Great Deal on a Professional King Zephyr Tenor Sax - Serial # 303197

This is a quality 1949 vintage King Zephyr series tenor sax, serial number 303197. Though the Zephyr name would later get dumbed down to more of a student quality sax, this particular example hails from the days when it was still a professional level lineup. In fact, the Zephyr was King's top-of-the-line sax until the introduction of the Super 20 in 1945, and this '49 Zephyr is unchanged from those saxes.

 

This tenor was re-lacquered a very long time ago, as the vast majority of Zephyrs have been over the years. The work was done extremely well, with no heavy buffing, and the engraving on the bell remains clean and easily visible. The sax shows signs of normal wear-and-tear from regular use: a smattering of tiny dings in the bottom bow area, and mild lacquer wear on the usual touch points and on the backside of the bell, from where it may rest against the player during play. The original double socket has the matching serial number, and does not appear to have ever been pulled down.

 

The current pads on this tenor are on the older side but do not look like they have seen much use so far. Unfortunately the pads are not sealing on this saxophone as it currently sits and it does not play all the way down to Bb. Ultimately it is going to need some general service and set up work done to re-seat the pads and fix a slight bend in the body tube. Some more particular players and techs might also prefer to overhaul the horn to make it “perfect”. 

 

We are selling this saxophone in as is condition at a lower price point. Ships with wood hard case.