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Forum » Vintage Saxophones » Info on The Martin Alto re: The Finish


by colmike1
(1 post)
19 years ago

Info on The Martin Alto re: The Finish

Hi, I have a "The Martin Alto" sax serial #1178957. I was told it was gold plated. Is there any way to confirm it is the plated model and not the lacquered finish (without damaging the finish)? Please let me know.

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  2. by saxyguy
    (4 posts)
    19 years ago

    Re: Info on The Martin Alto re: The Finish

    Gold has a richer colour. Laquer is clear on top of polished brass, if it is scratched or worn, the brass underneith discolors. If it is gold plated, the gold is on top, with no clear coat. You may want to use a jewlers loupe to examine the scatches to see if they go through the clear laquer or in the gold plate. After seeing a few gold plates, you will be able to tell right away.

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    1. by saxismyaxe
      (575 posts)
      19 years ago

      Re: Info on The Martin Alto re: The Finish

      Here is a better way to tell: All gold plated horns are first Silver plated, as gold will not adhear to bare brass, so if the worn/scratched areas of the horn appear silver under the gold, then there is a great likelyhood that your horn was goldplated.

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