King HN White

King H.N. White Alto Saxophone c.1929 – Silver Plate – Low Pitch – Serviced

A beautiful early King alto saxophone by the H.N. White Company of Cleveland, Ohio, dating from approximately 1929.

Finished in silver plate and Low Pitch, this is a wonderfully characterful early American alto which has now been carefully serviced, regulated and returned to good playing condition.

It also comes with its vintage King case and a collection of history relating to the original owner, which previous custodians have deliberately kept with the instrument.

Service work

When I acquired the saxophone it had clearly been unused for some time and required a thorough service.

Work carried out includes:

• Keywork removed and instrument thoroughly cleaned
• Body and keywork carefully polished
• Rods and mechanism cleaned and lubricated
• Broken springs replaced
• New neck/crook cork fitted
• Corks replaced where required
• Main key stacks regulated
• Existing pads checked, conditioned and refloated where necessary
• Spring tensions checked and adjusted
• Forked Eb mechanism set closed to improve intonation
• Full play-test following the work

The saxophone is now playing throughout the full range with a lovely warm vintage tone.

Pads

For complete transparency, this instrument has not had a full repad.

The existing pads are older but have been checked as part of the service, with pads refloated and adjusted where necessary to achieve a good seal. The instrument is currently playing properly, as demonstrated in the accompanying video.

Forked Eb trill

The forked Eb trill has been set to remain closed.

This is a completely reversible adjustment commonly made on early saxophones, as leaving this vent open can adversely affect intonation and the trill itself is rarely required by modern players.

If the buyer would prefer it returned to its original operating arrangement, I am happy to do so before collection or postage.

Condition

The saxophone presents extremely well for an instrument approaching a century old, particularly with its attractive silver-plated finish.

There are naturally signs of age and use, including:

• A couple of very minor dings
• Some localised pitting towards the upper part of the instrument
• Slight unevenness to the bell lip
• General age-related marks and wear

None of these prevent the instrument from playing as it should.

Please study the photographs carefully, as I have tried to show the condition honestly rather than disguise its age.

Original case and provenance

The saxophone comes with its vintage King case, which remains in good condition considering its age.

Of particular interest is the collection of history relating to the instrument's original owner. This has been deliberately kept with the saxophone by its previous owners, and I will pass everything on with the instrument so that its story remains with it.

For someone who enjoys the history surrounding vintage instruments, this makes the saxophone considerably more interesting than an anonymous example with no surviving provenance.

Included

The sale includes:

• King H.N. White alto saxophone
• Original-style crook/neck
• Vintage King hard case
• Vintage mouthpiece
• Ligature and cap
• Lyre
• Harness
• Original-owner history/provenance supplied with the instrument

Please note that the mouthpiece and harness I use in the playing video are my own and are not included; the separate vintage mouthpiece and accessories supplied with the saxophone are those shown in the photographs.

The stand is also not included.

Playing video

Play-testing before purchase is also very welcome and encouraged.

A particularly attractive opportunity to own an early silver-plated American King alto, complete with its vintage King case and surviving history relating to the original owner.

Collection, inspection and play-testing welcome.