This is a recently-repadded Selmer Super Sax baritone saxophone. Super Sax baritones are quite rare, with only 190 having been manufactured by Selmer. This one is one of the very first made– at latest the sixth, as the first was 14994. It is still in quite good physical condition. It has been relacquered, and the main other past repair is the reinforcing brace added to the outside of the top bow. It probably got dented there, I would guess, and someone deemed that it needed a patch for strength. The rest of the horn is in nice shape. It has had its share of past dent work and repairs, but it is straight, pretty clean, and quite nice now. It plays well with a big, dark, Conn-like velvety smooth tone. I love the Super Sax model, as it combines what I love about Conns with what I love about Selmers. It’s warmer and more spread and room-filling than an SBA or VI baritone, but it has comfortable keywork and a focused lyrical core like a Selmer as well. Intonation is definitely not perfect, but you play a 30’s baritone for the tone, not for perfect intonation. You just have to work on that some, and try a few mouthpieces. The GS Hollywood works great on this horn, for one. This is a rare opportunity to get one of these horns that has already been restored and has new pads and plays well. You could easily spend $2k on a vintage baritone overhaul, so you’re getting this horn for a super reasonable price with good pads at this price. These are hard to find, and there’s most certainly only one available!
