Martin, Handcraft, Straight Soprano Saxophone, Bob Wilber Collection
Another fine Soprano which was owned and played by the legendary Bob Wilber, this straight Soprano has S/N 78631, dating to 1926. This instrument can be heard on YouTube being played by Bob Wilber:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyfPoXnp9p8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z00oM7FRGWo
This instrument was located by US Traditional Jazz Clarinet and Soprano Sax player Kenny Davern, who brought it to Bob Wilber and said: “Here, this is the Soprano you should be playing.” In the opinion of some aficionados, ‘Handcraft’ is the best model of Martin Soprano for Dixieland style. I believe the same model was played by the late English Dixieland virtuoso Mack White. There is customized corking of the left palm-keys, to suit Bob Wilber’s personal hand-position, and to adjust the distance the pad opens (for tuning). The case is a very tour-worn super-luxury leather shoulder-bag. This remarkable instrument has been heavily gigged and toured for many years, and deserves an overhaul, clean, and polish. Please view the photographs carefully, and in close up mode [ simply select a photo and hover your mouse over it].