Selmer super balanced action for sale

Q: Are Selmer Mark VI the best?

Its a simple truth that the Selmer Mark VI was either the best, or among the best sax that money could buy, during its 20 year run. It is also a truth that a more modern horn will play with more consistent intonation. The Mark VI alto is especially noted for a badly out-of-tune lower register (more on that later).

This is a VERY NICE vintage Selmer Super Balanced Alto Saxophone.

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Similar Listings
Is Selmer better than Yamaha?
How much is a Selmer Mark VI worth?
How can you tell a fake Selmer?
Are Selmer Mark VI the best?

The Super Balanced is the rarest of Selmers, with only some 18000 altos, tenors, and baris inclusive being made. And some say the Super Balanced is the finest saxophone Selmer has ever produced. If you're one of those people, this one is for you. The lacquer is about 85% present but not original. No signs of serious repair. Pads and action are very good and this horn plays well as is.

Pictures tell the rest of the story! Please feel free to email with any additional questions.

We are proud to be an authorized Selmer Paris dealer

Availability:

Out of stock

sale pending

It is not every day that we get in amazing playing Super balanced action tenors in this kind of condition. The serial number 45xxx places the production year to 1951 in Paris France. This horn was definitely relacquered at some point, but don’t let that deter you because it has an absolutely incredible tone quality and it is in overall terrific shape with fresh pads which will not need to be changed for many years. The bottom bow is un dented which is increasingly uncommon with horns of this age. An additional aftermarket adjustment arm has been added between F and F# keys to assist in the low end adjustment stability. (If you prefer we can remove this from the instrument at no charge). A full setup has already been performed by our shop to ensure this tenor seals plays and feels perfect for its next owner! A saxophone this amazing will not be available for long. Please feel free to email or call us to ask any questions that you might have.

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Similar Listings

This is the horn of choice for jazz tenor players like Joe Lovano, Branford Marsalis, Chris Potter, Tony Malaby, David Sanchez and many others. It is a transitional Selmer Balanced Action Model known as the Super Balanced Action. It is the last model before the introduction of the Selmer MK VI. The horn has a single key guard for the low B and B flat.

These horns have a certain "thing" to them and really reward the strong player with a vibrant tone that will help present the personality of the artist improviser. It is nuance. It may be the short bow with the large bell flare (typical of the current Taiwanese horns). Whatever it is there is a reason that this is the choice of so many fine players.

This is a players horn. I have owned and played MK IV, MKVII, SML, Super 20 and a whole slew of various makes of Tenor saxophone. When I came up these horns were used horns not "vintage" horns. I have played many vintage saxophones and mouthpieces that were of a fine pedigree but left something to be desired. The truth is that vintage equipment can be inconsistent. This is a great instrument. It is meant for the real player, not the collector.

I acquired this over 30 years ago. It was unlacquered when I got the horn. I sent it to Dave Guardala who at that time had an ad in the International Musician. He overhauled the instrument and set it up New York style (with the key heights very high). He told me that a number of the New York musicians who really liked it. Over the years I had the horn set up with the key heights lowered.

I stopped playing regularly in 2010 and the horn was sitting in a closet until March when I had it completely overhauled. I no longer have the chops to benefit from this instrument and have decided to sell a horn that I have loved over the years.

The horn has been completely overhauled (the bill is in the pictures). It has metal dome resonators and it has a combination of traditional and kangaroo skin pads. The kangaroo skin pads are used in places like the G# and other places where pads tend to stick

The horn was sonically cleaned in detergent and water and then polished by hand. The horn has never been bright dipped or buffed while the horn was in my possession. The engraving is still pretty sharp. The horn had no lacquer when I got it. Obviously over time it will develop the patina of an unlacquered horn.

The neck and body have matching numbers.

There is a small professionally done patch near the thumb hook. It was a there when I got the instrument. The neck screw is not the original, it is the same one that was on the instrument when I got the horn.

I will provide the original Selmer Tray pac case. It is adequate for shipping but has seen better days.

Shipping is estimated in the US. Insurance is additional and will be required.

Seller will consider international transactions but this decision will be based on location and the seller reserves the right to refuse an international order.

Contact the seller in regards to shipping and insurance.

This item is sold As-Described

This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.

Listed	4 years ago
Condition	Very Good (Used) Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape.learn more
Brand	Selmer
Model	Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone
Finish	Unlacquered Brass
Categories	Saxophones
Year	1952
Made In	France

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Is Selmer better than Yamaha?

Yamaha YAS23: Short Answer. While both have the reputation of good entry-level student horns, if you've got the money to spare, you should probably opt for the Yamaha YAS23. It produces better sound and has better intonation, but of course, it comes at a considerably higher price.

How much is a Selmer Mark VI worth?

Sought After Saxophone Over the last 20 years, prices for Selmer Mark VI tenor and alto saxophones have climbed to as high as [$16,000 USD].

How can you tell a fake Selmer?

The Henri Selmer Paris Company only uses black or green felts, not red. Therefore, if you see a new Selmer Paris saxophone with red felts, you can be sure that it is counterfeit.

Are Selmer Mark VI the best?

It's a simple truth that the Selmer Mark VI was either the best, or among the best sax that money could buy, during its 20 year run. It is also a truth that a more modern horn will play with more consistent intonation. The Mark VI alto is especially noted for a badly out-of-tune lower register (more on that later).