Selmer Radio Improved Alto 19xxx Overhauled!

Description

This is a beautiful, Selmer Radio Improved alto that still has a lot of its dark, 30’s original lacquer intact, and that also has received a top-quality overhaul with slightly-domed metal TenorMadness resonators. It plays its best now and the price includes a new ProTec case (or upgrade to the diminutively charming BAM Cabine if you want!).

The Selmer Radio Improved model was only made for a couple of years, and the total number of Radio Improved saxophones of all sizes is somewhere around 2250 total horns. To give you a sense of the comparative rarity, there are about 100 Selmer Mark VI’s for every 1 Radio Improved. They are special for a number of reasons – the keywork is more modern than the earlier Selmers, like the New Largebore, but the neck design is very similar to a Balanced Action. The tone on the altos tends to be similar to an early BA alto, though somewhat bigger and somewhat more spread. Think Desmond on Take Five for a good reference point on tonal possibilities.

So if you are looking for a Selmer core tone, but you are wanting a bigger, more spread, lush tone, then you will find yourself looking for a New Largebore, Super, or Radio Improved. Since I play a Radio Improved myself, I naturally also gravitate towards these slightly older Selmers. They are phenomenal horns. The body tube tends to be very alive and resonant even at lower volumes, and the dark, velvety spread tone also leans in that direction. Lots of modern players are seeking out these horns, and you can look around online to find many other takes on what they can do.

Because I really am obsessive about the quality of the horns I sell, you can be sure that this will come to you in top playing condition, needing nothing, with all pads, corks, and felts replaced by a good tech. After trying lots and lots of people, I only use techs who are really really good even if they are expensive, because that is such a big factor in the horn ending up playing its best. There’s no substitute for a great overhaul.

Cosmetically, there is really not much to mention on this horn. The original neck is beautiful and has never been damaged at all. The body tube, bow and bell flare all look great as well. I don’t think that this horn has ever had any dent work either. You’ve got some regular lacquer wear from use, and a resoldered foot of the low Eb key guard, which is probably among the most minor past repairs possible. It’s nice and clean and represents a great value in a vintage Selmer.

Tonally, the RI/BA alto tone is just so gorgeous – it has that delicate, focused Selmer core, but it is more warm, spread, and lush than any modern horn. And it is hard to overestimate how fun it is to play a horn that is so alive and resonant under the fingers.

This is a turn-key purchase for a beautiful, rare, and sweet sounding vintage Selmer. This horn should make someone very happy.