Pre-Owned Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action (SBA) Alto Saxophone - 1948 (Factory Relacquer)
For sale is a breathtaking piece of saxophone history: a Pre-Owned Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action Alto Saxophone. Bearing the serial number 36498, this extraordinary instrument was manufactured right at the dawn of the SBA era in 1948. Carefully preserved by an aging professional musician for many years, this horn features an exceptionally well-done Relacquer (highly suspected to be a Selmer Factory relacquer). The finish looks absolutely gorgeous, the engraving remains beautifully crisp, and it has naturally aged into a stunning, smoky vintage patina. Most importantly, it hasn't lost an ounce of its acoustic soul—this SBA still sings with that legendary, lyrical voice.
This is the ultimate find for the uncompromising jazz purist, working professional, or vintage enthusiast. The Super Balanced Action is widely considered to have the sweetest, most expressive tonal core of any Selmer ever produced—famously defining the "West Coast" jazz sound. If you have always wanted the unmatched acoustic character of a golden-era SBA but want a horn that looks absolutely stunning on the bandstand without the $10,000+ "original lacquer" price tag, this is your perfect match.
The "Super Balanced Action" Advantage
- The "Super" Ergonomics: The SBA was a revolutionary step forward in saxophone design. It was the very first Selmer to feature offset upper and lower stack keywork, placing the hands in a much more natural, ergonomic playing position compared to older vintage horns.
- The Legendary Tone: While the later Mark VI is known for its focus and projection, the SBA is beloved for its unparalleled warmth, spread, and colorful resonance. It is a highly intimate, expressive instrument that responds instantly to the player's nuances.
- High-Quality Factory Relacquer: The relacquer job on this instrument is top-tier. Because it was likely done by the factory, the brass wasn't heavily buffed or thinned out. This preserves the structural integrity, the acoustic resonance, and the beautiful Selmer Paris floral engraving on the bell.
Condition Report
- Finish: Relacquered (Likely Factory). The finish is in beautiful vintage condition. It shows honest wear from decades of careful professional use but possesses a gorgeous, dark patina that looks fantastic on stage.
- Body: Excellent Vintage Shape. Having been kept safe by a single owner for many years, the body tube, bell, and bow are in great structural condition with no signs of major trauma.
- Mechanics: This horn is a good, functional player right out of the case. The pads are older but are sealing "okay," allowing the instrument's gorgeous core sound to shine through. While it can absolutely be played and enjoyed exactly as it sits, treating this horn to a full professional overhaul and repad down the road would unlock its absolute maximum acoustic potential.
Specifications
- Brand: Henri Selmer Paris
- Model: Super Balanced Action (SBA)
- Serial Number: 36498 (Manufactured in 1948)
- Key: Eb Alto
- Finish: Clear Lacquer (High-Quality Relacquer)
- Condition: Pre-Owned / Excellent Vintage Condition (Older playing pads)
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.
For the most competitive pricing, financing options, or to discuss a trade-in, please contact us directly!
As always, we invite you to stop by our Houston shop to try this instrument in person. Nothing compares to the experience of a horn in your own hands. 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!
