Martin Handcraft "Low Pitch" Alto Saxophone - Mr. Ed Fleming's Horn
For sale is a truly unique vintage instrument: a Martin Handcraft "Low Pitch" Alto Saxophone, formerly owned by Mr. Ed Fleming, the founder of our shop here in Houston. This was one of Mr. Fleming's very first saxophones, making it a significant artifact in our company's history. It features a unique vintage lacquer body with striking nickel-silvered keys, creating a custom two-tone aesthetic that screams "Jazz Age."
The "Founder's Horn" Provenance
This instrument started the musical journey of Ed Fleming. It has been well-loved and preserved as a memento of his early days. While it has been heavily relacquered over the years to preserve the brass, it retains the soul and character that drew Mr. Fleming to it in the first place.
The Martin Handcraft Sound
Martin saxophones from this era (1920s-1930s) are coveted for a specific acoustic feature: Beveled Soldered Tone Holes.
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Thick, Warm Tone: unlike modern horns where tone holes are drawn from the body, Martin soldered thick rings onto the body. This adds mass and stability, resulting in a dark, chocolaty, and incredibly "wide" sound that you cannot get from a modern Yamaha or Selmer.
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Low Pitch: Stamped "Low Pitch," this instrument is built to modern tuning standards (A=440Hz), meaning it is fully playable in modern ensembles.
Condition & Aesthetic
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Finish: The body features a heavy custom relacquer in a unique vintage hue. While the relacquer is thick (typical of older restoration styles), it gives the horn a distinct, warm look and likely contributes to a darker, more resistant tone.
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Keywork: The keys have been nickel-silvered, providing a sharp visual contrast against the dark lacquer body.
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Build: As a "Handcraft," this horn was built by hand in Elkhart, Indiana, during the golden age of American saxophone manufacturing.
Specifications
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Model: Martin Handcraft Alto Saxophone
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Pitch: Low Pitch (A=440 Modern)
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Provenance: Personal instrument of Mr. Ed Fleming (Founder).
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Finish: Heavy Vintage Relacquer with Nickel-Silvered Keys.
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Tone Holes: Martin Beveled/Soldered.
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Condition: Vintage / Historic. Heavy relacquer is evident. Structurally sound.
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Included: Vintage Case.
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!
