Sax - Sassofono
by: jonnyneshly
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Word Count: 491
Date: Tue, 27 Sep 2011 Time: 7:47 AM
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Many saxophonists accord that the best vintage saxophones was made by the H. Selmer industry situated in Paris, France, Paris, France, Europe. The reign of Selmer's domination of the professional saxophone store has spanned until 80 years. With humble inception in the closely 1920's, Mr. Selmer began manufacturing finite numbers of high quality saxophones. The prime model was merely nominated "Modele 22" and featured several finishes, sizes and engraving. Some of these horns were custom made for players in the United States and France.
The Modele 22 sported the incision name of Henri Selmer (with the 4 place, Dancourt, Paris address), sculptured booms, and occasionally decorative engraving. Some of the early horns were quite elaborate. I once had the pleasure of having a gold plated, ornately cut Modele 22 C tenor. This musical instrument ended with Ted Hegvik in Pennsylvania who collects C saxes.
The other product that Selmer made was the "Model 26." This model got a less closed ring and with an particular incision brand stamp for the Selmer company. A lot of these ones horns were inlayed, but less richly than their latest competitors. The serial numbers of these horns is generally around the 10,000 mark. Experimentation would become more daring with the next two models.
Selmer's next patterns were a mixture of notions and design that would help them get the top listed of the warfare of the saxophone that were heating up through the 1920's saxophone craze. Expert musician of the day named these horns Pea Shooters or Cigar Cutters (made on the unique octave key mechanism). While these horns were officially called Selmer Super Sax, the nicknames would become their name in the history books. these models ran from the 12,000 to 20,000 serial number range (All above is based on my opinion).
The next and final product for the 20's was the short-lived "Radio Improved" model. The differences among the Radio Improved and it's predecessors are few. A large percentage Radio Improved saxophones were either plated in Silver or Gold. (For news: Johnny Ferreira's Saxophone News page for sax articles, stories etc.).
Selmer's next sax got a quantum leap in design. So much so, that it left the rest of the sax world scrambling to compete with it. The Selmer Balanced Action would become the basic prototype for what is now considered the "standard" saxophone design. Radical variations included: bell keys placed on the right side of the horn with the rods running down the front of the horn instead of the side, radically redesigned octave key mechanism, a standard alternate front F key, and modern palm key design.The new Selmer also included a mother of pearl G# key and a flat side key design. To top off this stunning work, Selmer had the USA assembled horns engraved by Conn's top instrument engravers. The result is a strikingly beauty and more it easier horn. Owners of these horns seldom part with them!
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