Martin Committee II

Martin Committee II Alto Saxophone 1940 – Lion & Crown – Serviced – USA

A lovely 1940 Martin Committee II alto saxophone, made in the USA and featuring the desirable Lion & Crown engraving.

This is a proper vintage American Martin with the big, rich and powerful sound these instruments are known for. Following a careful service and regulation, it is now playing beautifully throughout the range.

Service work

The saxophone has recently been carefully serviced, including:

• Both main key stacks checked and pads refloated where required
• Corks adjusted to ensure correct pad closure
• Missing corks replaced
• Octave mechanism serviced and correctly balanced
• Keywork regulated
• Instrument cleaned and polished
• Full play-test following the work

It is now playing well from top to bottom with a strong, full-bodied vintage Martin sound.

Pads

The existing pads are in usable condition and are currently sealing well following the service and adjustment. Some are stamped Gordon Beeson, which are well-regarded pads.

As with any vintage saxophone retaining older pads, a future owner may eventually choose to replace them, but there is no need to regard this as an immediate restoration project — the instrument is currently playing properly and can be heard in the playing demonstration.

Finish and condition

This saxophone appears to have been relacquered previously, possibly more than once.

As a result, the original bell engraving is now quite faint and can be difficult to make out in places. The Lion & Crown design is still identifiable, however, and the photographs show the cosmetic condition clearly.

There are also:

• A couple of small dings, including one on the bottom of the bow
• Some minor areas of oxidation
• Age-related pitting to parts of the keywork
• General marks and wear consistent with an instrument of this age

None of this prevents the saxophone from playing as it should.

Please study the photographs carefully, as I have tried to show the condition honestly.

Saxophone, crook and case included. Stand, mouthpiece and harness not included.

The Committee II

The Martin Committee II is one of Martin's classic American saxophones and has a distinctly different character from a modern alto.

This example has a particularly rich, broad and powerful voice, which is one of the main reasons vintage Martins continue to appeal to players today.

It is not being sold simply as a collector's piece — it is a saxophone intended to be played.

Case

The saxophone comes with the vintage case shown in the photographs.

I believe this may be a Martin case, although there are no visible manufacturer's markings, so I cannot guarantee that it is original to the instrument.

A great opportunity to own a genuine 1940 Martin Committee II Lion & Crown alto saxophone that has already been serviced, regulated and returned to playing condition.

Collection and inspection welcome.