Shopping for a vintage Selmer saxophone – what to look for

If you are considering to purchase a vintage Selmer saxophone, it is good to educate yourself about the different things that affect the value. We have an article on that – 2 main factors that affect the value of vintage Selmer saxophones

Besides the consideration of the value, I would recommend when looking at a saxophone within your budget, make the choice based on what feels and sounds right to you. Try to not pay too much attention to serial numbers or the lacquer condition (original lacquer versus relacquer).

We have often had players come into the shop, excited to play test all the original lacquered 5-digits that we have, just to end up falling in love with a 6-digit – or a relacquered horn, or a Balanced Action…you get the point.

A relacquer done right can play as well as an original lacquered. And each period of vintage Selmers will have their certain sound and response characteristics that may or may not be right for you.

Do you connect with the more open and wider tone feel of a first year Mark VI or the punch and tight focus of a late Super Balanced Action?

Do you feel right at home with the bright quickness of a late Mark VI or the deep and round resonance of a Balanced Action?

The best is to try them all without too many preconceptions about serial numbers and condition. If properly set up, the different era vintage Selmers are all terrific horns with their own specific differences, and the focus on choosing one to enjoy playing should be on what feels right for you!