C Melody Saxophone

Details

Origin: Elkhart, IN, USA
Date Made: 1930 – 1940
Maker: Martin
Collection: E 207

Description

Brass body with mother of pearl buttons. Other components include silver, plastic, felt, cork, and reed. With mouthpiece, but missing mouthpiece cap. The bell reads: “THE/Martin/REG. U.S. PAT. OFFICE/ELKHART/IND.” Below thumb rest: “MARTIN/35138/LOW PITCH.” Serial number 35138 on back of main joint as well. Column length: c. 129 cm. Bore: 1.3 cm. at mouthpiece; 2.4 cm. at bottom of neck; diameter of bell is 12.4 cm.

C melody tenor saxophones were especially popular in dance bands in the 1920s-40s. Despite its widespread use in the early to mid 20th century, it is rarely used today. Unlike other saxophones, the instrument is in concert pitch, meaning it can play music written for piano, flute, or violin, for example, without having to transpose.

The start of the big band era, in combination with the economic crash of 1929, meant that most people buying saxophones in that time would be looking for standard altos or tenors rather than the C melody saxophone.

Sources

Fripp, Matt. “The C Melody Saxophone – A Complete Guide.” Jazzfuel, June 10, 2022. https://jazzfuel.com/c-melody-saxophone-guide/.