This page about Selmer SBA Balanced Action Alto is a stub. You can help improve it:

Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Selmer SBA Balanced Action Alto Saxophone is a revered instrument in the world of woodwinds, celebrated for its rich tonal quality and superior craftsmanship. Originally introduced in the mid-20th century, this saxophone has become a benchmark for both aspiring and professional musicians seeking a full-bodied sound and smooth playability. Known for its balanced action mechanism, it allows for an even and responsive touch across the entire range, making it particularly ideal for intricate jazz solos or classical concertos.

Crafted with high-quality materials, the Selmer SBA Alto ensures durability while offering a vintage aesthetic that appeals to both performers and collectors alike. Its meticulously designed key layout provides comfort and ease of play, promoting better ergonomics for long practice sessions or performances.

Whether you're rehearsing in a studio or performing on stage, this saxophone projects a resonant sound that effortlessly fills any space. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide array of musical genres, giving you the freedom to explore and innovate with confidence.

Key Features:

  • Balanced action mechanism for improved playability
  • Rich and resonant tonal quality
  • High-quality craftsmanship and materials
  • Designed for optimal comfort and ergonomics
  • Suitable for a variety of musical styles and performance settings

FAQs

What makes the Selmer SBA Balanced Action Alto saxophone unique?

The Selmer SBA Balanced Action Alto saxophone is renowned for its innovative key layout and exceptional tonal quality, making it a favorite among professional saxophonists. It offers a rich, warm sound with excellent intonation, distinguishing it from other models.

Is the Selmer SBA Balanced Action Alto suitable for jazz music?

Yes, the Selmer SBA Balanced Action Alto is highly regarded in the jazz community for its expressive sound and dynamic range, allowing players to achieve a wide variety of tones suitable for jazz performances.

How does the key action of the Selmer SBA Balanced Action Alto compare to other saxophones?

The Selmer SBA Balanced Action Alto features a redesigned key table that provides smoother and more ergonomic key action, improving playability and comfort compared to traditional saxophone designs.

What materials are used in the construction of the Selmer SBA Balanced Action Alto saxophone?

The Selmer SBA Balanced Action Alto is typically crafted from high-quality brass, contributing to its rich tonal character and durability, with a lacquer finish that enhances its aesthetic appeal.

Is the Selmer SBA Balanced Action Alto recommended for professional saxophonists?

Yes, the Selmer SBA Balanced Action Alto is a top choice for professional saxophonists due to its superior craftsmanship, exceptional sound quality, and historical significance in the evolution of saxophone design.

SAX

SAX

Selmer Super Balanced Action Alto 1953 (Vintage)

Video thumbnail for Selmer Super Balanced Action Alto 1953 (Vintage) by SAX

Selmer Super Balanced Action Alto 1953 (Vintage)

SAX

SAX

Video thumbnail for Incredible Sounding Selmer Super Balanced Action Alto Saxophone 51xxxx Fully Overhauled Sax! by JL Woodwinds

Incredible Sounding Selmer Super Balanced Action Alto Saxophone 51xxxx Fully Overhauled Sax!

JL Woodwinds

JL Woodwinds

Video thumbnail for Selmer Super Balanced Action SBA Alto Saxophone Demo, www.dcsax.com by DC Sax

Selmer Super Balanced Action SBA Alto Saxophone Demo, www.dcsax.com

DC Sax

DC Sax

Video thumbnail for Late 55,xxx Selmer SBA Super Balanced Action Alto Saxophone Demo by DC Sax

Late 55,xxx Selmer SBA Super Balanced Action Alto Saxophone Demo

DC Sax

DC Sax

Video thumbnail for Just Arrived! Beautiful 1948 Selmer SBA Super Balanced Action Alto Saxophone! www.newyorksax.com by JL Woodwinds

Just Arrived! Beautiful 1948 Selmer SBA Super Balanced Action Alto Saxophone! www.newyorksax.com

JL Woodwinds

JL Woodwinds

Video thumbnail for Saxquest! Super Balanced Action Alto SN 48913 by SaxquestShop

Saxquest! Super Balanced Action Alto SN 48913

SaxquestShop

SaxquestShop

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • Selmer SBA horns are noted for a unique vintage warm sound, while Super Action 80 offers more modern intonation and versatility for both Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band settings.

    Source
  • The Reference 36, based on the SBA, offers a more affordable alternative and has been noted for its quality, although it's now discontinued, discounted models are still available.

    Source
  • Pre-war Conn 6M and 10M saxophones are often cited as having similar qualities to the SBA, providing a comparable vintage sound at a lower price point.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Prices for SBAs have surged recently, with reputable sources pricing them at approximately $8,000 due to their popularity.

    Source
  • Purchasing a vintage horn for $3,900 offers the advantage of testing it pre-purchase, despite potentially finding cheaper options online with patience.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner experienced a shipping issue where a horn was damaged due to poor packaging, revealing internal water damage and seized rods, highlighting the importance of careful purchasing.

    Source
  • It's suggested that the Selmer horns have a more focused sound with a thicker core, whereas vintage American horns like Conn are perceived to have more power and broader lows.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Super Action 80 Series II is favored for its versatility, well-suited for both classical and jazz performances.

    Source
  • BAs, while less stable in intonation compared to modern models like the Mark VI, are praised for their playability and are cherished by professional musicians.

    Source
  • The Tenor Madness 500sl is described as delivering a vintage sound reminiscent of both older Conn models and the SBA or MK VI, offering a blend of tonal characteristics.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend trying multiple instruments and recording performances to compare sound differences, as variations in horn quality can be significant.

    Source
  • Vintage horns often require more frequent shop visits; budget for regular maintenance and develop a relationship with a trusted technician.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners note older pads on vintage saxophones like the BA, which may still seal well without an immediate overhaul if they handle low notes easily.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Middle E tends to be sharp, while middle D can be stuffy; bow notes from low C to low Bb are sharp; palm keys may behave unpredictably.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners experimenting with BSS reeds and Marmaduke mouthpieces report achieving a desirable vintage tone that complements the inherent sound of older sax models.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul Desmond uses Selmer SBA Balanced Action Alto

Paul Desmond

Composer, Saxophonist

The Dave Brubeck Quartet

...
Verified via Saxontheweb

As quoted by Desmond.....

"I play a Selmer alto and a Gregory 4A-18M mouthpiece, both circa 1951, and Ricco 3 1\2 reeds."

-- Paul Desmond, January, 1976

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Selmer SBA Balanced Action Alto, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Selmer Alto Saxophones

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    retroman
    retroman

    Gear IQ 189