They are top quality vintage horns that can be had for a bargain. Martin saxophones are sought-after collectibles, but very underrated in the vintage market, which is good for the buyer. In 1904 he once again opened his own factory in Elkhart. The Martin company was first founded in Chicago in the 1860's, but when a fire destroyed the factory, John Henry Martin moved to Elkhart, Indiana where he became a foreman for Conn. In the 1980's, King tried to market a Super 21 model, and several prototypes were made, but the market wasn't there so it was discontinued. The Super 20 was not only used by notable jazz players like Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley, James Moody and Yusef Lateef, but by many rock, blues and r&b bands of the 50's and 60's.
The most popular and the most sought-after are the SilverSonic models, with sterling silver neck and bell. Later models would use the standard top octave key. They also featured an underslung octave key. Zephyr Specials and early Super 20's have elaborate engraving on the bell and keys, and pearls riveted to the key touches. The Super 20, which followed the Zephyr and which was basically a Zephyr with an improved mechanism and ergonomics is still one of the most popular vintage saxophones, with a market value second only to the Selmer Mark VI and Balanced and Super Balanced Action saxophones. The Zephyr and the Super 20 are saxophones with big, bright sounds that are considered the epitome of a modern jazz sound. Though they made saxophones early on, it wasn't until they made the King Zephyr in the 1930's that they made any saxophones of consequence. Later on, they moved production to Eastlake, Ohio, but it is the King Cleveland made saxophones which are considered the best.
King super 20 alto saxophone serial#
This serial range is by far the best deal on a Super 20, so if you want a horn that is sure to go up in value while you own it, get ones of these.King saxophones, as well as their other brass and wind instruments were manufactured by the H.N. I don’t think you’ll regret it! If you like Cannonball Adderley’s alto tone, this is the horn for you. It is sold in excellent playing condition with a mix of pads, and it plays great. I don’t see any resoldered posts or anything, and the neck also looks gorgeous. These minor past repairs look good now and were probably fixed long ago. The bell flare also has a little line of lacquer wear where it was probably slightly bent at some point.
King super 20 alto saxophone serial number#
It came to me with no dents, but it looks like a couple of small ones were removed from the back of the bow: I would say probably one or two small ones from the back of the bow, and one above the serial number stamp on the back of the body. In terms of cosmetic condition, this horn has been played, so it shows some normal lacquer wear from that. That’s what I play on alto as well, so if you buy this, welcome to the club. I think that so many jazz alto players who change horns a lot are actually on some level looking for a good Super 20 like this. Cannonball Adderley famously played a Super 20, and I suspect that his tone is more than anyone else’s – the quintessential jazz alto sound. More rich, and complex than a modern Yamaha etc, but naturally full-bodied and projecting. It is the only horn that competes price wise with the Selmer Mark VI, and with good reason – these things are great. It is difficult to emphasize enough how fun it is to play a good Super 20 like this.
The lacquer is a beautiful honey gold, and the horn looks great. This is the version of Super 20 with more modern LH pinky keys, which are quite comfortable, and which will remind you very much of a modern horn, even though this is almost 60 years old. It has original lacquer and a solid silver, double socket neck.
It plays and sounds very much like those, but it has more modern left hand pinky keys, so it is easier to play for many modern players. It is usually called a “series 3” Super 20 online, and comes just after the ones with pearl side keys. This is one of the best versions of the Super 20, and comes from 1957. Kings have a bit of a learning curve because there are so many different versions of the Super 20 and Zephyr and each version has its particular features. I have been spending the last couple of years getting to know King saxophones better.