Repairman's Overview: Martin "The Martin"/Committee III tenor saxophone 

Thanks for the video. Watched it while researching a 1946 Committee III for sale at my local shop. Purchased it today and this thing is insane. Like the others have said, it can sing softly or scream/rip. I am blown away.

I own a The Martin Committee lll that slays and conquers all Selmers, Conns, SMLs, Bueschers, Kings and all modern instruments as well. It’s so fantastic it’s actually like an overly addictive drug. It cannot be put away without continuing to resonate in the minds of all that hear it. Besides that, it’s fast, flexible, and completely in tune, going from subtones at less than whisper levels to raucous power blasts that massage the souls of listeners. Yeah...it’s that great. Go Martin!

I just bought one of these off craigslist, having it repaired at the moment, so this video will be super helpful once i get it back. Thank you.

I have gotten so many encouraging comments on my still very immature sound playing these horns. So much so that I sought out a Committee III alto and baritone, as well. The bari has the most interesting, rich harmonics and depth of any saxophone I’ve ever picked up. A 50 year warranty to boot! Martin must’ve known they created something special. What wonderful examples of American craftsmanship. Will definitely take mine to the grave. Thank you so much for these overviews, Matt!

I am very glad you do these types of informational videos Matt. Thank you!

Thank you this , Just got one of these horns rebuilt by a quality tech . Love it

Thanks for discussing one of my all time favorite makes/models Matt.

Hi Matt, I’m not sure if you get notifications for comments on old threads, but I was hoping to ask some questions about the set up of the left pinky table on the Martin comm 3. I live in AUS, so having you look at something is not an option. The tech who overhauled my sax did a pretty good job on most things but I don’t think he got the left pinky table quite right. Would it be possible to get a checklist for how you set them up. In the video you mention the importance of materials and spring tensions, but I’m sure there are other things that I may not understand but a tech would understand. I just don’t know what to tell him, I know it’s not right but I’m not sure why. Happy to communicate via email if that is easier. Also happy if anyone else has advice on the left pinky table set up. 🤓 Cheers Greg

Super informative! Didn't realize the Martin was Selmer's competition!

I just bought my 4th the martin tenor comitte 3, it is an extremely captivating instrument in its sound and of course its great elegance that is observed in all its details and great sound, it is really very difficult to describe the experience of playing a The Martin tenor In good condition, as a friend said before, it is an addictive drug. What I do not understand is why few musicians played with The Martin Tenor except Art Pepper on high, someone knows why he was not so wanted by the great masters of the time, knowing the great instrument that is

Nice video Matt !

Very cool Matt!

Love your overview. Joel

I call it The Rocket. Its sound will knock your socks off and wanting for more.

Hi matt i play alto but looking to go tenor and looking at a Martin Standard tenor sax serial number 145xxx (dating from 1945) is this a horn to stay away from or an ok horn any help would be appreciated thanks

Dear Sir: I have a 1935 Martin Imperial Handcrafted tenor saxophone. The low C sharp is very hard to press (too much tension), I have tried everything to fix it with no success. If I press it on the roller or at the very bottom it is a little better, although very awkward. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Tony.

I have a old siver the martin .56666. The palm keys are like a soprano right in line with the stack.playys wonderfull . Top conition

I have a Committee III from 47 or 48. I've played it for about 18 years in all sorts of settings. It's built like a tank and has a beautiful dark (to my ears) sound. I use a Lebayle Jazz mouthpiece which gives it a little edge. I'm super worried that one day the soldered tone holes will degrade. Hopefully not for a decade or two..

These are the coolest horns

Hi, it’s an old video but I just bought a Martin and had a question. Did the horns originally come with rivet pads? And what is the advantage of using flat metal resonators over the rivets, if that’s what they came with. Love your videos. Cheers Greg

Hey Matt, is there a spring that makes the body octave key open when you go from G to A? Mine has a little space underneath the straight metal piece connecting the octave button to the corresponding mechanism. It looks like something would go in there, and also my body octave key doesn't pop open like yours.

Kudos, my local shop has refurbished two. $2000, $1500. Going down there getting me one.

Hello Matt! I just got myself one of these saxophones and it plays great! It is a little dinged up but doesn't seem to affect the playing. One thing i did notice after getting it is that the neck tenon receiver has an imprint on the inside from where the lock screw was pinched down while the neck was rotatated. Is there an easy way to get rid of this depression? It may be causing a leak at the neck.

Great video, I have purchased one looking identical. Reads THE MARTIN TENOR .......serial #: 171456 (1949-1950). One of the posts attached at the bell has been broken off and missing. Can you replace and do a general overall ? I'm in Phoenix Arizona. Please reply and I will contact... Thanks Thomas.

What's your opinion on the Martin "Searchlights" sax? I have an alto, and it has the sweetest tone of any alto I've ever played--like Paul Desmond dipped in honey with sprinkles....and I say this as Mark VI owner. I paid $150 for this horn back in the 1970's.

Hey Matt, can you recommend a case for these horns? I'm in the market

I have one of these horns but with silver plating. I was wondering if this was an option or if it was done custom. I don't know too much about the history of it seeing as I bought it for $200 from someone who knew nothing about it. It is silver plated with a gold bell wash. Do you know anything about this?

Being as that teflon doesn't stick to much of anything, how do you get your teflon to stay in place?

I own this model but the middle D and E are giving problems. They sound muffled and its very hard with the embouchure to get them right . What can be the problem ?

Yes mat dont know you but watch your stuff need your no. The 56666 is a tennor.

Very cool Matt!