Anyone Know about HN White Kings?

[bjazzman]

I have a King Tenor probably made about 1912. Serial Number 27xxx. Are these things worth anything. I know it has double g so the intonation might be funky. Its been my main horn for a little while since i picked it up at a guitar shop that didn't know what they had. i offered $250. It's probably not worth $1000, but what do you think?

[DavyRay]

First, welcome to SOTW.

You will get the best information if you post in the King sax section.
http://www.saxontheweb.net/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=108

I have an old King alto, but someone will be along soon, I'm sure, with information about the King tenors from this era.

[Swingtone]

First, welcome to SOTW.

You will get the best information if you post in the King sax section.
http://www.saxontheweb.net/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=108

I have an old King alto, but someone will be along soon, I'm sure, with information about the King tenors from this era.

They're not worth much, either to collectors or players, as nothing from that era plays in tune. The only exception would be if it's gold-plated and in immaculate condish. Then you might turn some collectors' heads. If it's lacquered or silver-plated, it's probably only worth about what you paid, and then you'd have to find the right buyer, which usually means "fleabay." So I'd say put it up on ebay starting at 9.99 and see what happens.

Use the proceeds and your newly acquired interest in these on a King Zephyr alto made roughly between the years 1945-65. These are great horns, especially those made from around '47 to '58. Cannonball Adderley played an early 50s King Super 20, and the Zephyr is the same horn save for the Super's silver neck, improved keywork and more elaborate engraving. And since many say the silver neck doesn't really change the sound that noticeably, the two models sound nearly identical.

If you want to play the alto you need to avoid most saxes made before 1930, especially if you're just beginning. The intonation didn't really become decent until the early 30s; so why make it hard on yourself?

BTW welcome to saxontheweb!

[Swingtone]

Here's the one you should buy:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-KING-Zephyr-Alto-Saxophone-serial-331094_W0QQitemZ320290049824QQcmdZViewItem?hash=it em320290049824&_trkparms=72%3A1142%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C 240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-KING-Zephyr-Alto-Saxophone-serial-331094_W0QQitemZ320290049824QQcmdZViewItem?hash=it em320290049824&_trkparms=72%3A1142%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C 240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14)

First you will have to get this baby (ca. 1953 vintage) repadded for another $350 (don't know where you live but don't pay any more than this unless the guy's name is Jones or Maslin (or maybe a few others I'd have to think about); anyone else is just pretending :D).

Then buy a used (or even new) Meyer 6 hard rubber mouthpiece, and for a little over a grand you'll be in business with possibly the best pro setup of all time. In fact, this setup will get you closer to the Cannonball sound (why go for anything else?) than anything else short of a real Super 20, which would set you back at least an extra grand and a half.

Have fun!