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Vintage Selmer Alto Sax - New Large Bore Super Sax - Rare Trill Key - 1930

$ 1581.36

Availability: 100 in stock
  • Exact Year: 1930
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: France
  • Condition: Considered by many to be the first of the “Super Saxes”. See complete description.
  • Body Material: Gold Lacquered
  • Model: "New" Large Bore
  • Brand: Selmer
  • All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
  • Key Finish: Gold Lacquered

    Description

    Selmer Alto Sax - New Large Bore - With rare trill key & Tri Pack Case - 1930
    Considered by many to be the first of the “Super Saxes”.  Released just before the “Cigar Cutter” models.  The first of the Selmer saxes with the larger bore.  This horn was custom built with an extra trill key (very rare).  The trill key will allow you to easily trill from high D - D#.
    The horn is in great shape and, of course, possesses that warm vintage Selmer tone. The serial number falls just before the “Cigar Cutter” Super Sax was introduced.  Late in the “New Large Bore” range.  This horn is essentially the same as the “Cigar Cutter” but without the notable “Cigar Cutter” octave key mechanism.  This is the model with the famous “Wishbone Neck”.  This is the same model horn that Charlie Parker played.  It has a warm spread tone and it is a joy to play.  Original mouthpiece NOT included but the vintage neck strap and original wood octave key plug are included.
    There is light finish wear on the usual touch points and some pitting on the lacquer (see pics).  The keys are all intact and nothing is bent or broken.  There is one "micro" ping on the body.  Hard to see it.  It does have the original matching neck.
    My sax repair tech just refurbished and replaced the pads and corks, as needed. The keys and trim were adjusted, oiled, and he play tested the sax to make sure that it is in top playing condition.  This horn really plays well.  The body is dent free and in perfect condition (other than the pitting).  The serial number is #12976, which implies that it was built in late 1930.  The Selmer Tri-Pack hard shell case (minus the clarinet case) and black padded zippered case cover is also included.  One of the zippers on the cover does not work so you will have to use the other zipper.
    A great blowing horn!!!
    The “New Large Bore” Selmers are always very nice instruments, with a more spread sound than you typically find on more modern horns, and they still retain that strong Selmer core and foundation.
    These early vintage “Large Bores” are fantastic free blowing players and tend to be warmer then the Balanced Action models that were made later.
    Even with my weak embouchure (I haven’t played for about 5 years since retired) I was still able to play a full register chromatic (low Bb – high F) without any problem.
    This saxophone plays great, a very focused, warm and mellow sound.
    It has easy response throughout all registers and it can be screamin´ when pushed.
    Great intonation.
    You should be able to take this horn out of the case and start playing immediately.
    No repairs are necessary.
    The only thing additional, that I can think of, is that you may want it adjusted to your individual liking and feel.
    Some History
    This is the model that was played by many jazz greats including Charlie Parker.
    The “New Large Bore” model was the top of the line professional alto sax offered by Selmer Paris and was released just prior to the “Cigar Cutter.”  It can be viewed as an instrument more suitable for Jazz and solo playing while still having the versatile Selmer sound when compared with previous Selmer models.
    I have owned this alto since 1958 and have used it professionally for 45 years.  It has also been used on numerous recordings (45’s and LP’s).  Also used for a ton of studio work during the 60’s through 80’s.  It was originally purchased from a professional musician in the Cleveland area in 1958.  In approximately 1968 I sent the horn to Selmer for a complete re-working.  The original “Satin Gold” finish was stripped (I just didn’t like the color) and then re-lacquered with the present Selmer lacquer.
    That is the same lacquer that is presently on the horn.
    It has never been “re-lacquered.”
    After spending 50 years in the music business (playing professionally and teaching), I am now ready for retirement and would like to see this sax go to someone that would appreciate it.  Please contact me with any questions.
    I absolutely guarantee this description.
    NO TRIALS - NO RETURNS.
    If you believe that this sax has been misrepresented, please contact me within three (3) days of receipt
    .
    Please do not attempt to purchase this item, play it for a month (for free) and then attempt to return it.  I will be happy to accept a return within 3 days of delivery confirmation provided there was a misrepresentation in this listing.  Buyer to pay return shipping.  Shipping costs include full value insurance, tracking, timely delivery, and signature confirmation.
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