For availability of vintage saxophones and mouthpieces in stock please see the above link: “Vintage Saxophones & Mouthpieces For Sale”. That will show current offerings, sold and on hold offerings, as well as up and coming “in-shop” projects. Please feel free to ask about future offerings. Additionally there are many items that ARE NOT listed on the for sale page that are packed away, not operational yet, or just not fit into the schedule to list. Early inquiry is a good way to beat the crowd to get the special item you have been searching for. Thanks!
Selmer MK VI 87xxx original US engraved Vintage Player
This horn exudes character and lyricism. It has the ‘that look’ in droves and it sounds pretty much like it looks in my opinion- just one of those horns. The serial number is 87xxx, US engraved and lacquered and it is has lived a lot. It has dings, dents, repairs, blemishes etc. If you are looking for a mint collector’s item this is definitely not it, but it IS a player. It very much has a certain complex sound, I would say a darker core and then a shimmering warm edge on top of the sound, and the very quick response that is typical of this model period.
The neck is not the original but is an earlier VI model with the low octave saddle, possibly European market earlier VI. That is what came with the horn and by the look of it, it has likely been with this horn a long time. I have experimented with late 80k necks on this horn and so far I still like this neck best on this one; it has a certain focus and speed that is beneficial and somehow seems to let the proper character shine. With this neck it absolutely sounds like an 87k would be expected to, and I think it can even be heard on the video.
I am not enamored of the pads and resos, but I’ve gone through the horn and got it playing quite smoothly. I can only imagine how amazing it would be with a proper treatment, but it’s going well at the moment and the pads are not old at all. These mid-late 80k horns are very rarely available now, most who have them are not willing to sell them and everyone is looking for just this serial number. Collector’s condition examples are extremely expensive, so this, given the serial number is a serious bargain these days. If this is what you are hunting, don’t sleep.
Otto Link Early FL Slant Sig .097 Optimized Tenor
I am selling this one for a friend; an excellent playing Early Florida slant signature Otto Link. Originally a 4* size, I opened it and carefully optimized it to .097 tip with a moderate baffle and finish in the original style of these pieces. This is a very big, complex player with a lot of color and a nimbleness as well.
It is not a mind museum piece, it has discoloration, some surface wear and scratching etc, but the functional surfaces are in excellent working order and it’s generally in very good condition. Video is accurate I think.
Selmer MK VI 142xxx ‘Sanborn’ range original player
This is a prime serial number in the medium bow “Sanborn” popular model period and plays with the normal aggressive cutting quality that these are known for while also having the benefit of the medium bow tuning. It is a consignment horn, a player’s horn with obvious signs of use, showing some cosmetic blemishes but as a player will be fully functional and great. More info available upon request.
Otto Link Tonemaster Original 5*
This piece is an original earlier model Tonemaster. It currently shows a lot of (what I think is) nickel plating, most of the original gold plating is gone. Some corrosion is present on the table area, not very significant. It has lived a bit, probably could be optimized but generally in very good condition. The tip still has a good amount of metal on it should someone want to open it up, but what is really remarkable is the very significant original baffle, which these usually do not have.
Selmer MK VI Alto Neck 88xxx 1960 Rarity
Here we have a very rare 88k MK VI alto neck in original excellent condition. This plays exceptionally well, fat and complex with a shimmering clarity. These are hard to find for sure.
Otto Link FL no USA 9 Serialed Early model Marinated .110
Here we have a very early Florida Super ToneMaster. Displaying a serial number, this was produced directly after the ‘Double Ring” series, and from my perspective it might as well be a double ring because the response is very close. The only difference I can spot in a consistent general way would be that these play a little less buzzy and a little more substantial core than the double rings usually do but that really varies anyhow.
This piece was stamped 9 originally and needed some cleanup, it was also never a modern 9 tip size. I have restored and optimized this to .110 (Otto Link 8) and it is hard to describe exactly how amazing it is. I don’t comfortably play this size but I am considering it just because this one is so great. It has the classic early Link vibe that can only be found with these particular pieces.
King Super 20 375xxx Exc. Original Player with HT Overhaul
King Super 20, I think this is right around 1960. I consider this personally to be the apex of King saxophone production. While it may no longer be the full pearls period, not as glamorous, I think these horns are the most flexible, open and resonant players. Some people prefer the single socket neck (tail end of Cleveland and early Eastlake) and they do have a bit more undiluted power, for the complexity of tone vs the resonance these late double socket necks after the full pearls period are my personal favorites.
This horn I did a big restoration on. It is original finish and in very very good condition, though not perfect. It has one inobtrusive resoldered post and some truly invisible minor brass work. Some of the key cups are a bit marred. The horn is very straight. The neck has never been pulled down and it is fitted to perfection. The action is very light and extremely fast. The pads are a moderately firm setup fitted with nickel plated brass resotech flats. I set this horn up for myself and have played it to great enjoyment myself. This is an absolute kicker of a horn, very loud, very complex and very free blowing, can’t lose.
Otto Link Florida Soprano Slant Signature .063
This is a fairly early (no USA) slant signature Otto Link with the large chamber. It was stamped 5* with a bit of a thick tip finish, I was inspired to open it to .063 with a traditional Link facing and a good rail contour. This plays very big, and wide with a warm darker tone that also has a very fast and concise response. It has a unique singing quality that I think only these have. I felt that this piece did well with intonation as well, for whatever reason. It’s a very pretty sound.
Brilhart Ebolin Streamline 3 Original nice condition
This is what this is, no cracks, nice shape all original.
King Silversonic Gold Plate Tenor 382k Project
Here we have a truly rare find, a King SIlversonic with original gold plated body, neck and keys and gold inlay on the engraving. These were custom ordered from King back in the day and we know of one other in existence. Finding this was just a happy accident. These pics are as found-