Used "The Martin" Baritone Saxophone (Committee III) - Project Special
For sale is a vintage "The Martin" Baritone Saxophone, serial number 169573 (circa 1949-1950). This is the legendary "Committee III" model, famous for having one of the thickest, most resonant low-ends in saxophone history.
Please Note: We are listing this instrument as a "Player's Project." While it currently plays and seals well enough to make a sound, it has seen significant use and will require a full repad/overhaul to reach its full potential. We have priced it at $1,200 to reflect this, making it an incredible opportunity for a technician, a hobbyist restorer, or a professional looking to build their dream bari for a fraction of the market cost.
This is for the visionary player or technician. If you are looking for a plug-and-play horn for a middle schooler, this isn't it. However, if you are a professional player who knows the value of vintage American brass, this is a goldmine. Once overhauled, "The Martin" Baritone is widely considered one of the finest jazz baritones ever made, capable of burying a big band with its power. You are buying the chassis of a race car that just needs a new engine.
The "Martin Committee" Advantage
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The "Rumble": There is no sound quite like a vintage Martin. They are famous for a "dark, spread, and smoky" tone that vibrates the floorboards. This is the sound of 1950s cool jazz and modern R&B.
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Soldered Tone Holes: Martin saxophones from this era feature substantial soldered tone holes, which add mass to the body and stability to the scale. This contributes to the horn's incredible projection and "presence."
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Investment Potential: Fully restored "The Martin" baritones regularly sell for $4,000+. At this entry price, you have plenty of room to invest in a premium overhaul and still come out ahead on value.
Condition Report
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Finish: Original Lacquer (Heavily Worn). This horn has "seen the wars." The lacquer is significantly worn, showing the raw brass underneath. It has a heavy vintage patina that many players love, but it is definitely not a beauty queen.
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Body: Well Used. The body shows signs of a long life. There are dents, dings, and scratches throughout the bow, bell, and body tube. While it is "beat up," the core geometry is intact, and it is structurally capable of being brought back to life.
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Pads & Mechanics: The pads are old and will need replacing. The horn plays and seals "okay" right now (you can get a scale out of it), but to unlock the true Martin sound, a repad is necessary.
Specifications
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Brand: Martin Band Instrument Company
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Model: "The Martin" Baritone (Committee III)
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Serial Number: 169573 (c. 1949)
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Range: Low Bb
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Finish: Original Lacquer (Heavy Wear)
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Condition: Project / Player's Condition (Needs Repad)
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Case: Original Hybrid Hard Case (Wood shell with Nylon outer cover)
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 fine-tuned 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 the perfect instrument or accessories!
