Selmer Balanced Action Alto Saxophone

Description

This is one of the most beautiful vintage saxophones on the site right now. It is a Selmer Balanced Action alto SN# 23xxx, which is early in the (short) Balanced Action run. The Balanced Action was a leap forward in saxophone design and is really the first saxophone with what would come to be modern keywork. These horns are becoming more and more popular as people discover a tone that you cannot get anywhere else combined with this kind of keywork.

The finish on this horn is as beautiful as it is puzzling. It does not appear to have been relacquered, but it also does not have the original lacquer either. My guess is that the original lacquer was stripped, and the horn was hand polished and either waxed or just allowed to slowly age and develop an even patina. This horn is getting new pads right now (3/31/12) so if you want to buy it and you want to give some input on pad style and resonator, let me know asap. In terms of past repairs, I see some resoldered keycage legs on low C, one on low Eb, and on the post in that same spot. I don’t see evidence of past dent work, and the bell, bow, neck, and body tube all look great. The neck is not pulled down and looks nice too. Right now, this horn is being sold as is, in order to keep the price low. With a repad, this should be a very very good alto, and a beautiful one at that.