#Used king super 20 alto sax serial numbers
#Used king super 20 alto sax serial number

The King Super 20 and Super 20 Silver-Sonic are known as two of the most legendary jazz horns ever produced. The combination of the two together with the mother of pearl inlay resulted in an aesthetically distinctive instrument that attracted many well-known saxophonists. It was thought that the silver neck enhanced the response of the instrument, while the silver bell added a certian resonance to the overall tone. As the success of the Super 20 established it as one of the best saxophones of its era, a sterling silver bell was added as an option. Additionally, the mechanism was slightly modified for a faster action, and the bell size was slightly enlarged. Many of the changes involved the neck pipe, including an altered bore, a new, under-slung octave mechanism (called the 'accelerated octave key') and a new leak-proof neck fitting. 1Дespite claims to the contrary, the Super 20 is not a completely redesigned instrument, but is little more than a Zephyr Special with added enhancements and features. I can only assume that these instruments were produced from left over parts inventories.

#Used king super 20 alto sax serial numbers

However, there are reliable reports of Super 20 horns with high serial numbers indicating later production dates. King was losing money on every Super 20 produced, and the line was discontinued in 1975. The underslung octave mechanism was discontinued, and these horns are generally considered to be of lesser quality and not as desirable. The socket neck was deleted around 390,000 and at 426,000 the production was moved from Cleveland to a new facility at Eastlake, Ohio. A silver neck was standard on the baritone, and I have seen one with a sterling silver bell. The mother of pearl touches were discontinued, but a Super 20 baritone was made available.

#Used king super 20 alto sax serial number

The left hand pinky cluster was changed around serial number 300,000 and the sterling silver neck became an option around serial number 340,000. The initial run of Super 20%u2019s had the three ring strap hook of the Zephyr Special, and mother of pearl key touches. Patent 2533389 granted Decemapplied for August 27, 1948) was intended to provide more positive sealing and a lighter action, and became the trademark of the Super 20.

The early examples were essentially Zephyr Specials with more elaborate engraving, but with a different neck. After World War II, King introduced the legendary Super 20.