Saxophone Forum


by brads
(3 posts)
4 years ago

Wurlitzer Tenor Sax

I have no clue what I have! I played many years ago and an old man gave me an old sax that he had for years. I've had this sax for over 35 years. The serial number is 5429. 

Ir is pretty well dried up and needs restoration.

I would like to move this along to someone that would restore this. 

Any insight is greatly appreciated.  

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  1. by historicsaxwhisperer
    (644 posts)

    4 years ago

    Re: Wurlitzer Tenor Sax

    I do restorations.

    I live in Cincinnati, Ohio USA

    What part of the world are you located in?

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    1. by brads
      (3 posts)

      4 years ago

      Re: Wurlitzer Tenor Sax

      I'm in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
      I wasn't looking to restore it, but was curious to know what I have. I know that some Wurlitzer saxophones have some value. I want to eventually sell it as it has been in my storage for 30 years, so I have two choices. Sell it as a wall hanger or move it to someone that would eventually play it. The latter would be my preference even if it fetches the same price.
      Thanks for reaching out. Stay safe!

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      1. by historicsaxwhisperer
        (644 posts)

        4 years ago

        Re: Wurlitzer Tenor Sax

        Well, there is an entire saxophone family.

        Here is a pretty good one

        https://reverb.com/item/26389830-wurlitzer-low-pitch-tenor-saxophone-1920-s

        Voicings from your horns timeframe is

        Soprano in Bflat

        Soprano in C

        Alto in Eflat

        C melody Tenor in C

        B Flat Tenor  in B flat

        Baritone in Eflat

        Bass in E flat.

        So which you got? You have no idea.

         

        Then Wurlitzer waas made by a few makers.

        Was it Martin

        Was it Buescher

        Was it Holton

        Was it Conn

        So which you got? You have no idea

         

        Then the older models often had bad keywork and soldered on tone holes.

        The newer versions had a front F.

        So what you got? No Idea.

         

        That is the reality. Its like asking what an old car is worth and giving no specifics.

        Here is my overal answer. Your Wurlitzer is probably made by Martin. It would have nice beveled tone holes that extend in a curved fashion to the pad seal area opposed to being just straight. It probably is an older model based on the serial number. It is probably a C melody, which is no longer used much, or a tenor in bflat as you mentioned. Probably silver plated with a gold wash in the bell.

        It is worth a few hundred dollars at most As Is. It will cost 600 or more to get it playing. Then it would be worth maybe 575 bucks. Also, we have not covered its actual condition.

        Pictures would help you get a more definite answer.

        Good Luck.

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        1. by brads
          (3 posts)

          4 years ago

          Re: Wurlitzer Tenor Sax

          Wow, thanks for that. I'll pull it out of the trunk and take some detailed pictures. 

          If someone makes me even a remotely decent offer, I would love to move it along to be played one day. I know I won't. 

          Thanks Again,
          Kevin

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        2. by historicsaxwhisperer
          (644 posts)

          4 years ago

          Re: Wurlitzer Tenor Sax

          There is a trading post on this site. You should list it there for maximum exposure here.

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