18,xxx Selmer Super Alto Saxophone, Just Serviced, Video
1933 Selmer Super Sax alto saxophone, s/n 18694. This is a very late model Super Sax, stamped SSS on the bell, which stood for Selmer Super Sax. The Super Sax is sometimes referred to as the Cigar Cutter model due to the unique octave mechanism that the earlier versions have. Selmer improved the octave key design around s/n 17250 and fewer than 1000 altos were made of this type before the Radio Improved model came out. Although this horn has a different octave mechanism than the Cigar Cutter, it's practically the same horn otherwise.
This sax was just serviced by my repairman prior to sale. The pads have some age on them, but they're still in good condition and seal very well. My tech regulated the pads, replaced the neck cork and 8 key corks. The condition is great for its age. Like most horns of this era, the lacquer doesn't appear original but it was done well. The Selmer stamps are all very present and the engraving is still detailed, indicating that not much buffing took place during the relacquering process. The sax comes in a Reunion Blues gig bag. Despite not being a hard case, there is a fair amount of padding and rigidity in the case to protect the horn.
This is a wonderful horn to play. It feels smaller in size than a modern Selmer, but has incredible resonance, and a focused sound that can really open up when pushed. The effect is absolutely charming, and is a refreshing departure from a modern saxophone. I would highly recommend considering this horn, especially when considering its price point.
