Saxophones Selmer alto itch - needs scratching...

DavidUK

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So, having researched a little and discounted the MKVI, I have an eye for an alto SSS ("cigar cutter" or RI), BA, SBA, or SA80 (I or II).

I don't know what the difference is between BA & SBA, nor whether the SA80 II should eclipse these for some reason? Could anyone with a knowledge help out here?

Having almost bought the TJ Raw I'm swayed a little by Steve Howard's review compared to the BA and by Pete's negative comment about the Raw (alto).

Hope to pop into Howarths next weekend to play the Raw and a few Selmers on their used list.

A SSS would be perhaps £1200 in good order, an SA80 the same or slightly more. A BA £2500, and an SBA £3000. As something to challenge my SDA and 62 altos, and eclipse both perhaps, how would anyone here comment? Which Selmer would you aim for? Yes I know... "try them all, then decide."
 
"try them all, then decide."
Well, obviously.
The older they are, the duller they are. Or, if you like old saxes, the older they are the more rounded, mellow and smooth they are. Depends why you're buying it. I've got a MkVI cos it's more interesting than putting the money in a bank and probably just as safe. Sentimentality, too - it was made in the year I started playing sax. If I was getting one purely for playing reasons (I wouldn't - I'd get a German) I'd get the most modern.
 
Well, obviously.
The older they are, the duller they are. Or, if you like old saxes, the older they are the more rounded, mellow and smooth they are. Depends why you're buying it. I've got a MkVI cos it's more interesting than putting the money in a bank and probably just as safe. Sentimentality, too - it was made in the year I started playing sax. If I was getting one purely for playing reasons (I wouldn't - I'd get a German) I'd get the most modern.
Not stealing the thread David but why do you prefer a German sax to a French one Nick?
 
If you're going to Howarths, I can vouch for the BA alto they've got at the moment. I'm contemplating selling a kidney (or my SA80 II) to buy it. I disagree with Nick about the older ones necessarily being more dull (choose your own alternative adjective) than the more recent. I found that particular BA to be a very versatile and responsive instrument which I could coax any sound I wanted from (I have no desire to play with a super bright smooth jazz sound).

The Mk VI altos can be great too but I personally love my SA80 II which I bought new from Howarths in 1990 and which has accompanied me on every gig I've ever played; it too can do anything (if only I could). It's never had any major issues and has only ever required maintenance - not repair.

I'm happy to admit that I'm totally biased towards Selmer saxes, not because they're necessarily better than anything else out there but just because they're what I know and love.

Happy shopping, I wish I could beat you to that BA.
 
You're probably better asking @milandro if you're interested in old ones. I'm really only bothered about the modern ones. I have a Shadow tenor, an EX90 tenor (1992), a Tone King stencil (1958) and an SX90R alto. The Shadow is the best tenor I've ever played and the alto is the best alto (although I've not tried a Shadow alto). The old Tone King sounds nice but it's not really my thing.
I got the EX90 in 1992 after seeing a demonstration by Peter Ponzol and having a bash on one afterwards. I haven't found another manufacturer's tenor saxes that I like as much since that day.
 
2 words
Woodwind Exchange.
They are probably the only dealer where you could possible try all on your list.
Not sure why you would discount the Mark VI because its one of a few horns that over time will make you money and if you get a good one it will be a sax for life,plus they have modern keywork.
 
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2 words
Woodwind Exchange.
They are probably the only dealer where you could possible try all on your list.
Not sure why you would discount the Mark VI because its one of a few horns that over time will make you money and if you get a good one it will be a sax for life,plus they have modern keywork.
Dawkes.co.uk as well
 
Taken from Dawkes description of the SX90R Shadow - The Keilwerths have quite an individual layout that can at first feel different from your current sax but soon becomes natural under the fingers. These are very free blowing saxes and the sound is yours to mould. Used by many great players including David Liebman and Ernie Watts

What do they mean? Is the keywork substantially different? And also what is the difference between the SX90R and the Shadow version please?
 

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