Vintage Selmer alto sax

[greybeard]

Hey folks

I am new to the forum. A 53 year old beginner. Playing Tenor in a concert band.

I recently picked up a used alto. Looking through some posts on here I discover it a rather interesting instrument. Selmer Paris made Alto from 1933. Has the three S's engraved on it but is not a Cigar Cutter. Serial number is in the mid 17XXX range. I notice no one puts actual serial numbers on here so I refrained from doing so. Is there a reason for that?

The horn came in a soft carrying case offering little protection. As a result it needs work. Has some sticky and some misaligned pads. Plays well except for the very low and high notes.

Any more information, comments etc would be appreciated.

Thanks

[beezer]

Evenin' GB,
Nobody else biting so here's my 1p worth.
17,000 is a late s/n for a non cigar cutter SSS. I had one (tenor) 13,079.
True cigar cutters seem to be worth more like for like than non Cc.
All great horns though.
I thought I knew why s/n's are kept secret, but when I come to put it in writing(like now) I can't think of a sensible reply!
Dave

[warp x]

your horn is from the Selmer Super Series.
Here's a link with some info
http://saxpics.com/?v=mod&modID=9

[greybeard]

Thanks guys. I actually could have worded my original post much better.

From what I've been able to find these are fairly rare. Made in 1933 between the Cigar cutters and Radio Improved. It is a very cool horn and my plan is to keep it and play it.

I found it at a garage sale. Doesn't seem to be in any worse shape than the few altos of similar vintage I've seen photos of. Plays well, no dents, but does need some work. A quick professional appraisal suggested new pads and an alignment.

My question? Are these indeed collectable horns? If so should the repairs be done with that in mind? I don't plan to sell it but don't want to devalue it with a poor repair job either.

[beezer]

Whatever else you have done to it, DON'T relacquer or replate as this will devalue it.
Dave

[warp x]

Beezer is right, do not replate or relaquer. They are very good horns. Bring it to a good tech and have it repadded and adjusted, so it plays it's best. They are not very common, but I would not say they are collectibles, unless it's a mint gold plated one. What's the finish on your horn?

[Pete Thomas]

Hey folks

I notice no one puts actual serial numbers on here so I refrained from doing so. Is there a reason for that?



There is often speculation that publishing a serial number means some scammer could then claim it is their horn.

I've never understood how that would work but presumably it has happened. Obviously it's best to have the number documented on the purchase receipt which you should keep, and also log with your insurance company. Also the serial number should be logged on any repair dockets. All of these are good proof the horn is legally yours.

[greybeard]

I'll get new pads and an adjustment and leave the finish alone. The original finish is largely intact but worn through in a few places and no, unfortunately, not gold plated. It looks like what it is, a very nice vintage horn. Pulling it out of the case will give me an air of legitimacy that will last right up until I actually start to play it.

Again, thanks very much for the help. This is a great site.

[southernutahsaxman]

To me, the biggest question is how did you stumble across such a great find at a garage sale? Have fun with the horn!

[greybeard]

I regularly cruise garage sales looking for things for my home. The Selmer was lying on a table with no neck piece in among some electronic equipment. As it looked a bit worse for wear and tear I thought I'd hang it on my wall as decoration. Asked the guy what he wanted for it. When he said $50 I offered $40. He refused and I walked away. Got to my car and thought, what the heck. Gave him the $50 and in exchange I got the horn and a Selmer case containing the neck, a lig and a brass mouthpiece cap. A quick trip to my local sax store to pick up a cheap mouthpiece turned into a lengthy visit when the salesman got a look at the instrument. He played it. The store tech came out and played it. It wasn't until then that I knew I had something worthwhile.
No surprise that I am quite happy with the find. I had thought of selling it but money comes and goes. My plan is to do just what you suggested. Keep it and "Have fun with the horn!"

[whaler]

Serial number is in the mid 17XXX range. I notice no one puts actual serial numbers on here so I refrained from doing so. Is there a reason for that?




Or that someone may claim that it is their stolen horn?