Selmer Balanced Action Silver Alto Saxophone 1940’s Serial #33017

Description

This Selmer Balanced Action silver alto saxophone is in mint condition with 95% or more of the original silver plating. It has just come from the shop where it was cleaned, adjusted, and re-padded so it plays wonderfully. There are no dings or dents in the saxophone or evidence of any major repairs. The only noticeable plating wear is on a few of the touch spots on the keys and one little spot on the bow. Please see the photos for more details. The serial number is “33017” making this a 1946-1947 vintage alto saxophone. Please note the black key buttons. This saxophone was made right after WWII when they were still having trouble importing pearl key buttons so they made them black plastic. Above the serial number is engraved “Brev. S.G.D.G. No 383.098 ENGL. PAT. No 11.824”.  The engraving on the bell is incredibly elaborate and encircles the bell and runs down onto the bow. The engraving reads: “Brevete France & Etranger” and “Henri Selmer Paris” engraved in laurel leaves and the words “Fabrique en France Par H. Selmer & Cie Place Dancourt. Paris”. All around the words are swirling leaves and flowers. This alto saxophone comes with the original “H. Selmer Paris” neck in great condition and has no evidence of a pulldown. It also comes in a new replacement Selmer case.  No mouthpiece is included. 

Selmer’s Balanced Actions, Super Balanced Actions and Mark VI’s are the Stradivarius of saxophones. At the end of the day deciding which to buy is a little like picking between a Lamborghini or a Ferrari. It is really a matter of preference. For this particular horn, we can tell you that it has that rich, dark, iconic Selmer sound. These are not Yamahas that are cranked out; each saxophone has its own character and presence that is almost impossible to describe on paper. It has to be heard; it has to be felt. Check out the video below to hear this saxophone – please note that this is a balanced action saxophone not a super balanced action as our demo guy states.

Additional Information:
Instrument Condition: The overall physical condition of this used instrument is excellent.
Playing Condition: This instrument is currently in excellent playing condition.
The Key Plating: Approximately 95%+ of the original key plating remains with light player wear to the touch spots.
The Finish: It has approximately 95%+ of the silver finish.
Player Wear: Very light general wear (minor if any surface imperfections).
The Bell: No dents or evidence of bell edge damage.
The Bow: No dents in the bottom bow or bow guard.
Pad Condition: The pads are in very good used condition.
Resonator Type: Rivet style.
The Neck: The neck has approximately 95%+ of the finish remaining with very light general wear (minor if any surface imperfections).
The Mouthpiece: No Mouthpiece, ligature, or accessories are included.
The Case: A new Selmer case is included.
Engraving: Brev. S.G.D.G. No 383.098 ENGL. PAT. No 11.824 (above the serial number) Brevete France & Etranger Henri Selmer Paris Fabrique en France Par H. Selmer & Cie Place Dancourt. Paris (on the bell) H. Selmer Paris (on the neck). 

*Note: We do offer private appointments to test our high end quality instruments, please contact us to schedule an appointment.