Searching for a vintage saxophone? Understanding saxophone serial numbers can help you distinguish between a great instrument and one that’s best to avoid.
Serial numbers are the unique number on the back of saxophones, usually inscribed under the right thumb holder. They help identify the instrument’s exact production year and model.
In this article, we will guide you through the different serial numbers used by six famous saxophone brands:
For companies such as Buescher, Conn, Martin and King who today mainly produce stencil and/or student models, knowing the saxophone serial number can tell you if you are looking at a potentially great instrument or something that is aimed at less experienced players.
We’ve chosen these six brands for a number of reasons.
Firstly, they are some of the most well-documented saxophone manufacturers in the world. There is also a big difference in quality between their models so knowing the best serial numbers will prevent you from picking out a poor-quality horn.
You might be wondering why we’ve left the likes of Yamaha and Yanagisawa from this list?
The reason for this is that modern sax makers such as these don’t have a history long enough to judge the quality of the horns based on their serial numbers.
Beuscher Saxophone Serial Numbers
So, let’s jump right in, starting with one of the oldest manufacturers on this list: Buescher.
Top Hat & Cane / Super 400
The sax maker’s most famous and arguably best model is the Buescher 400 ‘Top Hat & Cane’ / ‘Super 400’, which include both alto and tenor models produced between 1941 and 1963
These instruments are the very best of the Bueschers as they put all their knowledge and experience previously acquired with the Buescher Aristocrat series and improved the design, material and comfort.
Buescher saxophone serial numbers: 296000 to 360000
Big B
An honorary mention from the Buescher Aristocrat series, the ‘Big B’ model which was produced between 1940 and 1951.
These horns are different from the Super 400 in design, have a smaller bell, and the bell keys are found on the left instead of the right rear as on the 400. In addition, the octave key is placed on the top of the neck as on modern saxes.
The Big B engraving on the bell is an obvious sign that we are looking at an Aristocrat model, not a Super 400. As you can see there is an overlap with the serial numbers, but the above-mentioned differences between these two instruments should help you recognise whether you are dealing with the 400 or the Big B.
Serial numbers: 292000 to 336999
What to avoid
After 1963, H&A Selmer company bought Buescher and from then on, they focused mainly on beginner and intermediate level horns so best to avoid anything with a serial number 381000 to 875000 if you’re looking for a vintage classic.
Conn Serial Numbers
Next in line is another American maker from Elkhart Indiana, the Conn saxophones.
Conn made some great saxophones, including these two models that we’re looking at here: the Transitional and the M series.
Transitional
The name “Transitional” refers to the models produced between the New Wonder series and the M Series (1931-1934).
It’s not an official model name, rather a blanket term employed by collectors and players for Conn saxophones produced during this particular era.
It can get a bit tricky to tell the difference between a Transitional and an M series. Some of these horns have some features of the M Series ‘Naked Lady’ model, and other features from the Transitional New Wonder model.
The differences are subtle like differing engraving or split bell keys, so knowing your serial numbers will help you find the sax you’re looking for. .
Serial numbers: 244700 to 259999
M Series
These instruments are also referred to as ‘Naked Lady’ because of the lady on the bell engraving.
The 6M refers to the alto saxophone version and the 10M is the tenor saxophone.
This model can be broken down into 4 versions. The saxophones with rolled tone holes (regarded as the best versions) were made between 1935 and 1947.
Then there are the straight tone hole models from 1948 to 1959, the redesigned model with wire keyguards from 1960 to 1971 and a version with sheet metal keyguards instead of the wire keyguards produced from 1963 to 1971.
These instruments are right up there in sound quality and versatility with the Selmer Super Balanced Action and the legendary Mark VI.
1934-1962 serial numbers: 260000 to 949464
What to avoid
If you’re looking for a classic pro horn, it’s probably best to avoid instruments made after 1963 with serial number c00501; Conn stopped making professional horns from this year and moved their factory line to North Carolina, Texas and Mexico.
Keilwerth Saxophones
We are going to jump over to Europe for our next manufacturer as we take a look at Keilwerth saxophones.
The company was founded by Julius Keilwerth. They were mainly stencil makers for other German brands until 1986 when Keilwerth hired jazz saxophonist Peter Ponzol to help develop more professional models.
SX90R
The result of Ponzol’s work is the SX90R (≈1992 to present) with this saxophone’s serial number starting with 97251.
This instrument was endorsed by musicians such as Branford Marsalis, David Liebman, Courtney Pine and James Moody among others.
It is a great alternative for professionals if you want something different from the well known Yamaha, Yanagisawa and Selmer saxophones.
