Saxophones Friend selling a Selmer 54, should I?

[phdezra]

So I'm a beginner. A few lessons Practicing 15-30 minutes per day. Know my C scale. Know most basic notes. Moving right along (beyond Hot Cross Buns ) on my Yamaha YAS-26, which is a very sweet beginner sax.

An acquaintance of mine, who I I did'nt even know was into sax, tells me he needs cash and is selling his Selmer Reference 54. You know, the one the sells for like $4k-$6k. Obviously, my immediate reaction is that I am perfectly happy with my YAS-26 (which I got pre-used, gently, and in mint condition for $1k), so why bother getting a second sax. But, of course, as many of you probably know better than me, these things overtake your mental logic. So I'm thinking, "Well, if I can talk him down to $3k, that is 50% off a Selmer 54..a good deal." but knwo I will nto take full advantage of it for quite a while. Nevertheless, a spectacular instrument (I'm using a 😱 Yamaha 4C mthpc and a Rovner Versa ligature 🙂 (I used one when I played clarinet as well, and love this ligature).

So -- what do you all think I should do? Leave the $3k under the mattress, or jump on the chance for a Selmer Reference 54? Thanks.

 

[kevgermany]

Try it out. If you like it enough....

It's going to last you a lifetime if it's right for you.

 

[QWales]

I'd buy it. If the money is not a problem.. you'll never need to upgrade. If you are carefull with it, you'll always get your money back if you can buy it at that price, what have you got to lose? But, be absolutely sure its in A1 condition and get your friend to show you how it plays from top to bottom as well as having a go yourself.

 

[ProfJames]

All of the above!

 

[Nick Wyver]

you'll never need to upgrade.

Pull the other one...

 

[Colin the Bear]

Edit

 

[Nick Wyver]

It causes much mirth when some one turns up for a sit in at the jazz club with an expensive classic and can't play.

You mock someone for trying to learn on a decent sax?

 

[Colin the Bear]

Edit

 

[ProfJames]

Do you believe everyone should start off on a G4M then?

 

[Nick Wyver]

Since it makes learning somewhat easier, I generally advise learners to buy the best they can afford.

 

[DavidUK]

Yes, try it first. Ask him to let you have it "on approval" for a week or so if possible.
There have been a few 54s sold by members here as I recall, so it may not be to everyone's liking.
Selmer models are not immune from being disliked, as with any horn.

 

[Justin Chune]

Buy it. I bought all of my Selmer saxophones from friends and have never had a moments regret.

Jim.

 

[DavidUK]

Actually $3K (USD?) or £2,000 is more than I've seen them going for very recently over here.
But if it IS the US, I guess prices are higher for French instruments.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Edit

 

[ProfJames]

I've never tried a good G4M. And I've tried a few as well..! If someone has a budget and can afford to buy an expensive instrument then why should people laugh behind their back? If he or she had a G4M then they wouldn't get laughed at in your jazz group?? Seems like a group I wouldn't recommend to anyone!

 

[Nick Wyver]

the misconception that spending money will make you a better player or sound great.

I don't know how prevalent that is but it's not necessarily a misconception. I have spent a lot of money on saxophones principally to buy reliability. I don't want to have to lug a workshop with me when I go to gigs because I'm worried something might drop off during a solo. I play better when I know I can trust the instrument not to fail on me.
I know I'm the first one to say your ears lie to you but the ones I've got sound better, and if that's what I think (however misguided I might be) then I'm going to play better cos I'm happier. Expensive ones feel slicker too.
I'd play cheap ones if I had to (like I did 30 years ago), but I don't have to.

 

[Ads]

You mock someone for trying to learn on a decent sax?

Agreed - been there done that (B&M Champion 1984) , it almost stopped me from even beginning - changed it out for a MkVII and I`m still here 31 years on ..

A Poor sample of a G4M (Hit and miss samples from a box-shifter) would have the same effect now on a newbie as the B&M had back then with me

 

[thomsax]

If you want the Selmer and it's a good player go for it. But keep in mind that a pro horn is more expensive to keep in good playing condition. A regular sevice on a Yamaha 25 is less money than a Yamaha 62.

I often listen to blues and R&B, R&R players that are/were on cheap saxes! Some of them were playing S20 or 10M in the past. Saxes like Bundy II and Conn Shooting Star sounds good in thier hands. But maybe they are in the wrong business? Playing blues and rock is not an easy way to earn money. At least not in Sweden!

 

[Pauline]

I think the pleasure of owning a beautiful instrument can encourage someone to keep playing even during those times when progress is slow, or motivation generally is a bit lacking.
This is what I've found with my Selmer SAII tenor which I bought after only a few months of playing.
Love my Freddie!

 

[DavidUK]

As with the superb match trigger on my Steyr target rifle, the key work on my YAS-62 is noticeably better than on the many student instruments I've had. This slight advantage does make an actual difference to my playing as well as giving me more confidence. That it also sounds better than the others is great too.
As with guns, saxophones, horses, aircraft, frying pans, etc... buy the best you can afford. It can only make things easier.