Saxophones Selmer Reference 54 Alto Damage?

[fastrak1]

I am watching this Selmer Reference 54 Alto and would like some opinions about this damage...is this from a drop or "normal" wear and tear? It looks like a good horn other than that...Thanks for the help and advice.

 

[kevgermany]

Looks like a scrape from here.

 

[fastrak1]

Looks like a scrape from here.

I just got this from the seller which seems reasonable..."The scratch on the bottom was caused by a rubber piece falling off of my saxophone stand, and placing it on the stand against the bare metal. There was no repair just a scratch."
Also...I ask him about the serial number and the age of the horn and he says it was purchased a year and a half ago...so it is rather new to say the least!

 

[jonf]

Well, I don't know how particular you are about how your saxes look (as opposed to play) but to be honest, if a mark like that worries you, I'd suggest you buy new.

 

[fastrak1]

Well, I don't know how particular you are about how your saxes look (as opposed to play) but to be honest, if a mark like that worries you, I'd suggest you buy new.

No actually it doesn't bother me at all...I have a Reference 54 Tenor and it's not perfect either...however I really do appreciate the feedback...I am rather new at the "buying" game and I really respect all the experts around here to offer their advise and counsel.

 

[jonf]

No actually it doesn't bother me at all...I have a Reference 54 Tenor and it's not perfect either...however I really do appreciate the feedback...I am rather new at the "buying" game and I really respect all the experts around here to offer their advise and counsel.

I think I was a bit brief in my first response - just in from work after a long cold journey home. Sorry if it read as a bit terse.

If you're not that bothered by the scrape (and the sellers description sounds very plausible judging from the image of the damage) a mark like that could actually be a good thing, as it really does look superficial. It's the sort of thing you might be able to use as a bargaining chip on a high end sax, or it may already be a reason why the sax is on sale at a lower price than if mint. If I was in the market for a Selmer Ref 54, I wouldn't let it put me off, I'd just make sure I paid the right price.

 

[nigeld]

Is the keyguard connector bent, or is it supposed to look like that?

 

[fastrak1]

I think I was a bit brief in my first response - just in from work after a long cold journey home. Sorry if it read as a bit terse.

If you're not that bothered by the scrape (and the sellers description sounds very plausible judging from the image of the damage) a mark like that could actually be a good thing, as it really does look superficial. It's the sort of thing you might be able to use as a bargaining chip on a high end sax, or it may already be a reason why the sax is on sale at a lower price than if mint. If I was in the market for a Selmer Ref 54, I wouldn't let it put me off, I'd just make sure I paid the right price.

Thanks again...yes the price is the main consideration now I guess...It is around $4,000 + or - and the horn is 1 1/2 years old...it seems good to me but I don't really know what it should be...sure looks like the new ones are considerably more and the scratches don't really bother me at all.

 

[fastrak1]

Is the keyguard connector bent, or is it supposed to look like that?

I wish I knew enough to know...maybe someone will take a look and comment further...thanks for the close look...I really appreciate all the posts.
Here are a couple more pics....

 

[jbtsax]

Is the keyguard connector bent, or is it supposed to look like that?

The keyguard foot is supposed to look like that.

 

[fastrak1]

The keyguard foot is supposed to look like that.

Thanks so much for all your help!
I decided that the GAS was just too over the top...It got the best of me!
I bought it and I'm sure I am going to be thrilled with it to go along with my Reference 54 Tenor...It is almost a matched set...the Tenor is 7 years old and this one looks well taken care of other than that one scratch and is only 1 1/2 years young!
Thanks so much for all the help...I don't think I could have decided on it alone with out everyones help! What great friends and what a Community!
Here are a few more pics...I'm a happy Guy...GAS is a wonderful illness!!!

 

[nigeld]

Enjoy!