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Description

The Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor saxophone is a revered instrument in the world of woodwinds, cherished by musicians for its remarkable balance and superior tonal quality. It is renowned for its intricate craftsmanship, designed to meet the needs of both classical and jazz musicians seeking a rich, expressive sound. This iconic saxophone is known for its smooth key action and precise intonation, making it a preferred choice for professional performances and studio recordings.

The Super Balanced Action Tenor offers a seamless playing experience with its meticulously engineered mechanism, enabling fluid transitions across a wide range of notes. Its construction features high-quality brass, providing durability along with a resonant, full-bodied sound. The ergonomic design ensures comfortable playability, allowing musicians to perform effortlessly for extended periods.

Selmer's commitment to excellence is evident in every detail of this instrument, from the hand-engraved bell to the intricately designed keywork. The saxophone's refined acoustics and balanced intonation provide a unique voice that stands out in any ensemble. Whether you're performing in a symphony orchestra or a jazz band, the Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor is crafted to enhance your musical expression and creativity.

Key Features:

  • Renowned for its smooth key action and precise intonation
  • Constructed with high-quality brass for durability
  • Ergonomic design for comfortable playability
  • Hand-engraved bell and intricate keywork
  • Suitable for both classical and jazz genres
  • Offers rich, full-bodied sound with balanced intonation

FAQs

What makes the Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor saxophone unique compared to other models?

The Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor is renowned for its exceptional intonation and tonal quality, thanks to its innovative key layout and balanced action design. This model is highly sought after by professional saxophonists for its rich, full sound and superior craftsmanship.

Is the Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor suitable for professional musicians?

Yes, the Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor is designed for professional musicians. Its precise intonation, responsive keywork, and rich tonal characteristics make it ideal for advanced players seeking a high-quality instrument.

What era was the Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor saxophone produced?

The Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor saxophone was produced from 1947 to 1954. It is a classic model that remains highly valued by collectors and professional players for its historical significance and exceptional sound.

How does the keywork on the Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor saxophone enhance playability?

The keywork on the Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor features an innovative layout that improves ergonomics and facilitates smoother transitions between notes. This design enhances playability, making it easier for musicians to execute complex passages with precision.

What kind of sound can I expect from the Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor saxophone?

The Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor saxophone is known for its warm, resonant sound with excellent projection and tonal clarity. It offers a rich, full-bodied tone that is well-suited for a variety of musical styles, from jazz to classical.

JL Woodwinds

JL Woodwinds

Selmer SBA Super Balanced Action Tenor Sax Playtest! Incredible sound 50xxx serial number! Overhaul!

Video thumbnail for Selmer SBA Super Balanced Action Tenor Sax Playtest! Incredible sound 50xxx serial number! Overhaul! by JL Woodwinds

Selmer SBA Super Balanced Action Tenor Sax Playtest! Incredible sound 50xxx serial number! Overhaul!

JL Woodwinds

JL Woodwinds

Video thumbnail for Tenorsaxophon: Selmer "Super Balanced Action" 34xxx by USA Vintage Saxophon

Tenorsaxophon: Selmer "Super Balanced Action" 34xxx

USA Vintage Saxophon

USA Vintage Saxophon

Video thumbnail for Incredible 50xxx Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor! SBA with silver keys and full Overhaul! by JL Woodwinds

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

JL Woodwinds

JL Woodwinds

Video thumbnail for Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone 52xxx 1953 Play Test! www.newyorksax.com by JL Woodwinds

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

JL Woodwinds

JL Woodwinds

Video thumbnail for 1951 47,xxx Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone Demo, www.dcsax.com by DC Sax

1951 47,xxx Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone Demo, www.dcsax.com

DC Sax

DC Sax

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Selmer Super Balanced Action has right hand toneholes that are offset, differentiating it from the Balanced Action whose holes are in a vertical line.

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Comparisons

  • Super Balanced Action saxophones offer a unique vintage warm, round sound, while Super Action 80 Series saxophones provide a more modern sound and better intonation.

