FEATURES
- Durable student-model alto saxophone designed for beginning musicians and school band programs
- Made in the USA during the United Musical Instruments (UMI) production era
- Key of E♭ for standard alto saxophone performance and band integration
- Brass body construction with an attractive gold lacquer finish
- Nickel-plated keywork for added durability and visual contrast
- Mother-of-pearl key inlays for improved comfort and grip
- Drawn tone holes for improved response and dependable intonation
- Simplified octave key mechanism ideal for student hand positioning and ease of use
- Excellent reliability and rugged construction suitable for marching band and classroom environments
- Known for stable tuning and easy playability for developing saxophonists
- Technician adjusted for General Playing Conditions
- Includes Original Hard-shell Case and Mouthpiece
*Includes hardshell case & mouthpiece
DESCRIPTION
The King Empire 665 Alto Saxophone is a dependable student-focused instrument designed to provide beginning players with a solid foundation in tone production, intonation, and playing comfort. Manufactured in the United States during the later United Musical Instruments (UMI) era, the Empire 665 became a popular choice among school music programs, private instructors, and marching bands thanks to its rugged construction and straightforward design.
Built from brass and finished in attractive gold lacquer, the instrument offers both visual appeal and long-term durability. Nickel-plated keywork provides increased resistance to wear, while mother-of-pearl key touches offer improved comfort and secure finger placement. Drawn tone holes promote smooth airflow and dependable intonation, making the horn particularly forgiving for younger and developing players.
One of the defining characteristics of the Empire 665 is its simplified octave mechanism, which encourages proper left-hand positioning and facilitates smooth transitions between registers. Combined with its reliable tuning and durable construction, the saxophone has earned a reputation as an excellent starter instrument capable of handling the rigors of classroom instruction, private study, and marching band performance.
Serial number 71062XX places this instrument within the late 1990s to early 2000s production period under United Musical Instruments. Unlike the earlier H.N. White-era King saxophones, the Empire series employed a more modern manufacturing approach aimed specifically at producing reliable and affordable student instruments.
Our featured saxophone has seen moderate use and exhibits normal cosmetic wear consistent with its age. Numerous light feather scratches are present throughout the body, while the bow shows areas of discoloration and additional scratching. Minor smudges and finish wear are also visible on portions of the keywork. Importantly, there are no dings, pings, or dents present on the instrument. Our technician has adjusted the saxophone for General Playing Conditions to ensure dependable performance.
Included with the instrument are the Original Hard-shell Case and a stock Mouthpiece. Whether you are purchasing your first saxophone, searching for a dependable marching band instrument, or looking for a reliable backup horn, the King Empire 665 offers exceptional value and proven durability.
SPECIFICATIONS
General InformationManufacturer: King / United Musical Instruments (UMI)Model: Empire 665Instrument Type: Alto SaxophoneKey: E♭Serial Number: 71062XXCountry of Manufacture: United StatesManufacturing Era: Late 1990s to Early 2000sIntended Player Level: Student / BeginnerIncludes Original Hard-shell Case and MouthpieceBody ConstructionBody Material: BrassFinish: Gold LacquerTone Holes: Drawn Tone HolesConstruction: Durable Student-Oriented DesignKeywork & MechanismKey Finish: Nickel-PlatedKey Touches: Mother-of-Pearl InlaysOctave Mechanism: Simplified Student DesignErgonomics: Comfortable Traditional LayoutMechanism Design: Reinforced for School and Marching Band UsePerformance CharacteristicsTonal Character: Warm and BalancedResponse: Smooth and Student-FriendlyIntonation: Stable Throughout the Playing RangeProjection: Suitable for Concert Band and Marching ApplicationsApplications: Beginning Band, Marching Band, Private Study, and Backup Instrument UseConditionModerate cosmetic wear consistent with age and useNumerous feather scratches throughout the bodyDiscoloration and scratching present on the bowMinor smudges and finish wear visible on portions of the keyworkNo dings, pings, or dentsStructurally sound and mechanically reliableTechnician adjusted for General Playing ConditionsDesign HeritageProduced during the United Musical Instruments (UMI) eraDesigned specifically for educational and student environmentsKnown for dependable intonation and rugged constructionPopular choice among school music programs and private instructorsSuitable for beginning players and experienced musicians seeking a reliable backup instrument
*Includes hardshell case & mouthpiece
