicated, rare G# that is not articulated with low C#. And the trait, for good or bad, is the non-removable neck. The sax is keyed to high-F3 and down to low-Bb. The King publications boasted about the designs of: double-G venting design (aka 2 pads); "the King slanting octave tone-hole is of the utmost value on this model. It eliminates all hissing and buzzing"; water key in the neck curl; and pearl octave touch to prevent tarnishing.

RESEARCH: This sax led me to verify some internet information. Publications from King do not include a Baritone keyed to high-F until 1927. The estimated serial number dating from online sites may date this at 1926(incorrect). Also, for available finishes, Lacquer was not offered, however, "highly polished brass" was offered. That is likely how this sax was originally sold.

Overall, this bari is in great condition! The only ones I've seen online are much more abused or damaged. The lacquer finish is very intact, and with a consistent color. Due to lacquer not being used on saxes until the 30s, I will venture this is still the original/first-time lacquer, yet, the color tells me it was probably done in the 1930s/40s. There are a few bumps and dents to find in the photos. There is one up in the neck curl that isn't too scary, and there's a few miscellaneous ones on the body (notably near the G pad; see photo). However, the bow and bell look excellent!  General mouthpiece recommendation: I haven't tested the sax with mouthpieces, but it is safe to assume the best intonation will come with a medium to large chamber mouthpiece design due to the era. When in doubt, go for the large chamber.

PADS: It was repaired here in WA by a previous shop, changing a few pads. Otherwise, there are many older pads without even a rivet.

CASE: Original! The latches and hinges all work; the handle has been replaced with rope. The case & sax do have some vintage smell starting that will need immediate attention. I would suggest sax-exterior wiping with a cleaner and some sunshine treatment too for sax and case. This case is truly worth all of your saving effort to match with the sax's need for a safe fit.

BONUS: Comes with Neotech harness.

Item: WWS.0W4.0W0.02232.3-C0