Selmer Super Action 80 Series 1 Tenor Excellent condition

Description

If you want a Selmer Paris tenor that is both built to higher standards than the new Selmers, and that costs less than half as much as a new one, then this may be the horn for you. The new Selmers are selling over $8k now, which makes used ones kind of an obvious choice. The Super Action 80 Series 1 tenors were probably the best built modern Selmers, with Paris-made keywork, metal pivot screws, and generally reliable construction throughout. These horns don’t wear out over time. You just want them to be in good condition.

This one is. It came to me from the original owner, who took great care of it. It has very little wear and no past repairs at all. Original neck looks great, body tube and bell flare also damage free with no past repairs. No resolders, no dents or dings. You get the picture. It’s clean – ‘case clean’ as they say in the guitar world.

Believe it or not, these Series I tenors are beasts in the playing department. They have a much darker, more focused core to the tone than the Series II or III tenors. Of Selmers, the tone is most similar to an early Mark VI – dark, punchy, complex, with a bit of an edge if you push it. It’s a little clearer and rounder than my 81k tenor. I did a side-by-side comparison with my 81k VI just to make sure. One advantage is that this Series I tenor has more modern ergonomics, so the palm keys and side keys are a bit more comfortable than on a VI. It’s also a versatile horn. You can sound really good playing classical on it because of the dark, round core. But you can also wail playing R&B or jazz with a higher baffle mouthpiece like a Freddie Gregory, Lamberson, or an EB Otto Link.
For the total package of tone, playing condition, Selmer name and build, this is a very good value.

Pad wise, this horn still plays quite well on its original pads, so I didn’t get it overhauled, and priced it low to sell quickly instead. You can use some of the savings to maintain it in good playing condition in the coming years.

There’s only one available! Get it now, before it’s gone!