Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone Overview

The Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action occupies a pivotal place in the company's professional saxophone lineage, bridging the earlier Balanced Action and the later Mark VI. Musicians value the model for its centered tonal core, flexible color, and responsive vintage Selmer character. This particular instrument offers players and collectors a direct connection to one of Selmer Paris's most influential tenor designs. Serial number places the year of manufacture circa 1952.

Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone Specifications

• Instrument Type: Tenor saxophone
• Key: Bb
• Model: Super Balanced Action
• Body Material: Brass
• Finish: Lacquer
• Country of Manufacture: France
• Case: Protec Pro Pac XL soft-sided tenor saxophone case
• Serial Number: 50804

Condition & Setup

This vintage instrument is in excellent playing order and has been professionally repadded, set up, and play-tested. The exterior shows extensive lacquer loss and flaking, numerous scratches and scuffs, and localized tarnish, oxidation, and discoloration around portions of the keywork and fittings. Wear is visible across the body tube, bow, bell rim, neck, key cups, and guards, while the Henri Selmer Paris bell engraving remains visible and generally legible.

Who the Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone Is For

The Super Balanced Action is best suited to professional players, advanced saxophonists, and collectors who appreciate the response and individual character of vintage Selmer instruments. Its centered core, supple response, and capacity for tonal nuance make it particularly relevant to jazz, commercial, chamber, and solo playing. Players accustomed to modern keywork should expect a distinctly vintage ergonomic feel and will benefit from evaluating the instrument with their preferred mouthpiece setup.

Common Questions About the Selmer Paris Super Balanced Action

Where does the Super Balanced Action fit in Selmer history?

The Super Balanced Action followed the Balanced Action and preceded the Mark VI. It refined Selmer's left-side bell-key layout and helped establish the design direction associated with the company's later professional saxophones.

What tonal character is associated with the Super Balanced Action tenor?

Players commonly associate the model with a centered core, responsive articulation, and considerable flexibility in tonal color. Individual vintage instruments vary, so mouthpiece choice and player approach remain important.

What should a professional player evaluate on a vintage Super Balanced Action?

Important considerations include palm-key feel, low-register response, intonation tendencies, keywork ergonomics, and compatibility with the player's preferred mouthpiece. These factors help determine whether its vintage Selmer design suits the player's musical approach.

How can I evaluate if this saxophone fits my needs?

Check out our Guide to Choosing a Professional Saxophone

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