1953 54,xxx Selmer Super Balanced Action Baritone Saxophone, Original Lacquer
1953 Selmer Super Balanced Action baritone saxophone, s/n 54746. This sax retains approximately 85% of its original lacquer.
This is a particularly rare example. Selmer introduced the low A baritone with the SBA model; before that, its baritones were built only to low Bb. Of the roughly 500 SBA baritones made, only about 180 were low A horns. In 1952, Selmer also began producing the low A baritone with a one-piece bell, so examples like this are even less common.
My repairman recently serviced the saxophone. He replaced seven pads, the neck cork, and several other corks and felts. The remaining pads are older but sealing well. The neck likely does not retain its original lacquer, but it is in good condition and has never been pulled down. The sax comes in a vintage wooden case. I cannot say for certain whether it is original to the instrument, but it may well be.
This horn has a gorgeous, layered sound with a dark core and strong projection. Its tonal range feels broader than that of a Mark VI, which is very much in line with the tonal character many players associate with SBA tenors. It is a remarkable instrument, and a real pleasure to come across one in this condition.
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