- from an ebay listing of mine,  April '05 -

Martin C-Melody sax, very playable, rare 1920's instrument

- engraved " The Martin " with satin and bright silver finish, plus gold-wash bell - 

C Melody - sometimes also called " C Tenor " - saxophones are pitched in C, so you can read vocal, keyboard or guitar music, and chord sequences, without transposition. Just think, when the guitarist plays in E - you won't have to play in F# or C# any more - you'll be in E as well !!  Read music over the keyboard players shoulder without having to sight-transpose - sheer luxury ! 

If you already play tenor you will probably be able to use your favourite tenor mouthpiece on it. I use Lawton, Selmer, Zinner, Otto Link, and Berg Larsen tenor mouthpieces on my C-Melodies with great success - and also some alto mouthpieces - to produce a robust modern sound which can vary from deep and breathy lows, to crisp and lyrical highs, even harmonics.  Always happy to advise on choice of mouthpiece, or indeed any other aspect of C-Melody saxes. I regularly contribute to C-Melody internet forums - more details of those, and other internet resources, on request.

         

The serial number is 43232.   The neck also has the same serial number. Marked 'Low Pitch', which signifies standard, modern, A=440 pitch, so it plays in tune with modern instruments.  Has the classic beveled tone holes, unique to Martin, and was manufactured in Elkhart, Indiana, USA around 1924-25.  The matt/satin silver body, bright silver detail and keys, and gold-wash bell have all been recently hand polished, making this a very desirable saxophone.  Mother-of-pearl key touches on the finger keys, and I can't see any signs of damage or repairs - just a very minimal amount of finish wear, typical of a well cared-for, and obviously played, vintage sax. 

This C-Melody saxophone has been stripped completely, hand-cleaned, lubricated, and re-corked and re-felted wherever necessary. The pads have been replaced at some time, are good quality and still very serviceable.  The sax has been regulated, tested, and is ready to play.  To see more pictures, including some taken when it was stripped down, please click here to see more pictures.   The vertical lines showing on the 'The Martin' engraving picture are just reflections.

   

To hear a very basic (direct into the PC microphone) sound sample produced on the sax, please click here for the sound sample.   Supplied with a used tenor sax mouthpiece, using normal tenor sax reeds, and a very functional period C-Melody case.  The case is in good solid condition, considering it's 80 years old, with purple velvet (?) lining in remarkable state except for a some rubbing wear at one end. Two internal compartments, with lids, and the case has working catches, plus a replacement handle ( touch of Art Deco...? ).