The Martin “Typewriter” saxophone, officially known as the Martin Handcraft Typewriter model, is one of the most distinctive and mechanically unusual saxophones ever produced. Manufactured by The Martin Band Instrument Company in the late 1920s and early 1930s, this rare model earned its nickname due to the circular, typewriter-key-like pearl touches used on many of the key mechanisms. These raised, round pearls were not only visually striking but also provided a unique tactile experience for the player—though they ultimately proved less ergonomic than traditional key shapes.
Mechanically, the Typewriter model was an ambitious and highly innovative design. In addition to its signature key touches, it featured a non-standard layout that deviated significantly from conventional saxophone ergonomics. This included unusual key linkages and placements, which made the instrument visually fascinating but somewhat challenging to play. Despite its solid construction and Martin’s renowned tonal quality—marked by a dark, robust, and centered sound—the unconventional keywork limited its commercial success and practical usability for many saxophonists.
From an acoustical perspective, the Typewriter was very much in line with Martin’s Handcraft series of the era, offering a rich, resonant tone and excellent intonation. Like other Handcraft models, it featured rolled tone holes and precision hand-engraved bells, though the Typewriter is often distinguished more by its mechanical eccentricity than by tonal differences. While it was never widely adopted by professional players, it remains an object of great curiosity and admiration among collectors and vintage saxophone enthusiasts.
Today, the Martin Typewriter is considered a rare and collectible oddity—a symbol of a bold period of experimentation in American saxophone manufacturing. Though it was not a long-term success in the marketplace, its quirky design and quality craftsmanship make it a fascinating artifact of saxophone history, embodying Martin’s spirit of innovation and the broader industrial creativity of the Jazz Age.
Martin 'Typewriter'
The Martin “Typewriter” saxophone, officially known as the Martin Handcraft Typewriter model, is one of the most distinctive and mechanically unusual saxophones ever produced. Manufactured by The Martin Band Instrument Company in the late 1920s and early 1930s, this rare model earned its nickname due to the circular, typewriter-key-like pearl touches used on many of the key mechanisms. These raised, round pearls were not only visually striking but also provided a unique tactile experience for the player—though they ultimately proved less ergonomic than traditional key shapes.
Mechanically, the Typewriter model was an ambitious and highly innovative design. In addition to its signature key touches, it featured a non-standard layout that deviated significantly from conventional saxophone ergonomics. This included unusual key linkages and placements, which made the instrument visually fascinating but somewhat challenging to play. Despite its solid construction and Martin’s renowned tonal quality—marked by a dark, robust, and centered sound—the unconventional keywork limited its commercial success and practical usability for many saxophonists.
From an acoustical perspective, the Typewriter was very much in line with Martin’s Handcraft series of the era, offering a rich, resonant tone and excellent intonation. Like other Handcraft models, it featured rolled tone holes and precision hand-engraved bells, though the Typewriter is often distinguished more by its mechanical eccentricity than by tonal differences. While it was never widely adopted by professional players, it remains an object of great curiosity and admiration among collectors and vintage saxophone enthusiasts.
Today, the Martin Typewriter is considered a rare and collectible oddity—a symbol of a bold period of experimentation in American saxophone manufacturing. Though it was not a long-term success in the marketplace, its quirky design and quality craftsmanship make it a fascinating artifact of saxophone history, embodying Martin’s spirit of innovation and the broader industrial creativity of the Jazz Age.
