Vintage Cannonball A-98 “Knight Series” Alto Saxophone – Rare Bare Brass Finish – 1998 Salt Lake City Edition w/Original Case, 1st Year of Production
Gorgeous 1998 Cannonball A-98 Knight Series Alto Saxophone, also known as the Salt Lake City Edition—the very first production line from Cannonball Saxophones. Tested in-store, in excellent playing condition. All the hallmarks of Cannonball's first production year which contributed to their growing reputation, including the Mother of Pearl buttons, the Traditional bell, One neck, and the hand-engraved "1998 Salt Lake City", which would already make this an eminently collectible piece of Cannonball history, and made even more rare by the Bare-Brass or Unlacquered finish, which pros prize for the more "open" vibration and the warmer, darker, and more complex tonal character. Additionally, bare brass develops a unique patina over time, changing color and character with use. Includes original hard case and mouthpiece, strap, and Selmer gold ligature.
Key Features of the Cannonball A-98 "Knight Series" Alto
Production: 1998–1999 (Salt Lake City Edition)
- Traditional bell design (pre–Big Bell series)
- Mother-of-pearl key buttons
- Left-hand spatula brace
- Laser engraving on bell
- Serial range approx. 100,889 – 103,244
- Built in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Unique Features:
Bare Brass Finish (Unlacquered): Rare compared to the common gold lacquer models. The natural patina and open resonance of bare brass give it a rich, flexible tone.
Early Cannonball History: Engraved with “Salt Lake City”, marking Cannonball’s origins. Collectors prize these as the foundation of the brand’s reputation.
Limited Production: Serial numbers from this series ran only between 1998 and 1999, making it a short-lived and highly collectible model.
Engraving & Craftsmanship: Features the hand-engraved bell and mother-of-pearl key touches typical of early Cannonball instruments.
