Hi Guys,

At this point I have an opportunity out of the blue to purchase one of these. I just wanted to see if anyone had any idea of what kind of a sax it is like, and what its worth?

A sax tutor recommended that Musicstand should get one of those or a series III but when he tried them out he prefered the Selmer Reference 54. All good saxes, though.

They're nice saxes, and I know at least one person who prefers them to the series III. They retail new for around ?3,000 (alto), Howarths have a couple of second hand for about ?2,000 and you should be able to get a private sale for a bit less than that.

I have series III tenor and alto. I really like my tenor but the alto has never grabbed me in the same way, although whether that's the fact it's an alto and I don't do much alto playing, or the model of the sax, I don't know.

I bought a Serie II Tenor in 2009, fantastic instrument, very versatile and capable of everything you throw at it. The key action is very smooth (super action ) and I'm very happy with the tone that I produce on it.

I too was advised that it was better than the Serie III in some respects (cannot remember why now). Tried them out at woodwind exchange in bradford and this is the sax I chose above all the others.

Will you have a chance to try it out?

They are very good, but then again most Selmers (made in France) are!

I may well do, I also know a friend who owns (but doesnt use) a 50's balanced action, does anyone know how it would stand up against a series II?

Musicstand's tried out vintage instruments at Woodwind Exchange, but never liked them very much and neither does his friend - they can be a bit of an acquired taste I think.

A Mark VI?

My limited understanding is that these CAN be very good - but MAY NOT be very good - you really have to try them out and check. Issues with older saxes can be logistics (how they play - although 50s probably isn't so bad), cost of servicing and parts.

Some people swear by these instruments for having more character. Others say that modern instruments are better made and more consistent and that "character" is a euphemism for "flawed" and "inconsistent"

If you want to go this route you would be advised to allow plenty of time to try out and test (as in several hours). Somewhere like Woodwind Exchange you can compare and contrast...

Good luck and keep us posted....

EDIT fix dreadful typos....

No, A Selmer Balanced Action, They came before the super action, before the sba (mark 6) in the 60's

Also completely unrelated, going through the spare room and just found a keilworth toneking circa 1932, gonna see how much our local tech would need to put it back in playing condition

Today has been good

SaxLad if your interested in selling the '30s sax, please give me a PM.

... Need to learn my sax history.....

EDIT: Weird. I've had to edit the post and remove the original quotes as I couldn't see my reply. Yet, in quick edit it was sat there at the bottom of the post. Still couldn't see it. In full edit, it was embedded in the middle somewhere
It's beyond me!

Let's see if this works.