1947 Selmer SBA Super Balanced Action Alto Saxophone, Overhaul, Video
1947 37,xxx Selmer Super Balanced Action (SBA) alto saxophone. This sax was originally purchased in France from a WWII veteran and then brought back to the States after the war. The sax is in excellent condition for a horn over 70 years old. I don't see any dentwork in the bell or bow, and the body also tube looks great. The sax appears to not have the original finish, but the engraving is still crisp, and the tone holes look excellent.
This sax received a full mechanical overhaul in 2020 from one of the best techs in the business. The sax received top of the line materials including Pisoni Pro pads. The sax was fitted this with rivetless metal domed resonators, which are similar in proportion to what this sax would have originally been outfitted with.
SBA altos have been catching up to the reputation of the tenors for good reason. Selmer made nearly ten times as many Mark VI's as Super Balanced Actions, so they don't come up for sale nearly as often. There is a resonance and tonal complexity that can't be matched, even from a fine Mark VI. The sax feels small and nimble to hold and play, and as a result, it is very adaptive and flexible to your input. There's a vocal quality and sweetness that makes this horn a true standout.