King 1939 ‘Zephyr’ Bb Tenor, Series I, #196k (Archived)

1939 King Zephyr Tenor, series 1

S#196,xxx, superb sounding earlier zephyr. Original Lacquer is very good, over 80%, matching serial number on the neck, thumb hook resoldered. The earlier the Zephyr, the darker and more vintage the tone, this one will sound beautiful. It's not mint, she has had her share of minor dings and dents--these will get burnished out and removed as best as I can offer. She is solid as a rock and will make a great horn for someone who can appreciate that sound! Three ring strap hook, G# trill key, eyebrow keyguards, square button accents on this early series. These vintage guys do have some 'challenging' tuning up in the high A-B-C range. A vintage mouthpiece has helped this notably. Comes with newer, rectangle wood case in great shape (it reminds me of the 70s vito era). It will get a "French Standard" rebuild, but substituted large flat metal reso's, for the selmer style plastic ones (aka, a WWS Vintage Standard Rebuild).
I want to offer this one as a very affordable "deal of the Spring"
for an aspiring player who can appreciate its little quirks and love the smoky, vintage tone.

Sound Files for you to enjoy:

 

Item #:WWS07.5S0.5191.4-0