Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone Overview
The Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action tenor saxophone occupies a central place in the company's professional saxophone lineage, following the Balanced Action and helping establish the design direction that led to the Mark VI. Widely respected by experienced players and collectors, the model is associated with a centered, flexible tonal character and direct response suited to jazz, commercial, studio, and solo work. Serial number places the year of manufacture circa 1950.
Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone Specifications
- Instrument Type: Professional tenor saxophone
- Key: Bb
- Model: Super Balanced Action
- Construction: Brass body and keywork
- Finish: Original lacquer
- No High F#
- Country of Manufacture: France
- Case: Fitted black hard case
- Accessories: Cork grease
- Serial Number: 42860
Condition & Setup
This vintage saxophone is in excellent playing order. It has received a complete repad, with all pads replaced and regulated, along with professional service, lubrication, setup, and play testing. The lacquer has extensive wear and loss, and the body, bell, neck, and keywork show scratches, scuffs, discoloration, tarnish, and oxidation consistent with substantial use. The fitted hard case has substantial exterior wear. Cork grease is included; a mouthpiece, cap, ligature, strap, swab, and polishing cloth are not included.
Who the Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone Is For
The Super Balanced Action is best suited to professional players, advanced saxophonists, and collectors who value mid-century Selmer design and a distinctly vintage playing experience. Its centered, flexible tonal concept can work especially well in jazz, commercial, studio, and solo settings. Players coming from current saxophone mechanisms should also consider how its vintage keywork layout and hand feel align with their ergonomic preferences.
Common Questions About the Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action
Where does the Super Balanced Action fit in Selmer's saxophone lineage?
The Super Balanced Action followed the Balanced Action and preceded the Mark VI. It represents an important stage in the development of Selmer's modern professional saxophone design.
What tonal character is associated with the Super Balanced Action tenor?
Experienced players commonly associate the model with a centered, flexible sound that can retain warmth while supporting projection and tonal color. Mouthpiece, reed, setup, and player concept remain significant influences on the final result.
How does its keywork compare with a modern Selmer tenor?
The mechanism has a more compact, vintage feel than current professional Selmer designs. Players comparing the two should evaluate hand fit, articulation, response, and tonal concept according to their individual preferences.
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 Tenor Saxophone in Original Lacquer
Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone Overview
The Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action tenor saxophone occupies a central place in the company's professional saxophone lineage, following the Balanced Action and helping establish the design direction that led to the Mark VI. Widely respected by experienced players and collectors, the model is associated with a centered, flexible tonal character and direct response suited to jazz, commercial, studio, and solo work. Serial number places the year of manufacture circa 1950.
Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone Specifications
- Instrument Type: Professional tenor saxophone
- Key: Bb
- Model: Super Balanced Action
- Construction: Brass body and keywork
- Finish: Original lacquer
- No High F#
- Country of Manufacture: France
- Case: Fitted black hard case
- Accessories: Cork grease
- Serial Number: 42860
Condition & Setup
This vintage saxophone is in excellent playing order. It has received a complete repad, with all pads replaced and regulated, along with professional service, lubrication, setup, and play testing. The lacquer has extensive wear and loss, and the body, bell, neck, and keywork show scratches, scuffs, discoloration, tarnish, and oxidation consistent with substantial use. The fitted hard case has substantial exterior wear. Cork grease is included; a mouthpiece, cap, ligature, strap, swab, and polishing cloth are not included.
Who the Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone Is For
The Super Balanced Action is best suited to professional players, advanced saxophonists, and collectors who value mid-century Selmer design and a distinctly vintage playing experience. Its centered, flexible tonal concept can work especially well in jazz, commercial, studio, and solo settings. Players coming from current saxophone mechanisms should also consider how its vintage keywork layout and hand feel align with their ergonomic preferences.
Common Questions About the Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action
Where does the Super Balanced Action fit in Selmer's saxophone lineage?
The Super Balanced Action followed the Balanced Action and preceded the Mark VI. It represents an important stage in the development of Selmer's modern professional saxophone design.
What tonal character is associated with the Super Balanced Action tenor?
Experienced players commonly associate the model with a centered, flexible sound that can retain warmth while supporting projection and tonal color. Mouthpiece, reed, setup, and player concept remain significant influences on the final result.
How does its keywork compare with a modern Selmer tenor?
The mechanism has a more compact, vintage feel than current professional Selmer designs. Players comparing the two should evaluate hand fit, articulation, response, and tonal concept according to their individual preferences.
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 Tenor Saxophone in Original Lacquer
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.