The Joys of an old Martin (with pictures)

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WilliamVance
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The Joys of an old Martin (with pictures)

Post by WilliamVance »

I have owned a Martin Mammoth in a little worse shape than this one since Jan., but after waiting out an eBay seller and finally negotiating an acceptable offer I managed to snag this 1938 Silverplate BAT. It plays beautifully, and after getting a silver repro upright bell last month from Lee Stofer, I can enjoy it with the wind symphony. I have a brass Martin with a real 20" martin upright bell but this silver horn plays the best. It's sound is warm and buttery, the false tones have body and can be played loudly. Three valves don't limit what this horn can do by much, whether high or low. Now, I just need to have some dents taken out and this baby will look and sound awesome! I just wanted to share a few pictures since I don't see many of these in silver on the net.

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Bill Vance
Martin-King 6/4 custom 4V BBb Tuba
Martin "Mammoth" 3V Sousa '27
Martin "Mammoth" 4V Sousa '29
Mirafone 186 BBb (being Oberlohed in Seattle)
tofu
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Re: The Joys of an old Martin (with pictures)

Post by tofu »

Nice touch with the engraving on the bell - it looks terrific.
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opus37
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Re: The Joys of an old Martin (with pictures)

Post by opus37 »

Great pictures of your Martin. I agree about the sound. They seem to have that full sound that is very pleasing and unique to the Martins. Oystein Baadsvik play tested mine and remarked immediately about the sound. He liked it.
Brian
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Re: The Joys of an old Martin (with pictures)

Post by Heavy_Metal »

Even with the dents it looks great. Nice find, especially since it plays so well. :tuba:
Principal tuba, Bel Air Community Band
Old (early 1900s?) Alexander BBb proto-163
1976 Sonora (B&S 101) 4-rotor BBb
1964 Conn 20J/21J BBb (one body, both bells)
~1904 York 3P BBb Helicon
Old Alex Comp.F, in shop
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