tenor committee series III

[opusex]

can anybody tell me what about serial numbers above 219xxx? are these series III models same to "the martin"? or is there a big difference? and why do they not wear the stencil committee? and also not the RMC?

thanx a lot
kurt

[opusex]

or is this an "official music man"? but i can not see this engraved...

[1saxman]

There is no 'series III' Martin. The serial number mentioned should be a RMC The Martin. 'Committee' was not engraved on the horns around this period. If it is a 'Music Man' model, it is exactly the same as all the others, except it has 'Official Music Man Model' Engraved on the front bell band. I have a 214xxx tenor which is a Music Man. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/16185/Martinten4.JPG

[1saxman]

214xxx is 1962, and the 219xxx may be a 'Kenosha' horn, made after LeBlanc took over Martin. Looks like a 'The Martin' and is essentially the same, made in Kenosha, WI. Has a fixed thumbrest instead of adjustable. This was the last horn made on the old design and tooling. The next Martin was a modern sax made by Yanagisawa. Nice horns, Selmer-style.

[opusex]

oh i see, but mine does not have got laquer... it looks:
http://members.chello.at/opusex/b3.jpg

[1saxman]

Wow! What a beauty! I would say this is one of the last Elkhart horns, and is either called a 'The Martin' or 'The Martin Committee', even though 'Committee' is not actually engraved on the horn. You have a wonderful example of one of the best vintage American tenors, and it is apparently in original condition - the plating looks too good to be original, but the engraving appears intact. It's possible the engraving was re-cut after the plating, but it looks completely original to me.

[opusex]

thanx! ure right; the plating is quite new and overhaul. new leather and so on

[1saxman]

Where was the plating/overhaul done? Looks like a really good job. The gold bell interior is correct for silver-plated Martins. The factory silver plate was a matte finish with polished keys, but the total polish job is fantastic. I'd be willing to bet that tenor blows as good as it looks!

[opusex]

the plating was done in the usa but i have to ask the owner before me for details - i will inform u immediately then.

at all it is very good to play - fat sound - keywork good - intonation good except upper d3 (its a little bit too low). but u can create magic tunes; from smooth and sweet till bright and loud and fat - i love this horn

[1saxman]

It must have been Anderson Plating in Elkhart. Yes, a good Martin will give you a whole new outlook on music. A friend of mine has one that he had gold-plated at Anderson - If I ever do mine, that's what I'll do.

[Sigmund451]

Just beauties when they are in such nice shape! A work of art.