Harmonic Model & Millennium Model

[Tears June]

1) What are the main difference between Harmonic Model vs normal Gold lacquered Series III ? When I look at the photo, it look very same.



2) What are the difference of Millennium Model & a Brushed Engraved Series III?

The Millennium Model Brushed Silver with Gold Key version look very same with a Brushed Engraved Clear lacquered.

Also, it said the Millennium is a Silver Brushed but it look gold...


Ref: http://www.saxpics.com/selmer/s80_series.htm

[singlereed]

The harmonic mechanism is a little extra octave vent opened by a special by operated by the thumb. I am afraid it has been discussed here before and we have always been short of real information about exactly what it does. It is supposed to help with some difficult altissimo notes.

The Serie III Millennium is more like the 'flat matte' finish (i.e. it is smooth, not brushed) except it has a silver lacquer finish, silver plated keys and neck and is engraved. It was a limited edition and the one I played was similar to my flat matte alto, but in fact the particular example I tried didn't play as well as my sax.

[Tears June]

singlereed

You have a Matte Series III alto? Is it Matte or Brushed Lacquer? As I know Brushed Lacquer has engraving, Matte don't have although many people consdier Brushed = Matte. So, Your horn is engraved version?


BTW, how's your Matte Series III sound? Any difference with a gold lacquer Series III? I'm interested on their Brushed Engraved tenor.


Ref:

http://selmersaxman.com/saxophones/Eb_Alto/Eb_Alto_Selmer__Paris_/Serie_III_Alto/serie_iii_alto.html

http://selmersaxman.com/saxophones/Bb_Tenor/Bb_Tenor_Selmer/Serie_III_Tenor/serie_iii_tenor.html



:wink:

[DocSax]

I play on a Millenium alto, and LOVE it! It's a "brushed silver" finish (actually a silver-looking matte finish). It is engraved, with a solid sterling silver neck (LOVE this!). It has brushed gold keywork. It has an INCREDIBLE sound (at least MINE does). It's based off of a SIII, so I'll try and compare it to that. It seems to have a more centered tone, with more power behind it. It also is quite flexible, moreso than some of the SIII's I've played. It is quite obvious that Selmer put a little more TLC into this horn, which has really paid off. If you have any specific questions about it, feel free to ask!

[Tears June]

DocSax

Thanks. A Millennium Series III may not easy to find. Also, I don't like silver tenor/alto. What I want to compare is a Brushed Engraved Series III Tenor with the Clear lacquered version. I'm not sure if any difference in sounds between these horns.

Of course, you can give me some idea if only compare in alto (I think the Brushed/Matte finished applied in alto has same result with tenor).

BTW, Is there any Millennium model for tenor?

:cry:

[DocSax]

Sorry, Milleniums are only altos. And I'm sorry, but I can't exactly do a comparison, no mattes in my area!

[Anonymous]

I seem to recall that the purpose of the "harmonic" key on the Series III alto was to bring middle C# in tune, rather than to facilitate altissimo.

[Tears June]

Mike R.

I think you're correct, there are some article has reported this function before. However, I also read an advertisement, which said
it's to facilitate altissimo. No idea...


:cry:

[DocSax]

Maybe I can clear this up...

The key that brings the C# into tune is a new Selmer innovation (and a VERY well planned, much needed one), and is present -as far as I know- on all series III altos (including my Millenium which is modeled after the III). I love it to death! It has forced me to break the habit of covering C# with my right hand, which is not a bad habit to break! The new key isn't really a key at all. It is simply a pad (near the LH thumb rest) that opens automatically on C# and no other note.

The "harmonic" key is something totally different altogether. I personally don't know very much about this key, other than the fact that it operates as a second octave key (is there actually 2 LH thumb keys now?). I've never had trouble with Altissimo (the reason for this key) so I've never done my homework on it.

Hope this helped!

[Anonymous]

:oops: Oh! My mistake! The harmonic key is basically another octave vent. I've seen this, and simply didn't realize what we were talking about.

[Saxamy]

Deleted.

[Anonymous]

i posted some info on the 'H' key/usage in another thread here and there used to be an indepth discussion on the old board, so poke around these for more info.

[Anonymous]

Check this link for pics of the harmonic keys:

http://www.saxpics.com/the_gallery/selmer/s80_series/harmonic/

[Anonymous]

Also see this link for an explanation of the purpose of the harmonic key:

http://www.selmer.com/press/62Harmkey.html