Best Selmer Saxophone Reviews
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It doesn’t matter whether you’re a professional or just starting out—if playing the saxophone appeals to you, there is only one brand that can give you a flying start—Selmer Saxophones!
Selmer is one of the most famous brand names in the history of saxophones. For over a Century, Selmer, the company, (which originated from France) has been manufacturing saxophones with breath-taking qualities and exceptional craftsmanship, leaving its competitors a distance behind.
The company is remarkable for manufacturing saxophones for all class of players, and with so much range of instruments to choose from this brand’s years of experience; selecting the right sax could be challenging. But with careful analysis, we have been able to put together 8 of the best Selmer Saxophones reviews.
What are the Best Selmer Saxophones to Buy?
Unbeatable Quality
It was in 1922 that Selmer introduced saxophones into its line of instruments. They went on to improve both on their mechanically and acoustically based saxophones, featuring models like Model 22, Model 26, and Model 28, through the first period of the 20th Century. This was later followed by the introduction of the ‘Balanced Action’ model, which revolutionized the history of saxophones.
Enter the Mark VI! It was Selmer’s Mark VI range of saxophones that brought a complete change to sax, introducing the soprano, sopranino, tenor, alto, bass and baritone saxophones. This sax offers excellent playability, high-quality intonation, unbeatable projection, rich warm, dark and flexible sound.
Today, almost all the Selmer’s saxophone series are designed to emulate the Mark VI design, being the most excellent Saxophone ever made.
8 Best Selmer Saxophone Reviews
1) Selmer Paris Reference 54 Alto saxophone (Standard)
The Reference 54 Alto is the model from Selmer that draws inspiration from a 1954 design. This sax feels and plays more like a vintage instrument. It packs a more extended bell which enhances the level of intonation of the overall instrument performance. The body construction involves a dark, warm, lacquered finish that excels in style and elegance.
This saxophone model is designed to meet the interest of professional saxophonists. The design integrates most of the qualities found in the legendary Mark IV’s acoustic characteristics. It features a top-quality keyword that is fluid and responds correctly to even the most vicious licks.
The instrument has a mouthpiece and a case, including cap and ligature to form a complete package. It offers a rich, throaty sound that resonates excellently even in the lower register. The vintage style, innovative keyword, and intonation make the Selmer Paris reference 54 Alto a top class professional saxophone.
2) Selmer SAS280 La Voix II Alto Saxophone Outfit Black Nickel
The La Voix saxophone model from Selmer features excellent key-works with fluids design that produces a comfortable feeling during play. The saxophone has a fantastic level of tone production and a mature sound which makes it a preferred instrument both for a soloist and for a concert band.
The La Voix features a traditional sized-bell that enables players of the instrument to blend their tone while keeping it focused with ease easily. The black nickel plating design is matched by a professional key-styling, which enable players to achieve accurate finger placing—a feature only common with expensive models.
Overall, the Selmer SAS280 La Voix is the type of saxophone for which one can dare dream. Professional players can also use this saxophone. It is an impressive instrument with great sound, excellent crafting, and good-looking design. The comfortable fingering design makes this saxophone a model far above the student range.
It must be remembered that all La Voix Selmer sax are designed only for professional players. They are made in the US, which means they have excellent qualities and craftsmanship. It must also be noted that none of them include a baritone sax.
3) Selmer STS280 La Voix II Tenor Saxophone Outfit Lacquer
Selmer creates a continuation for the Selmer 280 La Voix series—this time, professional design that excels in craft and qualities. First, the body material design features a bright lacquer finish that makes it appealing and will stand out from the crowd. The saxophone, unlike its sister version (the SAS280 La Voix) is designed to play only the high F key, with a tenor note.
The model features keys that flutter efficiently, with improved key placement. The keys are more in numbers compare some of its competitors in the same price range, and it offers an excellent learning and playing experience. Every piece of accessories or parts that came with this saxophone is Selmer made.
A mouthpiece is included, a case for storage and straps for carrying the case and the instrument neatly lay in. Regarding looks, the sax is a beautiful piece to behold and is perfect as a gift for Christmas present or birthday presentation. The instrument is well-voiced, with quick-action and good sound tenor quality output.
4) Selmer Paris Reference 36 Tenor Saxophone
The Selmer Paris Reference model has excellent keys that are well positioned close to the body for improved playability and top-class convenience. Designed to imitate a 1936 design, the Selmer Paris Reference Tenor Saxophone render extraordinary response that far exceed a host of another sax in the same category.
The body of the Selmer Paris Reference features a lacquered body design with a shiny rose gold finish. At the bow-to-bell junction lies a broader bore diameter, which means this saxophone has an open, productive, and flexible playing quality. The neck, bow, and bell are also constructed from a unique brass alloy with copper content for a warmer and more luxurious sound.
