4 Responses

1. artdavinci

   December 9th, 2009 at 8:56 am

   1

   Selmer is, by far, the Saxophone to which all others are compared. Years ago, Selmer set a very high standard with their famous Mk. VI–a quantum leap ahead of all the other manufacturers.

   The current lineup from Selmer is comprised of the Super Action 80 Series II and Series III instruments. Both series are being marketed simultaneously. The Series III alto has an additional tone hole that opens for middle C#, bringing this usually flat note up to pitch. This feature is not included in the tenor or soprano, though the Selmer sopranos, and most other brands, already have a double pad assembly that accomplishes the same purpose. Several new models have been announced.

   The Series II soprano has a range to high F#, and a straight, one-piece body. The Series III soprano has a range to high G, and two removable necks, one straight, one curved.

   Selmer USA has two professional models, the AS-110 alto, and TS-100 tenor. These have many of the same features as the Series II Paris models, but at a lower price. The key hinges are of conventional design.

   Selmer continues to manufacture their Eb Sopranino and Bb Bass Saxophones.

   Yamaha.jpg

   Yamaha is Selmer’s biggest rival in the Saxophone market. There are two professional models in the Yamaha lineup, the 62 series, and the Custom series. There are adjustments for each key in the upper and lower stack in the 62 series instruments. This makes setup of the instrument, and fine tuning by the repairman much easier. I am very surprised other Saxophone manufacturers have not copied this feature. The Custom models strangely lack this feature. The Custom also has Selmer Mk VI style ball joints on the side C and side Bb keys. Experience with the Mk. VI has shown that with years of wear, the ball joints get rather noisy. Fortunately, the Oleg side key silencers can correct this poor feature. Otherwise, the Custom is a very fine saxophone.

   Though the 62 series is nice, the Custom series keywork really feels good to me. While nearly all manufacturers have gone from the round pearl front F to a spatula design, the shape and placement of the Custom’s front F spatula is the best I have seen. There is a subtle tone difference between the 62 and Custom, the Custom being slightly brighter to some listeners.

   BUT the best sounding sax has always been the one that didn’t look all shiny and new vintage saxs are beautiful in sound quality

2. RJS1121

   December 9th, 2009 at 8:56 am

   2

   HI RHC. Don’t keep buying saxophones… because you know if you get the intermediate… in a year or two, you are going to want the professional. I know the Yamaha 62II is probably more than your budget… but not if you look around and find one used "in excellent condition." You can find a used Yamaha 62… (maybe not the 62II… but that should not matter at all.. it is the same horn with a II added to the 62) for about $1800.00. Look on craigslist . org in your city or on eBay. I am certain you will find one. I teach private music lessons and do buy instruments whenever I find a good deal. About 3 years ago, I found a 62 for $1200.00. It was a beauty from top to bottom. I would never buy a new horn. I am letting someone else put their money in the mark up…. and I wait for the depreciation in price. A win-win!!!! If you see one online you would like for me to look at… feel free to email me the site and I will give you my opinion. Email at FriendOMyn@aol.com.
   Thanks for reading!!!! )

3. JJ

   December 9th, 2009 at 8:56 am

   3

   Selmer LaVoix is defintly the better brand of sax or any other type of selmer it has a better tone quality and they are more durable
   http://www.gardsmusic.com/

4. Left-T

   December 9th, 2009 at 8:56 am

   4

   Word of advice…get the Selmer. They are the pioneers in saxophone as well as King which is the most serious contender to Selmer or is it the other way around ?

   Don’t buy used with all the disease going around nowadays. A guitar , a piano , a drum cool….But any wind instrument…. be careful.