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Description

Discover the timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship of the Martin "The Martin" Committee III Alto Saxophone, a staple for both budding enthusiasts and seasoned musicians alike. Renowned for its precise intonation and rich, warm tone, this saxophone is a part of a legacy that has been cherished by both jazz and classical musicians for decades.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this alto saxophone features a hand-hammered bell that enhances its resonance and projection. Its ergonomic key design ensures comfortable playability, allowing for hours of seamless performance. The balanced action and responsive tone holes provide a smooth and effortless playing experience, making it an ideal choice for both solo performances and ensemble settings.

The Martin Committee III is celebrated for its distinctive vintage sound, reminiscent of the golden era of jazz. This characteristic sound is achieved through a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern enhancements, ensuring that this instrument not only preserves its classic roots but also meets contemporary standards.

Key Features:

  • Hand-hammered bell for enhanced resonance
  • Ergonomic key design for comfortable playability
  • Balanced action with responsive tone holes
  • Distinctive vintage sound reminiscent of classic jazz
  • Ideal for both solo and ensemble performances

FAQs

What is the sound characteristic of the Martin "The Martin" Committee III Alto Saxophone?

The Martin "The Martin" Committee III Alto Saxophone is known for its rich, warm tone with excellent projection, making it suitable for jazz and classical music.

Is the Martin "The Martin" Committee III Alto Saxophone suitable for professional musicians?

Yes, the Martin "The Martin" Committee III is highly regarded among professional musicians for its superior craftsmanship and sound quality, making it an excellent choice for advanced players.

What materials are used in the construction of the Martin "The Martin" Committee III Alto Saxophone?

This saxophone is typically crafted from high-quality brass, which contributes to its robust sound and durability.

How does the key action of the Martin "The Martin" Committee III Alto Saxophone compare to other models?

The key action of the Martin "The Martin" Committee III is smooth and responsive, providing excellent playability and ease of use for fast passages.

Does the Martin "The Martin" Committee III Alto Saxophone come with a case?

Yes, this saxophone usually comes with a protective case to ensure safe transport and storage.

PM Woodwind Repair

PM Woodwind Repair

PM Woodwind on Martin Saxophones

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PM Woodwind on Martin Saxophones

PM Woodwind Repair

PM Woodwind Repair

Video thumbnail for Then Martin Alto Sax, Serial #152066 by SaxquestShop

Then Martin Alto Sax, Serial #152066

SaxquestShop

SaxquestShop

Video thumbnail for How to use Key Leaves sax key props on Martin Committee III Alto Sax by Key Leaves

How to use Key Leaves sax key props on Martin Committee III Alto Sax

Key Leaves

Key Leaves

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin "The Martin" Committee III Alto Saxophone.

User experience

  • Owners praise its full-bodied sound and excellent intonation, working well with various mouthpieces for diverse tonal options.

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  • The bottom end is noted for its effortless playability, contributing to a lush overall sound.

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  • Despite older ergonomics, the Martin Committee III is praised for its comfort and ease of play, even for players returning to tenor sax after a long break.

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  • Owners who transition to a Martin Committee III from older models appreciate the modern spatula keys, noting improvements in ease of playing complex chords.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Older models feature 'in-line' tone holes, which offer a unique ergonomic feel that may require adjustment for new players.

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  • If notes don't respond immediately, it likely requires repair, as well-maintained units play very easily.

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Features and functionality

  • The Martin Committee III lacks a high F# key, necessitating altissimo fingering for high notes, which may require adjustment for players accustomed to modern saxophones.

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  • The Martin Committee III includes an automatic G# mechanism that is praised for facilitating smoother transitions in certain chord progressions.

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Comparisons

  • Owners note the Martin Committee III's sound resonates throughout rooms, a quality not found in a Yanagisawa A-9933, which has a distinct silver bell sound.

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  • The Martin Committee III is often compared to the Conn New Wonder II, with some players preferring the modern ergonomics and automatic G# linkage of the Martin for easier playability.

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Value and pricing

  • A complete package with a vintage 1930s Otto Link 4 Star mouthpiece and original ligature is considered rare and valued, with ligatures alone fetching $150-$200.

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  • Although priced higher than some vintage options, the Martin Committee III is considered a worthwhile investment for those seeking a vintage sound with more modern features.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Martin Committee III is favored for jazz applications, offering a tone that some players find superior to other vintage saxophones in this genre.

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Critic Reviews

'The Martin' Committee III and Magna alto saxophone review

shwoodwind.co.uk

While the Martin "The Martin" Committee III Alto Saxophone exudes a natural beauty and vintage charm, its construction reveals significant drawbacks. The inline toneholes and single pillar design may appeal aesthetically but lead to potential issues like pillar misalignment and tonehole leaks due to galvanic corrosion. Although the action is surprisingly modern and comfortable, the side key mechanics can feel less refined compared to contemporary designs. Furthermore, the lack of adjustability in key fittings raises concerns for long-term maintenance. While it has a warm, rich tone and good tuning stability, the saxophone's overall reliability issues may deter potential buyers. If you’re drawn to its vintage appeal, be prepared for possible repairs and quirks inherent to its design. Ultimately, the Committee III is a beautiful but flawed instrument that might suit collectors more than everyday players.

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Artist usage

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See how Art Pepper uses Martin "The Martin" Committee III Alto Saxophone

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Art Pepper is shown with the Martin "The Martin" Committee III Alto Saxophone in an advertisement image, highlighting his use of this instrument.

Genre Usage

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