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  • The long bell version of the SBA tenor sax is considered more desirable than the Mark VI due to its darker tone and historical scarcity, with only an estimated 5,000 made.

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  • The SBA tenor is often preferred over the Mark VI and SBA alto due to its middle-ground tone, blending the lighter Balanced Action and brighter Mark VI.

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Value and pricing

  • Super Balanced Action horns have seen a significant price increase recently, with starting prices around $8000 from reputable sources.

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  • A pristine 1949 Selmer Super Balanced Action with a long bell can fetch up to $24,500, indicating its high value as a collector's item.

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User experience

  • Owners report that Super Action 80 Series II saxophones are versatile enough for both Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band settings.

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  • Owners cherish SBAs for their lyrical, rounder tones, often described as sweeter compared to the weighty, brighter Mark VI sounds.

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Setup and maintenance

  • A user reported a negative experience with a Selmer horn purchase on eBay, where improper packaging led to damage such as a fallen octave key mechanism and seized rods.

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  • Side keys may appear bent, possibly a tech modification for comfort, but typically should be aligned and plumb.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Selmer SBA tenor sax is highly sought after by professional jazz musicians like Joshua Redman and Mark Turner for its balanced tone that suits jazz styles.

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  • The SBA is noted for its longevity, with proper care potentially lasting centuries, making it a legacy instrument.

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Build quality

  • The SBA tenor sax features a split guard design on the low B key, distinguishing it as a long bell model and contributing to its unique tonal qualities.

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  • Original lacquer condition significantly impacts value, with near-perfect finishes increasing price considerably.

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Artist usage

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See how John Coltrane uses Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor

John Coltrane

Saxophonist

John Coltrane Quartet

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Verified via Barnard Instrument Repair

Trane used this instrument to 1960.

See how Shabaka Hutchings uses Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor

Shabaka Hutchings

Composer

The Comet is Coming

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Verified via Photo

"Saxophone appreciation post! I’ve been playing saxophones made by @daveallbrass1 / @oldroydwalkerlineage for the past 3 years and it has been an absolute joy. Until I was introduced to his horns I swore by older models, playing first a conn 10m then Selmer cigar cutter and finally a selmer super balanced action. this last model I used before meeting Dave was so great I didn’t think I’d ever find a modern sax that could match its weight of sound, consistency throughout registers and ergonomics. Because of my hectic touring I wanted a modern sax since maintaining an older horn on the road was getting boring despite its greatness. I tried more or less all the modern brands on the market and nothing did it for me. Then @warehampete introduced me to Dave who was making a modern sax that he said was going to be the best. It is. He gave me a prototype model based on a conn bore and mark V1 key work and we’ve been having a conversation for the past 3 years where he takes feedback from my escapades on the road which has helped contribute to it now being the ultimate sax machine. Jerry Bergonzi also plays it!!! The picture is of the first sax I got from him (which @nubya_garcia now plays). Thanks Dave. And while we’re on the subject....WHATS GOING ON IN LEEDS????? Morgan Fry is out there alongside Dave straight up making the best mouthpieces in the game! (But it’ll take a whole other long post for me to comment on his brilliance)"

See how Ben Wendel uses Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor

Ben Wendel

Composer

Kneebody

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Verified via BEN WENDEL

Specified on Wendel's website's FAQ page.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT SAXOPHONE SETUP?

I currently play a Selmer Super Balanced Action from 1952, with a serial range of 48, XXX. I visited the Selmer company in Paris and they have a book with each saxophone’s “birthday” written in it. Specifically, mine was born on June 20th, 1952.

My current mouthpiece is a vintage Jazz Morgan .116 refaced by the great Adam Niewood. I use Boston Sax Shop reeds and ligature. My neck is handmade by Kim Bock at KB Saxophone and is the Vanguard model.

Genre Usage

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Used With

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

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