Selmer Radio Improved Alto Original Silver Plate Beautiful

Description

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 sound, 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.

This particular horn has a super rare silver finish done by the British distributor. This is the only Radio Improved alto that I have seen with the gorgeous matte/ bright silver finish and deluxe engraving.

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 dents removed. I had the silver plate spot plated where it was worn on some touch points, so that it would look its best. The rest is hand polishing! It’s very clean and 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. If you were going to buy one alto in this price range to be your only alto to play a wide range of music on, and you like the Selmer sound, I don’t think you could beat this for the price (or even at a higher price).

And it would be hard to find a more beautiful vintage Selmer. This horn should make someone very happy. The new $300 BAM case is included along with the original 30’s Selmer case!