SOLD - (Consignment Sale: Plays Excellent!) ser # 333,7xx, These are fantastic altos--well respected, better than average ergos. This example is in excellent condition, Original Lacquer, They maintain the Buescher warmed but have a bigger sound from their exponential bore and the big bell. Comes in a nice vintage case. The original snap in system is intact, so Sarge did a complete "Original Buescher" style rebuild, with metal backed-press in pads and then snap in the original metal domes with natural cork throughout...and it will all go for:
Guardala 1990s ‘DG500-SP ‘ Bb Tenor, Silver Plate #003822 (Archived)
SOLD - Sarge's Collection: Another really fantastic German sax is a B&S stencil, for Dave Guardala. I just bought this one, i have been searching for a early serial number Guardala model 500 for some time. The craftsmanship is awesome on these horns. Ergonomics are up there with Keilwerth and Selmer, the materials used are far above par. The sound is unique and falls somewhere in-between a Conn "Chu" Tenor and a Selmer MK VI. Here is the Official Description:
The serial number is below 4000. This sax was manufactured before Guardala's association with LA Sax started, and compromises in the quality of the product began appearing."This professional level Bb Tenor saxophone is fabricated and hand made from 72% formulated Copper alloy yellow brass with full rib post construction and hand hammered bell. All rods are solid nickel silver with stainless steel screws, springs are tempered blue steel and authentic Mother of Pearl key buttons are used throughout. Custom hand made French pads, by Chanu, with metal resonators come standard along with hand engraving on the bell, high F#, plus extensive fine tuning key adjustment screws at all critical points. This horn has triple silver plating finish with meticulous fancy hand engraving on the bell. Upper and lower key stacks are ergonomically designed for smooth, accurate and positive digital feel."
CRB addendum: SERIAL : #03822 (updated 10/2016)
Martin 1935 ‘Handcraft’ Bb Soprano, curved #113k (Archived)
SOLD - Considering the serial number, this is a very very late Handcraft Soprano! One of my favorite sopranos is Martin. These curved ones are super rare! It is keyed to high Eb. The finish may be tricky to say--let's call it a Relacquer with 90% intact. Lacquer was first being used on saxes in this 1934+era. Consider that into the history of the sax. I can not say for certain that this sax was silver or bare brass originally. Perhaps during the rebuild I will be able to see a mark to tell me more history of the sax. It currently does play all the way down to Bb and it has a wamr, curved soprano sound. (See Conn Sound Files). ser #113K dates it to 1935, relacquer finish with mild pitting. NO MAJOR DAMAGE to mention, I don't see anything worth mentioning on that topic. The ring soldered to the thumbrest appears to be an addition after factory build. The body is very clean of dents or past damage. The original case shows wear from 80yrs of age, but some odor spray will help it and I'll take care of that for you.
Martin 1924 ‘Handcraft’ C-Soprano, #42k Silver (Archived)
SOLD - Original silver plate in excellent condition. It was "VIP Scouted" for a customer. Serial #42k, Straight C soprano in beautiful condition. Original case. Martin sopranos are some of Sarge and my favorites! They are well-built in strong metal. Intonation is easy to enjoy and I'll test a few mouthpieces when possible. Item #: WWS9.5ES9.1131.6-98
Martin 1926 ‘Handcraft’ Bb Soprano, Gold Plate #75k (Archived)
SOLD - Serial #75k, Straight Bb soprano in rare, gold plate (worn), lots of silver showing. I might restore the gold. I will review this on arrival and consider the restoration plans. Original case. 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. 2500-2800 Depending on Gold repair options during rebuild Item #: WWS8.2E4.95.1121.6-0C
Conn 1927 ‘New Wonder II – “Chu Berry”‘ Bb Soprano, Gold Plate #196k (Archived)
SOLD - A nice condition Chu keyed to high F with serial # 196K and the traditional nailfile G#. Gold Plate looks good at 90% intact! These are good players and are a bit rarer in gold plate; Conn changed the length of the soprano during the Chu span and this one is 25.5" tall. The sax shows some wear with minor scratches and small dings, bell lip shows repairs as if it was bent before--looks pretty good overall; I did preliminary smoothing. These are great vintage sopranos and this one is a beauty too. They are top of the line, well respected, unique tone that will woe the crowd and solid investments that you get to play and enjoy over time! I will do a complete rebuild with our "Vintage Standard" set up, Prestini NS tan lambskin pads and flat metal reso's.
CASE: It has a brand NEW Protec case too! ($100+)
Selmer 1973 ‘Mark VI’ Bb Tenor, near Mint #215k (Archived)
SOLD - (Special Consignment - Plays only ok) Ser #215k, ORIGINAL FINISH at 99.5%, with mostly original pads! -- a ONE-OWNER HORN. Need I say more? The original case is even plush inside. (typical, one selmer zipper lost it's pull-tab, it operates just fine though.)
Selmer 1972 ‘Mark VI’ Bb Tenor, #204k (Archived)
SOLD - (Special Consignment - WWS Rebuild! Plays Excellent!) Ser #204k, ORIGINAL FINISH at 85%, with Fresh WWS Rebuild! This was originally Rebuilt with Black Roos and large nickel domed resos for a customer about a year ago. It only ended up with 10 hours of playing time on the sax after we worked on it--consider it a "Fresh Rebuild". That being said, I'll personally inspect it and send it out playing great. It has a SKB Case, molded (one little metal base-peg is gone) in good shape.