Description
This Selmer Super Balanced Action silver alto saxophone is in excellent 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 is some light player wear across the horn but almost no plating wear. On the leg side of the bottom bow there are some tiny dings that are almost impossible to see and are better felt. There is one tiny ding on front of the bell just under the lip in the flair of the bell. However, there are no major dents in the saxophone or any evidence of major repairs. The serial number “47417” is making this a 1951 vintage alto saxophone. Above the serial number is engraved “Made in France Brev. S.G.D.G. No 383.098 ENGL. PAT. No 11.824 U.S. Patent No 2.090.011.”. The engraving on the bell reads “Brevete France & Etranger” after that “Henri Selmer Paris” is engraved in laurel leaves and finally, the words “Sole Agents U.S. & CAN. Selmer New-York. Elkhart Made in France”. It comes with the original “H. Selmer Paris” neck that is in good condition. The neck does have a little more plating wear than the rest of the saxophone, but it has no evidence of a pull down. This saxophone also comes in a new Selmer case. No mouthpiece is included. This saxophone really plays beautifully.
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.
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.
The Finish: It has approximately 95%+ of the silver finish.
Player Wear: Very light general wear (minor if any surface imperfections).
The Bell: Almost no dents and no evidence of bell edge damage.
The Bow: Very light ding in the bottom bow or bow guard.
Pad Condition: The pads are in very good used condition.
Resonator Type: Plastic resonators.
The Neck: The neck has approximately 90-95% of the finish remaining with light general wear (possible surface scratches and/or minor dents/dings).
The Mouthpiece: No Mouthpiece, ligature, or accessories are included.
The Case: A new Selmer case is included.
Engraving: Made in France Brev. S.G.D.G. No 383.098 ENGL. PAT. No 11.824 U.S. Patent No 2.090.011. (above the serial number) Brevete France & Etranger Henri Selmer Paris Sole Agents U.S. & CAN. Selmer New-York. Elkhart Made in France (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.