Frank Holton Elkhorn Tenor Saxophone (1920s) - Heavy Patina (Project / Needs Repad)
For sale is a true piece of Roaring Twenties American manufacturing: a pre-owned 1920s Frank Holton Tenor Saxophone, serial number 11021. Built shortly after Frank Holton moved his factory to Elkhorn, Wisconsin, this low-pitch (LP) horn represents the early days of the saxophone craze in the United States.
This is a great option for vintage instrument collectors, hobbyist repair techs, or anyone looking for a highly affordable restoration project. We are selling this instrument specifically as a "project horn" because it is going to need a full mechanical repad to be stage-ready. However, the mechanical bones are solid, and the cosmetic finish has developed an unbelievably cool, natural aesthetic over the last century.
- The "Rat Rod" Aesthetic: The original satin silver plating has heavily oxidized over the last 100 years, developing a dark, wild, almost green-oily patina. It looks unapologetically vintage. You can either choose to heavily polish it back to its original silver shine, or leave it exactly as-is for that smoky, speakeasy jazz club vibe.
- Classic 1920s Design: Features the classic split bell keys and vintage keywork ergonomics that defined early American saxophones.
- A Blank Slate: Buying a complete, mechanically sound vintage horn that needs a repad is a massive advantage for a tinkerer. It allows you to select your exact preferred pad and resonator setup to perfectly customize the horn's response and feel.
Condition Report & Shop Prep
- Finish (Cosmetics): Heavy Vintage Patina. The satin silver is extremely tarnished and oxidized.
- Body: Structurally Solid. The body tube, bow, and bell are in remarkably good structural shape for a 100-year-old instrument, showing no signs of severe, detrimental trauma.
- Mechanics: Plays Poorly / Needs Repad (Sold As-Is). We want to be completely transparent: while the keys and mechanics move freely and are fully intact, the pads are completely dried out, crispy, and failing. The horn only plays about 60% of the scale as it currently sits. We are selling this instrument strictly as a candidate for a full repad.
- Accessories: Includes a vintage hard case.
Specifications
- Brand: Frank Holton & Co.
- Model: Elkhorn Bb Tenor (Low Pitch)
- Serial Number: 11021 (Circa Early 1920s)
- Key: Bb
- Finish: Satin Silver Plate (Heavily Tarnished / Patina)
- Condition: Pre-Owned / Vintage Project Condition (Needs Repad)
Why Choose Fleming Music? Here at Fleming Instruments, our expert on-site instrument repair workshop guarantees that each instrument we sell is meticulously inspected and accurately represented before it reaches you. We take pride in offering a 1-year warranty and 2-week return policy on all instruments, giving you peace of mind with your investment. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, so please reach out to us at the shop via phone, email, or website contact: https://flemingrepair.com/pages/contact.
For the most competitive pricing, financing options, or to discuss a trade-in, please contact us directly!
As always, we invite you to stop by our Houston shop to try this instrument in person. Nothing compares to the experience of a horn in your own hands. Follow our accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for the latest updates, content, and promotions: https://linktr.ee/Fleming_Music. We are grateful for your support of our small business and look forward to helping you find your sound!
