98% original gold plated 1948 297,xxx King Super 20 alto saxophone. Here is an incredibly rare and wonderfully preserved King Super 20 alto saxophone, made within a couple of months of Charlie Parker's Super 20. This is an artist model, made for Mariano Cabotaje, whose name was engraved on the bow to bell brace by a King craftsman. The saxophone is the "full pearls" version, which has extra pearl touches on the side keys, palm keys, octave key, alt F# key, G# key and pinky rollers. 

The King Super 20 alto saxophone is a classic vintage saxophone that was the same model used by Charlie Parker and Cannonball Adderley. Other than the Mark VI, no other vintage saxophone model comes close to the reputation that these horns have. They tend to be a bit more outgoing and brash than the Mark VI. If you like the sound and energy of Cannonball Adderley, then this is the horn for you. 

The overall condition is excellent, and Eric Beach just performed a full mechanical overhaul. His work is top notch and he uses the best parts available including Pisoni Pro pads. The neck is a solid silver King neck, although the serial number is not present on the neck. Because of this, we think that it is not original to the horn. However, it's a great match and fits the body of the horn perfectly. The gold lacquer on the neck is a very close match to the gold plating. The sax comes in a very nice leather Oleg case that is a good match for the horn. However, please contact me if you're interested in upgrading to a new Bam case. 

Sonically, this horn has everything I could ask for out of a Super 20. The horn has the huge, lush sound that this model is known for, but there's a ton of sonority and finesse there as well, which I wonder if is because of the gold plating. Although the horn absolutely sings when pushed, it is very even and stable at low dynamics too. All in all, this is a dynamic, colorful, adaptive horn that is the most charming Super 20 I've ever come across. 

I have done a bit of research regarding the identity of the original owner, and I have come up with nothing so far. If the name of this saxophonist is familiar to any of you, please reach out to me.