What is a Martin soprano saxophone worth?

Answer 1

The Martin Company was founded in 1865 (or later - accounts differ) and it successor, The Martin Band instrument Company was founded in 1904. Wurlitzer bought Martin in 1965 and continued to sell instruments made with Martin tooling.

From at least 1904 to 1965, Martin made saxes. In that time there were about a dozen significant models, with many small changes made between the major changes, but most, if not all, sopranos of the vintage era are Handcraft models from the 1920's, or thereabouts. All vintage Martins from the earliest Handcraft model to the Magna introduced in 1956 are respected saxes, but all are now over 50 years old, so the biggest factor affecting value is condition.

A Martin Handcraft straight soprano in very good playing condition and with good, original silver plating - the most common finish - will sell for over $1,000. Curved sopranos generally sell for 50% to 80% more than straight instruments. Worn or damaged instruments will sell for much less, as will lacquered or bare brass instruments. Martin lacquer was never very good. Instruments with gold plating will sell for significantly more.

In 1971, LeBlanc bought the rights to the Martin name. LeBlanc also markets Vito and Yanagisawa, and sopranos of this era are thought of as student models, probably made by Yanagisawa. Quality varies, and it can be very difficult to determine just what model you have. Most any soprano sax in playing condition, other than the bargain basement Chinese instruments, will probably bring $500, but I know of no particular demand for LeBlanc era Martin sopranos above the generic baseline. If you have a sax that plays well and is in good condition, it should be worth more.