Selmer Paris completes its excellent design with a leather pad bearing plastic tone booster which enhances playing flexibility and better sound projection the design is compact, and the instrument enables fluid feel during play. This is a perfect choice for professional level players. It has lots of advanced features such as a treated leather pads bearing metal resonators.
5) Selmer Paris Reference 54 Tenor Saxophone
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This is the short version of the Paris Reference series that stand as an exceptional horn. Like with some of its sister versions, this sax is designed to emulate the legendary Selmer Mark VI by delivering rich and centered sound with excellent intonation.
This design features a hammering process that enables the neck, bow, and body to be created from a combination of high copper content and particular brass material which soften the metal and create warm and more vibrant sound. Nevertheless, it has its unique taste and feels.
The sound is intense, dark and smooth, in so much you may never border to use other horns. The quality is nothing short of excellent some have even argued that it plays better than the Mark VI. It ‘speaks’ fluently across all register, most especially with the lower bell notes. The level of intonation is far better than all other models in this Paris Reference series by Selmer.
Another thing is that the sound is unique and the instrument is easy to control and play straight up.
6) Selmer AS42 Professional Alto Saxophone Black Nickel
This is a superb saxophone that was the first joint project between two of the biggest Selmer offices in the US and France. Henri Selmer Paris worked extensively on the Selmer AS42 with Selmer US to produce one of the best saxophones from the company.
It is a beginner’s saxophone that has its neck construction made exclusively by Selmer Paris for the horn. It also includes an exclusive mouthpiece made by the French division of Selmer that set this piece apart from a host of others in its category. The instrument is very comfortable to play, and the keys are well placed to ensure proper hand placement by the saxophonist.
This saxophone comes off as a saxophone designed to be highly responsive. It is ideal and plays remarkably well for classical and jazz musical style of play. The black nickel plating design creates a stunning look, and the engraving on the bell sets it apart from its competitors within the same price range.
The instrument is great to play and receives high praise whenever it is used in open spaces. The BAM case in the package makes transporting and storing this saxophone an easy task. The straps of the backpack are quite lovely and can be kept away. The instrument can be used indoor and outdoor, without restriction to its quality and style.
7) Selmer AS-500 Alto Saxophone
The Selmer AS-500 Alto Saxophone is a reliable model designed for the ardent student player. It featured an explicit lacquered body construction, giving the instrument an appealing look. One remarkable feature of this model is that it is easy to blow, and the horn plays remarkably well.
The metal design in the horn looks a little thicker than expected when compared with the higher end horn. The AS-500 is an excellent choice for those starting in music and wants something that’s more dependable and easy to play. You can easily press down the keys, and the instrument is much easier to blow compare to some other models in its class.
The keys feature a nickel-plated design, ranging to a high F note. It features an engraved bell that renders different projection. The instrument allows the student player to develop confidence and play without having the negative feeling that the device is holding them back.
The AS-500 is an Alto saxophone designed for high-end action and excellent intonation. Its capabilities are encouraging, and it will fit well with the practical lessons of the student player.
8) Selmer BS500 Baritone Saxophone
The BS500 is a remarkable design that fit the need of the advanced student saxophone player. This model is terrific in features and qualities as such that, it stands as one of the most significant models in the Selmer saxophone series.
This saxophone features a sturdy and highly technical design similar to the Yanagasaka. The design is made to fit the beginning student. The BS500 design incorporates both low A and high F keys—a versatile design that will come handy for the student practical needs.
It also features B key and double critical arms on low C. The double-body-to bell brace and reinforced table key arch, allows this saxophone to render excellent tone production and precise projection when needed.
The instrument has a lightweight but durable case that has wheels for easy mobility and storage. The instrument has rods that support the bell on the hinge, giving it added stability and comfort during play.
Although the BS500 is designed for the beginner, they, however, uses mechanical and acoustical features common only with the more expensive and high-class models. The instrument is easy to play, easy to maintain and master in due time.
Choosing the Best Selmer Saxophone
Selmer remained the most famous vintage professional saxophone of the century. The own French company has been in the business of manufacturing outstanding instruments for over 100 years, and it’s no surprise in seeing them rolling out the best in the industry.
Selmer offers top quality design meant for professional use but doesn’t say that if you are just starting out, you won’t find a reliable model in Selmer.
What to consider when buying your Saxophone
So you want to get yourself a sax but not too sure how to go about it? Well, here are some things you should look out for when shopping for a sax.
How much are you willing to spend?
You should be able to decide on your budget before you venture into the marketplace for a sax. Sax ranges anything from $200-$10,000, depending on the playing level you belong. A beginner sax or student model will ordinarily cost-less than a professional level saxophone. Think about this critically before venturing forward.
Should you rent or buy?
One way to determine how much you will spend is to know if you will be renting or buying a new saxophone. If you are practicing long or just starting out, it would be a good idea to rent. But once you have upgraded, be sure to have your own so you can quickly master your style of play.