Category Archives: Saxophones

Archived Saxophones

Selmer 1929 ‘Model 26’ Eb Alto, #10,6xx (Archived)

SOLD - An undervalued 1920s sax that plays awesome. This sax had work done here at WWS in 9/2017 where we did a Full Disassembly and new oils everywhere, as well as gave it a necessary tuneup. It has a modified Bb1 pinky lever from the previous owner -- to help with classical studies.
FINISH: Bare Brass. I do suspect that the sax was relacquered (or at least a light buffing) prior to its current finish.
ERGOS: Although from the early selmer era, the ergos are not as bad on alto as they feel on tenor. Only potential complaint may be the pearl G#. Otherwise, the previous owner used it for classical studies through school!
CASE: A tri-pack selmer case in excellent condition! Protected by the leather wrap, the wear and tear on on the handles and the wrap. the case is very well preserved. 
PADS: Sax has good pads, tons of life left with plastic resos.
TONE: a "crisp" vintage tone. This is not as smooth as the later Selmer that most people may know. More power than a Buescher, and a little less depth/spread/richness than a Conn 6M.

Read More

Conn 1926 ‘New Wonder II – “Chu Berry”‘ Bb Tenor, Gold Plate Portrait #186k (Archived)

SOLD - The gold plating looks to be about 70% intact and the photos will help see her beauty. No need to talk this resume up - I'm sure you know how special these are. Highly sought after 1) GOLD 2) PORTRAIT model 3) "Chu Berry" Tenor. Overall condition is "very good". The pearls are not heavily worn either. Wear on the gold is present on the touch points as you'd expect; plus the thumb hook and palm holding zone across the bell front. I see 2 solders (both F-3 palm posts), and some mild repairs to the neck, as well as neck finish. The neck looks like it got 're-gold plate'. Please ask me how you would like me to address the gold finish throughout, as I can do some spot plating on the thinner areas (NOTE: we would want to do several areas if you chose to do this.) CASE: Original hard in moderate condition, due to age etc. REBUILD: Needed. I recommend our Vintage Standard Rebuild unless you want something with more of an upgrade to blow the doors down. Item #:WWS2W5.0W7.1271.6-0

Read More

Martin 1925 ‘Handcraft’ Bb Soprano, Gold Plate #51k (Archived)

SOLD - Serial #51k, Straight Bb soprano in rare gold plate (heavy tarnish but beautiful underneath!). It looks like it will be in excellent condition.
The first inspection says that it is in great shape with denting to the bell (from setting on the sax stands too hard). I will work on the bell lip - the good news is that the metal is thick and strong.
CASE: It arrived without a case, however, we can discuss acquiring a nice one included in the price.
Martin sopranos are some of Sarge's and my favorites! They are well-built in strong metal. Intonation is easy to enjoy and I'll test a few mouthpieces when possible.

Read More

Martin 1957 ‘The Martin Tenor’ Bb Tenor, #202k (Archived)

SOLD - Another great Martin here at WWS. It's a 75% Original Lacquer "The Martin Tenor" purchased from the 2nd owner. These are super hard to find and always in high demand. The serial numbers match on the Neck and Body #202k dates it to 1957, Martin's have a great tone that is quickly becoming very well respected in the market--clean tone, resonant low end!, even tone throughout, and better than average ergos for the vintage sax world. CASE: Original case was in rough-stinky shape... So I will be pairing this sax with a NEW PROTEC CASE ($142). It's getting our Vintage Standard Rebuild with large flat metal resonators (75% sizing, which is larger than Standard) and natural cork throughout. Item#:WWS12.0S0.251.5-C5-17

Read More

Buescher 1967 ‘400’ Bb Tenor #429k (Archived)

SOLD - This is a nice 400 model made about a year after the Selmer takeover ser. # 429,xxx. The finish is original and to me, looks very handsome. It has the same body, neck with underslung octave mechanism and keywork as the famous older brother the "Top Hat" model, but with nickel plated keys. Buescher still made great 400's through the sixties, this one was made appx. 1967. It has a warm centered tone, but can be pushed hard with a metal mouthpiece. The Lacquer is original and about 85%, but the neck and the inside of the bell are nearly worn to bare brass.
These are some of the most undervalued horns on the vintage market.
Ready to Go! (ask me about my available cases to pair with it)

Read More