Vintage 1950 Selmer-Paris Super Balanced Action Alto Saxophone
For sale is a vintage and professional-grade Selmer-Paris Super Balanced Action Alto Saxophone, serial number 42016. Dating from 1950, this is one of the most highly sought-after saxophones in the world. This is a player's horn, and its cosmetic character tells a story of a life spent making music. It has a distinctive "flea bite" type of patina throughout, a testament to its age and the natural beauty of a vintage instrument that has been played but not damaged.
The Super Balanced Action: A Sound Beyond Its Time
Produced from 1947 to 1954, the Super Balanced Action (SBA) is often regarded as the culmination of Selmer's vintage design philosophy. It is a direct ancestor of the iconic Mark VI, but many players believe it possesses a unique tonal character that sets it apart. The SBA is renowned for its big, warm, and dark sound with a huge amount of projection and a rich, complex core.
What sets the SBA apart and makes it so special:
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Massive, Round Tone: The SBA's unique bore design gives it a powerful and full-bodied sound that is different from the more focused tone of the Mark VI. It's a horn that is perfect for a player who wants a big, lush sound with a lot of vintage character and warmth.
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Responsive Keywork: The SBA was a major step forward in ergonomic design, with a comfortable key layout and a responsive feel that allowed players to perform with greater agility and ease.
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A Legacy of Sound: This is a horn with a direct connection to the greatest players of the mid-20th century. Its sound is the sound of an era, and it offers a unique voice that is full of history and soul.
This SBA is not a museum piece; it is a living instrument that is ready to be played and cherished by its next owner.
Specifications & Condition
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Model: Selmer-Paris Super Balanced Action Alto Saxophone
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Serial Number: 42016
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Approx. Year: 1950 (Vintage)
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Finish: Original lacquer
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Key System: Standard Boehm system with no high F# key.
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Condition: This is a player's horn. It has a natural patina with what the owner describes as a "flea bite" cosmetic look throughout the whole horn. It has no major damage and is in good playing condition.
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Our Service: Our comprehensive service included a thorough inspection, precision adjustments, and fine-tuning to ensure optimal playability.
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Included: Comes with its original hard case, which shows significant cosmetic wear and fraying but remains functional for protection.
Why Choose Fleming Music?
Here at Fleming Instruments, our expert on-site instrument repair workshop guarantees that each instrument we sell is meticulously inspected and fine-tuned before it reaches you. We take pride in offering a 1-year warranty and 2-week return policy on all instruments, giving you peace of mind with your investment. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, so please reach out to us at the shop via phone, email, or website contact: https:// flemingrepair.com/pages/contact. Follow our accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for the latest updates, content, and promotions: https:// linktr.ee/Fleming_Music . We are grateful for your support of our small business and look forward to helping you find the perfect instrument or accessories!