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Selmer Balanced Action SBA Tenor

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Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

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Description

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The Selmer Balanced Action SBA Tenor saxophone is a revered choice among professional musicians and serious enthusiasts alike, known for its remarkable tonal quality and historical significance. Originally introduced in the late 1930s, this model became an instant classic due to its innovative design and exceptional playability. What sets the SBA Tenor apart is its balanced action mechanism, which provides a fluid and responsive playing experience, making it easier for saxophonists to navigate complex passages with precision.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the SBA Tenor features a rich, full-bodied sound that blends seamlessly across various musical genres, from jazz to classical. The saxophone's ergonomics are tailored to enhance comfort, allowing for extended play without fatigue. Its legacy is underscored by its durable construction and timeless aesthetic, making it not only a musical instrument but a work of art.

Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Selmer Balanced Action SBA Tenor offers a reliable and expressive platform to bring your musical ideas to life. With its legacy of craftsmanship and innovation, this saxophone remains a favorite among musicians seeking an instrument that delivers both performance and prestige.

Key Features:

Balanced action mechanism for fluid playability
Rich, full-bodied sound suited for various genres
Ergonomic design for comfort during extended play
Durable construction with a timeless aesthetic
Preferred choice among professional musicians and enthusiasts

FAQs

What makes the Selmer Balanced Action SBA Tenor saxophone unique compared to other models?: The Selmer Balanced Action SBA Tenor saxophone is renowned for its exceptional tonal qualities and balance, setting the standard for modern saxophones. It features a unique key layout and a rich, resonant sound that appeals to professional musicians.
Is the Selmer Balanced Action SBA Tenor suitable for jazz music?: Yes, the Selmer Balanced Action SBA Tenor is highly favored by jazz musicians for its warm, full-bodied sound and excellent projection, making it ideal for jazz performances.
What type of player is the Selmer Balanced Action SBA Tenor best suited for?: The Selmer Balanced Action SBA Tenor is best suited for advanced or professional saxophonists who seek a high-quality instrument with superior sound and playability.
How does the key action of the Selmer Balanced Action SBA Tenor compare to other saxophones?: The Selmer Balanced Action SBA Tenor features a well-designed key mechanism that offers smooth and responsive action, allowing for comfortable playability and precise articulation.
What materials are used in the construction of the Selmer Balanced Action SBA Tenor saxophone?: The Selmer Balanced Action SBA Tenor is crafted from high-quality brass, which contributes to its robust build and rich, resonant sound.

Videos

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John Tendy

Selmer Super Balanced Action SBA. Tenor

John Tendy

INCREDIBLE Selmer SBA Tenor Super Balanced Action Original Silver Plate 47xxx! www.newyorksax.com

JL Woodwinds

Incredible 50xxx Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor! SBA with silver keys and full Overhaul!

JL Woodwinds

1953 54,xxx Late Selmer SBA Tenor Demo, www.dcsax.com

DC Sax

Saxquest! Vintage Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action Tenor SN 35466

SaxquestShop

1951 Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor with Fresh Overhaul! 46xxx serial NYC Sax Shop Play Test!

JL Woodwinds

Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone 52xxx 1953 Play Test! www.newyorksax.com

JL Woodwinds

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Selmer Balanced Action SBA Tenor.

Features and functionality

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SBA tenor saxophones have right hand toneholes offset compared to vertical alignment on balanced action models.
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Long bell versions of the SBA offer a more in-tune low register but are less free-blowing compared to short bell versions.
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Comparisons

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SBA offers a unique vintage warm, round sound, while Super Action 80 series provide modern intonation and versatility across ensembles.
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The Buffet Dynaction and Super Dynaction saxophones are recommended as more affordable alternatives to the SBA, typically priced between $2,500 and $3,000.
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Beaugnier saxophones, especially the Vito Duke and Noblet/Vito Face Model, are noted for their quality and are suggested as viable alternatives with a classic French sound.
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For a more in-tune and robust low end, some recommend considering a King Super 20 or Zephyr as alternatives to short bell SBAs.
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Value and pricing

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Recent demand has caused SBA prices to skyrocket, with reputable sources selling them for around $8000.
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French saxophones like Couesnon, Pierret, and Dolnet are available in the U.S. market within the $1,500 to $2,500 range for tenor models.
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User experience

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Some users have experienced issues with poorly packaged shipments, leading to mechanical damage and corrosion.
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Owners describe Buffet and Beaugnier saxophones as fantastic when in good condition, highlighting their impressive playability and sound quality.
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Owners note that short bell SBAs can make low notes play up to a 1/4 tone sharp, requiring careful playing adjustments.
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Use cases and applications

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Super Action 80 Series II is favored for its versatility, performing well in both Wind Ensembles and Jazz Bands.
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The Noblet Standard model is highlighted as a worthwhile option currently available on Reverb, suggesting a good opportunity for interested buyers.
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Other

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Owners suggest recording play tests on voice memos to effectively compare sound across different saxophones.
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Setup and maintenance

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Ensuring flat toneholes and a nearly vacuum seal on pads can significantly improve the playability of low notes across saxophone models.
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Artist usage

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Chris Potter

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Steely Dan

Verified via JazzTimes

Tenor sax/mouthpiece: Selmer Balanced Action, silver; it’s a pretty old one. I bought it about two years ago. Serial number 34128. The mouthpiece is a really old Otto Link metal that was opened up to like an eighth star. I found it in a mouthpiece shop and I had it worked on there. I actually just recently began using a different old Otto Link; old metal Link.

Coleman Hawkins

Saxophonist

Kenny Burrell & Coleman Hawkins

Verified via Henri SELMER Paris

According to the official artist profile provided by Henri SELMER Paris, saxophonist Coleman Hawkins began using the Selmer Balanced Action SBA Tenor saxophone during his European period and continued to use it as his primary instrument until 1954. This source verifies that the Balanced Action model was central to Hawkins' musical career for nearly two decades.