1952 51,xxx Selmer Super Balanced Action Alto Saxophone, Near Mint, Silver Plated, Fresh Overhaul, Video
1952 51,xxx Selmer Super Balanced Action (SBA) alto saxophone with 99.9% original silver plating. The sax just received a full mechanical overhaul prior to sale, so the pads are in new condition and sealing very well. The keywork feels tight and new, and arguably better than the day it left the factory. The sax comes in its original case and both latches work.
Late SBA's like this one have a wonderful combination of focus, power and precision, but with a more lyrical, sweeter energy than a Mark VI. This sax strikes me as a great all around saxophone that will excel in a sax section but equally at home performing combo work or even classical saxophone repertoire. Match this with a vintage Gregory mouthpiece and you'd have the perfect Desmond setup. Over the last few years, SBA altos have become as popular as their tenor counterpart for good reason. These are just incredible horns that are finally getting the reputation they deserve. You can go out and buy a new Reference 54 alto for $8000. But my money would rather be spent on a museum piece that's actually from the 1950's.