King Saxophones
Next, we have King saxophones, and their two most famous models the Zephyr and Super 20.
Zephyr
The Zephyr had a long run of production, however, the best models in our opinion are the ones with serial numbers from 180000 up to 340000.
It’s also worth noting that there is an overlap with the Voll-True II model which was made before the Zephyr. This means the very first Zephyrs are identical to the Voll-True II.
1935 – 1975 serial numbers: 180000 to 511000
The Zephyr has an upgraded version which is known as the Zephyr Special. These had a solid silver neck, a different bore and engraving on some of the key works.
1937-1945 serial numbers: 209000 to 271999
Super 20
After World War II, King launched the legendary Super 20.
The Super 20 had a redesigned neck compared to the Zephyr, along with a better key layout and better intonation.
The best ones are those with serial numbers from 275000 to 425999. After that the production was moved to Eastlake, Ohio. Generally, these horns are of lower quality and less valuable.
1945 – 1998 King saxophone serial numbers: 275000 to 800000
Martin Saxophones
Martin is the third saxophone maker from Elkhart Indiana on this list, and maybe the lesser-known. But that doesn’t mean that Martin horns are any less impressive than the Bueschers or Conns!
The most popular models are the Handcraft Committee (1935 – 1938 serial number: 114000 to 125000), Committee II (1938 – 1945 serial number: 125000 to 150000) and the Magna (1956 – 1971 serial numbers: 200000 to 350000).
The Handcraft Committee and Committee both have beautiful engraving and a sweet tone.
The fact that the bore diameter is small doesn’t mean the sound is; they can really fill up the room.
The Magna is generally considered the best of the Martin saxes.
It’s based on the Committee II, but with a few upgrades such as an adjustable octave mechanism screw and enlarged left-hand thumb pearl.
The best Martin Magna horns are those produced between 1956 and 1963 with serial numbers ranging from 196213 to 218854. After 1964 Wurlitzer bought the rights to Martin and slowly shifted the focus to student and intermediate horns.
Anything built after 1971 are Yanagisawa stencils.
Selmer Saxophone Serial Numbers
That’s all for American horns now as we take a trip to France to take a look at one of the most famous saxophone makers of all time, the Henri Selmer company.
I’ll take the three most famous and loved models:
- Balanced Action (1935 – 1948 serial numbers: 20101 to 35800)
- Super Balanced Action (1946 – 1954 serial numbers: 33000 to 55200)
- Mark VI (1954 – 1975 serial numbers 55201 to 233900)
These are the most famous and possibly the best saxophones in the world.
Selmer set the bar high first with the innovative Balanced Action (bell keys on the right side, bell turned by 14 degrees, and new design neck), then the slightly updated version, SBA followed by the further developed Mark VI which is the longest-run production in Selmer history.
There are no bad horns among these (alto or tenor), although some of the earlier SBA models have had some intonation issues reported; generally, the Mark VI sopranos aren’t the best intonation-wise, either.
The engraving and key work plating are widely varied between the American ensembled and European ensembled Mark VI’s. There is a higher demand for the ‘5 digits’ horns (i.e. a serial number with less than five numbers).
The models before these (Modele 22, Modele 26, Super Series aka ‘Cigar Cutter’) are more like collector’s items than instruments to be played as they have intonation problems and are not as comfortable as the preceding models.
Alternatives to the Mark IV
The models that followed the Mark VI (Mark VII, Super Action 80, Super Action 80 Serie II &III) stayed in the shadow of their ancestors, but are still very good saxophones.
In 2000 Selmer came out with the Reference 54 saxophone which is the closest to the quality, sound and feel of the Mark VI.
Much more recently, Selmer announced a new alto sax, the Supreme inspired by John Coltrane’s masterpiece “A Love Supreme” which is taking the place of the Reference – it’s well worth keeping an eye out on that one!
Thanks for reading and feel free to get in touch with questions!
If you’re interested in a more detailed saxophone serial number lookup chart, the saxophone museum has one here.
If you’re looking for more info about the best saxophones, head to our saxophone homepage for all the articles and accessories.
You can also get some inspiration from our pick of the most famous saxophone players ever!
How about the Martin Committee III aka “The Martin”?
I have what looks like an Intex silver alto sax with part no. GH01654.
Who made it?
artimis 2008520
What can you tell me about S 45801 L ?
It is a small instrument. 15 inches from mouthpiece to bottom.
It is a CG Conn.
I Just purchased a Frank Holton Bari Saxophone. The number on the sax is 122. Is this the serial number? Is there other numbers like a model number? Any information you may have would be very appreciated.
