Handcraft Serial No. Earlier the better?

[Soultripper]

Hi,

I'm trying to value my Martin Handcraft Low Pitch Silver Tenor. It's serial number is 59371 (59xxx) but I can't find any other's in that range on the internet. In fact, I've found only one mention of an earlier serial Handcraft on this web as someone's potential buy.

Is an earlier serial number more 'exclusive' in the pricing of a saxophone?

Secondly, I've been quoted that the value of the sax is about £750 ($1,100) after an overhaul (that's about £70 or $100). Is this an overprice or a good expectation.

And thirdly, I live in the UK, and there is very little reference to the Martin on UK only websites. Do you reckon I can get more over here than the states :lol:

Thanks

Sky

[Sigmund451]

That sax was made in 1925. Some of them are good, some of them have sketchy intonation...I owned a 26 of the same. The keywork is not real friendly but it is tolleralble. That is a rather high price for that instrument. I sold a very nice one with overhaul on ebay for about 750 and I considered that the bidder paid a little too much. If I were going to spend that I would be looking at a later model martin. You can get more bang for your buck I believe. At Worldwide sax they sell a 26 for about that price but I think its high....however they reportedly do incredible overhauls. I paid 1200 for a 58 The Martin in very nice shape with an overhaul that was well done and I bought it locally , not even on ebay.

good luck.

[Stencilman]

The early Handcrafts did not have a front-F key. This was added somewhere around 1928 if memory serves correctly. I've stayed clear of the earlier HC altos and tenors for this reason.

[stitch]

Are you talking dollars Sigmund?

Over here, in the UK, vintage US saxes are rather thinner on the ground and often sell for a similar number of pounds as dollars. Having said that, I think £750 may be a little high - who valued it?

You might like to follow http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2555397643, a 1940s Commitee, which has so far attracted one bid at £635, but failed to get any takers when it was previously posted on eBayUK.

On the other hand Don Mackrill has four s/h Martins for sale, all altos and all at >£750, even the 1950s Indiana, which I think is technically a student model: http://www.donmack.com/Result.asp?Man=Martin&Cat=Saxophone&Used=%25&Submi t=Submit

I should stress that this is my opinion only, and I am by no means an expert! Maybe others will be able to post with more authority.

[Helen]

The early Handcrafts did not have a front-F key. This was added somewhere around 1928 if memory serves correctly. I've stayed clear of the earlier HC altos and tenors for this reason.

My 68XXX Handcraft tenor did not have a front F key when I got it. I didn't find it to be a problem, but then I don't play that much altissimo. I did find some altissimo fingerings that worked without it. But my tech. suggested he could add a front F key for me. I resisted at first, but finally caved. It's the best thing I did. The horn speaks beautifully in the high range, and the front F makes it even easier. The one that was added to my horn came from a student model Yamaha.

I remember a thread about this a while ago, and Gordon had some interesting points he raised. Bottom line...I would not let a lack of a front F scare me off a horn. The Handcrafts are a great sounding horn, with or without it.

[Sigmund451]

Stich, I read your post but Im not sure what your getting at. Yes Im talking Dollars, not pounds. Mine went for 750 dollars and I thought that the bidder bid too high...but who am I to argue.

Regardless, my experience with Martin tenors leads me to try to go late 30's or newer....but avoiding the 60's

As for the Indiana, I have heard it called a student or interemediate horn but many that know more than I state it is well above that catagorey and could easily be considered a low level pro horn by todays standard....I cant attest to this tho.

I just know I wouldnt pay a grand for a 25 handcraft....there is more bang for the buck elsewhere in my opinion.

As for ebay values....they are helter skelter at times. Only one in the many factors to consider the value of the horn....very moody indeed.

[Soultripper]

I think £750 may be a little high - who valued it?

It was an owner of a long established music repair shop specialising in Woodwind, based where I am, Norwich (the shop is called Top Joint Music). It was a very of the top of his head figure. I was once told the sax was worth about £600 ($950) which I believe to be more realistic, assuming the sax is in good condition.

I'm sure it hasn't got the Front F key, but I rarely play it, and just bought it years ago (in my early teens) as a bit of a whim from a family friend. I was told it's a buskers sax i.e. street buskers love it coz of the gravelly sound it has, but is often out of their price range, and therefore hard to find a market.

Thanks for the responses, I will definitely use the information to try and pitch it (pun sort of intended!) at a reasonable price.

Regards

Sky

[stitch]

Stich, I read your post but Im not sure what your getting at. Yes Im talking Dollars, not pounds.

I was just trying to make the point that while $750 may be considered high in the US, £750 may not be here in the UK, where vintage US horns are less easy to come by.


As for ebay values....they are helter skelter at times. Only one in the many factors to consider the value of the horn....very moody indeed.

I agree; but if a 1948 Committee attracts >>£750 on UK eBay, it's an indication what an earlier Handcraft might be worth - to the right buyer.



I think £750 may be a little high - who valued it?

It was an owner of a long established music repair shop specialising in Woodwind, based where I am, Norwich (the shop is called Top Joint Music). It was a very of the top of his head figure.

Even £600 may be a bit high - you could try phoning a few other UK dealers who specialise in vintage to get their opinions.

Hey, if you're desperate I'll give you £200 for it!! :lol: :lol: