Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone Overview
The Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action tenor saxophone occupies an important place in the development of the modern professional saxophone. Positioned between the Balanced Action and Mark VI, the SBA is widely valued for its centered tonal core, flexibility, and direct connection to Selmer's influential mid-century design lineage. This particular instrument offers the established SBA design in original silver plate. Serial number places the year of manufacture circa 1950.
Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone Specifications
- Instrument Type: Tenor saxophone
- Key: Bb
- Model: Super Balanced Action
- Playing Level: Professional
- Finish: Silver plate
- Country of Manufacture: France
- Case: New Protec PRO PAC XL contoured case with shoulder strap
- Accessories: Cork grease
- Serial Number: 44631
Condition & Setup
This vintage tenor saxophone is in excellent playing order. It has been professionally repadded, serviced, set up, and play-tested. The plated surfaces show fine scratches, scuffs, light tarnish, and localized plating wear consistent with age and use. A shallow dent or handling ripple is present at the bell flare, and the neck cork shows visible wear.
Who the Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone Is For
The Super Balanced Action is suited to professional saxophonists, experienced jazz players, collectors, and advanced musicians seeking a vintage Selmer with a focused core and considerable tonal flexibility. Its response and tonal identity support nuanced ensemble, solo, and commercial playing. Players accustomed exclusively to contemporary instruments should expect key geometry that reflects an earlier professional design.
Common Questions About the Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action
How does the Super Balanced Action relate to the Mark VI?
The Super Balanced Action directly preceded the Mark VI and represents an important stage in the development of Selmer's offset keywork and modern professional saxophone design. Many players value it for its own tonal identity rather than simply as a predecessor to the Mark VI.
What tonal qualities are associated with the Super Balanced Action tenor?
Super Balanced Action tenors are widely valued for a centered core, tonal color, and a flexible response that can accommodate both intimate and projecting playing concepts.
How does its keywork compare with a modern tenor saxophone?
The SBA uses an earlier professional keywork layout. Experienced players often adapt readily, but its palm keys, left-hand table, and overall geometry will feel different from those of a contemporary Selmer tenor.
How can I evaluate if this saxophone fits my needs?
Check out our Guide to Choosing a Professional Saxophone
We are proud to be an authorized Selmer Paris dealer
In stock! Ships within 1-2 business days
Financing available. Apply directly at checkout
30-day risk-free trial
2-Year Warranty
Complimentary shipping for all U.S. orders over $99
Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action Professional Tenor Saxophone in Silver Plate SN 44631
Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone Overview
The Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action tenor saxophone occupies an important place in the development of the modern professional saxophone. Positioned between the Balanced Action and Mark VI, the SBA is widely valued for its centered tonal core, flexibility, and direct connection to Selmer's influential mid-century design lineage. This particular instrument offers the established SBA design in original silver plate. Serial number places the year of manufacture circa 1950.
Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone Specifications
- Instrument Type: Tenor saxophone
- Key: Bb
- Model: Super Balanced Action
- Playing Level: Professional
- Finish: Silver plate
- Country of Manufacture: France
- Case: New Protec PRO PAC XL contoured case with shoulder strap
- Accessories: Cork grease
- Serial Number: 44631
Condition & Setup
This vintage tenor saxophone is in excellent playing order. It has been professionally repadded, serviced, set up, and play-tested. The plated surfaces show fine scratches, scuffs, light tarnish, and localized plating wear consistent with age and use. A shallow dent or handling ripple is present at the bell flare, and the neck cork shows visible wear.
Who the Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone Is For
The Super Balanced Action is suited to professional saxophonists, experienced jazz players, collectors, and advanced musicians seeking a vintage Selmer with a focused core and considerable tonal flexibility. Its response and tonal identity support nuanced ensemble, solo, and commercial playing. Players accustomed exclusively to contemporary instruments should expect key geometry that reflects an earlier professional design.
Common Questions About the Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action
How does the Super Balanced Action relate to the Mark VI?
The Super Balanced Action directly preceded the Mark VI and represents an important stage in the development of Selmer's offset keywork and modern professional saxophone design. Many players value it for its own tonal identity rather than simply as a predecessor to the Mark VI.
What tonal qualities are associated with the Super Balanced Action tenor?
Super Balanced Action tenors are widely valued for a centered core, tonal color, and a flexible response that can accommodate both intimate and projecting playing concepts.
How does its keywork compare with a modern tenor saxophone?
The SBA uses an earlier professional keywork layout. Experienced players often adapt readily, but its palm keys, left-hand table, and overall geometry will feel different from those of a contemporary Selmer tenor.
How can I evaluate if this saxophone fits my needs?
Check out our Guide to Choosing a Professional Saxophone
We are proud to be an authorized Selmer Paris dealer
Pairs well with
In stock! Ships within 1-2 business days
Financing available. Apply directly at checkout
30-day risk-free trial
2-Year Warranty
Complimentary shipping for all U.S. orders over $99
Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action Professional Tenor Saxophone in Silver Plate SN 44631
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, within 24 hours on weekdays.
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Shipping Information
Orders valued over $99 ship via FedEx 2-Day within the U.S. and via DHL internationally. A physical address (no P.O. Boxes) and signature are required. Smaller accessories ship via USPS (2–5 day service) and do not require a signature if valued under $99. Please see our FAQ for additional details.
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Return Policy
We offer an unconditional 30-day return policy to ensure you’re completely satisfied. If you’re unhappy for any reason, return the item for a full refund or full exchange credit (reeds and other consumables are non-returnable once opened). Every instrument we sell is guaranteed to be free of mechanical defects—if an issue arises, contact us and we’ll either reimburse a local repair or provide a prepaid return label for repair, exchange, or refund. If you simply change your mind, you may still return the item for a full refund, but return shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility unless free returns were purchased through Redo at checkout. Please see our FAQ for additional details.
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Shop Warranty:
Brand new items are covered by the full manufacturer’s warranty unless otherwise noted (see the individual maker for details). Open box/refurbished, used, and vintage items include a two-year warranty serviced by our in-house repair shop, and we guarantee every instrument will be free of mechanical defects. Warranty coverage does not include damage from accident, misuse, negligence, improper operation, unauthorized alterations or removed serial numbers, normal wear and routine maintenance, environmental damage (including perspiration, corrosion, or extreme temperature and humidity), lacquer or plating wear, or consumable parts such as springs, pads, and felts. Please see our FAQ for additional details.