Martin Handcraft Committee Alto Saxophone

Demonstration of Martin Handcraft Committee alto saxophone from year 1936. Committees were popular jazz instruments used by players like Art Pepper, Earl Bostic and Louis Jordan. Martin Band Instrument Company began making saxophones in the beginning of 1900-hundreds and Committee was the top of their line. I'll give you some history and a playing demonstration.
00:00 Introduction and Martin Band Instrument Company history
01:03 Martin Committee saxophone details
01:51 Test playing
03:18 Outro

[@jpsned]

When I began playing saxophone in the 4th grade in 1968, it was on my dad's 1937 Handcraft Committee. He had bought it used from a college friend sometime in the late 1940s for $50. I still have the horn and use it as my back-up alto. I recognized that sound as soon as you started playing! 🙂

[@timyllym]

That's a story! Thanks!

[@jpsned]

@@timyllym You're welcome! I was just looking at my horn last night. Do you have any idea as to the make/model of the single-engine airplane engraved on the bell?

[@timyllym]

No, I don't have any idea.

[@jpsned]

Probably any of a number of planes that were around at that time. Looks a bit like The Spirit of St. Louis. @@timyllym

[@Saxlicker]

sweet tone. Thank you.

[@thierryroullier8401]

great sound! thanks for this great video

[@timyllym]

Thanks!

[@robrudock3452]

I have one of these, but there seem to be many for sale at the suggested value that just sit unsold. It's a sweet sounding horn though.

[@timyllym]

I agree. These Martins are highly underrated instruments. Excellent value for money.

[@alvincornistamusic8754]

sorry I couldn't quite understand. how do the early committees sound compared to the comm3?

[@timyllym]

These early committees have a soft sound while the later models are more loud.