Vintage 1948 "The Martin" Committee Model Professional Bb Trumpet - Lacquer with Nickel Accents
We have one of the most legendary, sought-after jazz trumpets in music history on the bench today. "The Martin" Committee is the quintessential sound of mid-century jazz. The horn chosen by icons like Miles Davis and Chet Baker for its unmistakable warm, smoky spread, rich overtone complexity, and fluid acoustic flexibility.
Carrying serial number 165002, this instrument was handcrafted in Elkhart, Indiana, in 1948. Visually, it wears its age with pride: an authentic, honest patina with heavy lacquer wear, minor spotting, and the character that only seven decades of real playing can produce. Mechanically and structurally, it has been fully serviced in our shop. All valves and slides function cleanly, delivering that dark, singing, velvety acoustic core that modern trumpets simply cannot duplicate. Complete with its original vintage case, this horn is an absolute treasure for any serious jazz player or vintage collector.
Key Features & Specifications
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Golden-Era 1948 Elkhart Production: Serial 165002 places this instrument right in the heart of Martin's most revered post-war manufacturing period.
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The Legendary "Committee" Acoustic Design: Famous for its warm, dark, and smoky tonal spread, offering effortless bending, wide dynamic colors, and an intimate sub-tone register.
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Two-Tone Vintage Construction: Built with brass bell and branches accented by Martin’s factory solid nickel silver outer slide tubes and trim for enhanced stability and visual contrast.
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Original Hand Engraving: Features the classic mid-century "The Martin / Committee Model / Elkhart Ind / USA" bell floral engraving.
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Iconic Committee Hardware: Equipped with Martin's signature wide finger-ring third slide, reverse-style tuning slide assembly, and vintage wire-style water keys.
Condition & Shop Inspection
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Cosmetics: Honest Vintage Player's Condition. The lacquer shows widespread wear, bare brass transition spots, and natural surface patina typical of an original 1948 instrument that was played and loved. The delicate floral engraving remains legible, and there are no catastrophic dents or structural damage.
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Mechanics: Bench-Tested & Fully Functional. Our in-house master technicians have fully inspected, chem-cleaned, and regulated the instrument. The pistons operate smoothly with good compression, and all slides pull and adjust as intended.
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Accessories: Includes the original vintage Martin hardshell case.
Specifications
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Brand: The Martin (Martin Band Instrument Co.)
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Model: Committee Model
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Serial Number: 165002
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Year of Manufacture: 1948
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Key: Bb
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Finish: Original Lacquer with Nickel Silver Outer Slides
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Origin: Elkhart, Indiana, USA
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Condition: Vintage / Honest Player's Condition
The Fleming Music Commitment When you purchase a professional instrument from Fleming Musical Instruments & Repair, you gain a dedicated support team. Every instrument is meticulously inspected and regulated by our on-site master technicians before it leaves our hands, backed by our 14-day return window and full 1-year warranty. Reach out to our team directly at https://flemingrepair.com/pages/contact to discuss pricing, financing, trade-ins, or the instrument's playing characteristics. Local to Houston? We strongly encourage you to visit the shop and put air through this historic 1948 Committee yourself. Keep up with our latest arrivals and local events on our social channels at https://linktr.ee/Fleming_Music.
