1950 Selmer Super Balanced Action alto sax, s/n 42,xxx.  Just four years before Selmer introduced their famous Mark VI, this horn was produced from the same factory. SBA altos don't generally have the same reputation as the tenors do, but I suspect that this is changing.  The More BA/SBA altos I try out, the more impressed I become with them.  To date, this is the best one I've ever tried. 

The sound of this SBA is extremely resonant and full. It has a projection that I don't even find on most mark VI altos.  It feels a touch smaller in my hands, but the ergonomics are still solid. It's an incredibly easy horn to play and getting around it feels effortless.

The horn was just serviced by DC's best repairman, who changed out and regulated pads. Everything is now sealing perfectly and the new owner should get years of service out of this horn before needing to do anything to it.  

The finish is pretty beautiful on this horn.  I believe it is an old relacquer, but it doesn't look like it was ever buffed before the new coat of lacquer was applied.  One of the big reasons why relacquer jobs can harm horns is that the repairman will take too much metal off.  I don't think this was the case here. The engraving is still quite deep and you can see all of the original details. Look at the pictures closely - it almost has a cloudy, matte sort of look which to me is very striking.  

As with every sax sold on dcsax.com, this sax comes with a 7-day return policy.  If there's any reason you don't like it, you are welcome to return it in its original condition for a full refund, provided you pay for shipping/insurance both ways.