Buffet SA-18 / Dynaction Alto Saxophone

Description

This is a gorgeous original Buffet SA-18 alto. In my experience, these early horns are the best of the Buffet’s if you are looking for an SBA/early Mark VI kind of core sound. This is an early one, sometimes called an SA because it says SA-18 prominently on the bell (which is not a model but a street address of the company!). They are the darkest, and they have a lot of resonance and a rich French core sound. This alto has the easiest altissimo G of any sax I’ve played. It comes out effortlessly. This sax has just had an overhaul by Matt Stohrer, who is one of the best in the business, so it plays great! The action is fast and tight. The spring tension is just right, and the ergonomics are a lot like a Mark VI, with that comfortable, “just right” kind of feel. It has a very similar LH pinky cluster to Selmer, so that you can play fast on this horn, but with a better “vintage” tone. There are no dents or dings. One leg of the low C key cage came loose on its own when the horn was being repadded, so that was resoldered and done well.  

This horn has special parabolic resonators that seem to give the sound an extra complexity and punch. These were reused in the overhaul. This horn does not fit any of the negative stereotypes you hear about Buffet (ie that they are stuffy, or that they fall apart at high volume). It is absolutely world-class and excellent in every way. If you dream of having a 5-digit Mark VI alto kind of tone, but you have less money to spend, this is hands down the best horn for you. You get 95% of the sound and just about all of the ergonomics.