Early model Tonemaster, this would have been a special order at 6*. Normal facings went up to 5* in the old days. 6 and above were specials. This shows the original stamp and much gold plating. The tip measures .091 for me. Someone has done a little work at the sides of the tip for unknown reasons. Tip still has some material left for optimization. Original ligature and cap included.
Author Archives: Horned Toad
Otto Link FL serialed 5* original
Phenomenal and special playing early serialed LInk 5*. This plays edgy, crisp full and fast. These serialed pieces are rare as hens teeth and highly sought after with good reason. This is among the best originals I have ever played. Tip measures .089. original ‘Otto Link’ stamped ligature included.
Otto Link FL serialed 8* Original
Here is a wonderful all original near mint condition 8* serialed early no USA Link. These are one step after the double rings and functionally they are very close to them, sounding and feeling nearly identical, and maybe harder to find. Photos show the high baffle that is common with these, probably higher than double ring on average. 8* is a hard to find size in this early model. Tip measures .111 for me. This one is in great condition with original ligature and plays exceptionally well. It will not last long here.
Selmer Super (Balanced) Action 48xxx original, cosmetic blemish KILLER player (SOLD)
I’ve taken this horn on a trade, a truly excellent and classic sounding SBA tenor 48xxx. This has a great amount of depth and lyricism in the sound propelled by an awesome power. I high degree of ‘bluenotability’ with this such that every note tells a story, feeling and sounding like a classic recording at the moment it’s played.
The lacquer is original and the US engraving very nice and sharp. It’s got a nice darker finish color as well, but it is by no means a museum piece. This horn has lived a few lives and has some repair history which is why it is not priced at the upper end of SBA tenors, but an original for just a bit more than the average relacquer.
This is obviously a horn for a real player, someone who can match it’s poetic vibe and drive it, but also not for those who’s OCD will be bothered by a non-pristine horn. Cosmetcis aside, I don’t think I have ever played a better SBA tenor.
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Selmer MK VI #85000 EU Satin Silver Engraved Massive horn, ONLY ONE!
This is an amazing rarity; 1960 Mark VI tenor, the exact serial 85000, made in celebratory satin “sable” (sand finish) silver plate and glass accents, an expensive special order option. This horn lived an active life and does show wear indicating just how great it was (is). I have done many special restoration projects on this horn, soldered the bow to body, resoldered the failed neck receiver, replaced most of the worn pearls and then finally a vast overhaul. It originally came to me with black ‘roo pads’ in it, and plenty of key slop. I did many special jobs on the horn but resisted taking those pads out since they were not old, but the horn always lacked some resonance, sort of a deflating kind of feeling rather than the power we might hope for in 85k. I finally did surrender and did a whole job on it with my treated pads and special setup. Now it is blasting, bright and powerful as expected. Moral of the story- please don’t use roo pads. They suck.
Aside from that, this is just that amazing actual 85k tenor the only one with the perfect number (HAH!) and it plays every bit as amazing as we imagine. I did somewhat of a silver polish on this after I allowed it to turn black over several years and it was already a lot of work. I will just let it go black I guess from here on in. I took a quick set of pics before it turns totally black again.
Otto Link FL early no USA 10* original near mint package Excellent Player!
Very special package find. Here is a very early FL no USA original 10* in nearly new condition. These large facings are amazing players in the very early FL models with a specific large rollover baffle that disappears after the no USA period. This is one of those very special players, really excellent; easy player even for those used to smaller sizes. This is loud, bright edged, fat and flexible. Comes complete with original black Pompano Beach box, “france” cap and early FL ligature “OTTO LINK” stamped on the knob.
Dukoff Hollywood V-series 6 ‘Marinated’ to .098-excellent!
Here is a wonderful rare later model (two piece casting) round chamber Dukoff Hollywood. This shows a V-serial which is right in the best of these rounded side wall models. The baffles vary from non existent to prominent and this one came to me already with a rather prominent baffle. It was not in the best condition so I have restored and optimized this to an absolutely great player. It plays fat resonant and colorful like a great tonemaster (which would also take work to get to normally) but the center is much more compact and projecting. It has a rich under-color while presenting a very delicate beautiful bright shimmer on top. Only these pieces particularly will do this kind of thing. Even the sister piece made by Zimberoff, in my experience will not do exactly this although they tend towards more powerful. This is a rare situation, great playing piece.
Otto Link Slant Sig Florida 6 mint original beautiful crisp & quick player
A wonderful mint condition original FL slant 6, this is exactly as the title describes. This is a crisp fast and defined player, and very enjoyable. The condition is exceptionally nice and very difficult to find such surviving examples. The tip opening is .089 on my tools.
Otto Link FL Double Ring Marinated .103 Excellent!
Here is a piece I have kept around for quite some time. It is VERY VERY great. Tip size at .103 is quite in the middle of optimal for the compromise of power and center. This setup is very close to my personal daily player. It is bright, warm, has focus, but also spread, and an ocean of color. I would say this is not at all a dark piece, but it is just a hair backed off of the far end of bright on the spectrum just due to the influence of the bog body of sound this one has.
This still has a lot of its original gold plating on the body. While there are always different flavors to be found, in my experience there is no better double ring to be found. This is the thing and mostly they cannot be found.
B&S 2001 Tenor Saxophone Mint Condition
Here is a wonderfully constructed B&S tenor ‘2001’ model with the special G# regulator mechanism. This is a similar model to the early Guardala saxophones, but with some added key action engineering. These have a very powerful and full spectrum colorful sound with a very fast, clean, and punchy response. They have something of a following, no longer made and specifically great compared even with today’s newer designs.
The condition of the lacquer (original) and the horn itself are outstanding, mint condition and almost new by any standards. The pads are excellent as well, it is exceptionally fun to play, and not really easy to find.