I’m looking for any information about a Saxophone with the following shown on instrument
PATD DEC.8.1914.
!II 9954
C
W7173
L
Other inscriptions are floral designs with a horizontal banner with Geranic lettering:
SELMER
New York
I have a Conn tenor with the same “PATD DEC.8.1914. lll 9954” Below that on mine the letter is T where yours is C. That indicates mine is a tenor and yours is a C melody sax. Pretty sure the W7173 is a serial number, mine is 50277 in that location and indicates around 1919. The “L” indicates low pitch. MIne also has a floral pattern but mine defintely says “Made by C. G. Conn Ltd. Elkhart Ind.”
Does anyone know what year my Yanagisawa Alto Saxophone serial #00360773 was manufactured??
I have a Selmer Soloist Saxophone. The serial number reads 20206 and then there is AK116. I was made in Taiwan. I’m trying to find the years this model was made and how much it’s worth in Excellent condition.
I have a chandler
Serial number E7585
Can you show me where to get date, value etc?
I am trying to identify my late Fathers Pre-war Saxophone. It is a Favorit Paris (Selmer?) Serial number 5365. I would guess it is from around 1930 judging by old photos.
It has ornate leaf/flower engravings around name.
I would like it to be restored and hopefully play it but I need to identify it so I can source the right restorer/repairer. Hopefully somebody can help. Thanks
Hi Alan, with that serial number I’m going to say it’s a Selmer SuperSax Cigar Cutter. I myself have one of these with serial number 5356. A very nice saxophone from the 1930s.
We have LOW PITCH (C melody ) saxophone from the Vega Company Boston Mass with vin #136185. Do you have an idea about when it was made?
Yamaha and Yanagisawa have been making saxophones for at least 50 and 60 years, respectively. I’d consider those long enough runs to determine the quality of the brands, which are both outstanding. The trouble with serial numbers for these brands is that the makers won’t share how their numbers correspond to dates of manufacture. Luckily, their earliest efforts, which may be sketchy to play, are rare enough that almost any sax from either factory that you’ll encounter is a worthy horn. Also, the Mark VI isn’t the longest running model, not even close; the altos and tenors were made for 21 years while the sopraninos, sopranos, baritones and basses were made for 26. The Super Action 80 Series II has been in production for 36 years.
I am trying to obtain the age of my alto saxophone. It is inscribed on the bell, The Martin Alto, ELKHART-IND-USA. The bell is beautifully engraved with a floral pattern. I received it used in the 6th grade from a professional musician and that was 1970. The serial number is 169668. I can’t seem to match the serial number anywhere.
Yamaha and Yanagisawa have been making saxophones for at least 50 and 60 years, respectively. I’d consider those long enough runs to determine the quality of the brands, which are both outstanding. The trouble with serial numbers for these brands is that the makers won’t share how their numbers correspond to dates of manufacture. Luckily, their earliest efforts, which may be sketchy to play, are rare enough that almost any sax from either factory that you’ll encounter is a worthy horn. Also, the Mark VI isn’t the longest running model, not even close; the altos and tenors were made for 21 years while the sopraninos, sopranos, baritones and basses were made for 26. The Super Action 80 Series II has been in production for 36 years.
I have a Selmer AS400 that was made in Vietnam and I have used it for about 6 or 7 years. I have played many pieces and genres with it and it has worked so well for me. It helped me grow more attached to music and it has helped me grow as an individual as well. I became curious on what year it was manufactured so I tried to narrow it down based on serial number, but it seems to have more digits in it’s serial number than most of the lists I have seen. Is there a possibility that you know how old it is if the serial number AT10515022?
Glad to hear your found a horn that got you excited to play! I’m not sure there is much info out there for the more mass-made horns (such as these Conn-Selmer ones) regarding serial numbers as the individual horns are less varied in quality than the more hand-finished vintage models. Saying that, you could reach out to Conn-Selmer directly and see if they can help: https://www.conn-selmer.com/en-us/education/about-us/contact-us
Vietnamese Selmers have been in production for about the last ten years. They’re good, solid student instruments, but as mass-produced horns, the serial numbers are less important, and may be impossible to narrow down. If you bought it used, but it was in good shape at the time, you can probably expect it was sold off lease and was a year or two old when you got it. If you bought it new, it was probably less than a year old at the time. From the length of time you owned it, I’d say it couldn’t have been more than five years old when it got to you.
Bardzo fajna strona internetowa !
Szukam rocznika do mojego altu: SELMER SA 80 II (edycja jubileuszowa) N.793580.