Here we have a wonderful example of a prime 5 digit VI tenor. This one has been played plenty and shows how much love it received over the years with some lacquer wear. Structurally, however it is in excellent condition with no solders or serious repairs that I can find. It’s got the normal dings and minor dents but really has been spared the worse issues that we often find with vintage players horns.
This one has had a professional good quality setup by a well known NY tech and it playing well. I’ve just got it in here and it will need some minor cosmetic and functional adjustments to optimize the situation, but again it’s really in good condition. The original owner engraved his name and number on the back as many old pros used to do, which we will just have to ignore by playing it. The metal thumbhook appears not to be original with a sort of custom shape, which of course can be replaced with an original.
The 95k serial number is in the model-realm of Chris Potter’s VI tenor (98k so I am told) and these do have a certain presence and power; reliably more focused than 80k and trading off some fatness for pure power. This one particularly is a specially great player. The owner told me ‘anyone who plays it will buy it’ and I do believe I agree with him. It is live, immediate and forward!