Selmer Tenor

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I had been thinking when it comes to altering my tenor sax for a while. I had purchased my bronze Yanagasawa T992 in regards to five years ago after attempting all the professional level tenors on the market at the time. My Yanagasawa served me actually well. It went with me all through my music degree and a lot of band performances spanning all the genres from jazz to an on tour rock and roll show. I now play (mainly tenor, but also baritone sax and flute) in one of the North East’s top function bands. Working with such a great band of musicians I wanted to check the market again to make utterly sure that my instrument was making the best possible sound.

When I need to exploration saxophones I visit the Sax Emporium, Newcastle upon Tyne. The proprietor, John Silvester has magnificent specialist cognition and there is always a good range of new and used instruments to try. I played all the professional level tenor saxophones new and used, including the latest Yanagasawa and Selmer models. Although the Mk6 and Reference 36 Selmer models and the Yanagasawa were good, the Selmer Reference 54 actually stood out from the rest and far exceeded my expectations. I had no hesitation in going in front with a trade-in purchase.

Coincidentally, I had seen this precise sax being played on stage at the Sage, Gateshead only days before in the ‘Back to Basie’ big band. When I saw it close to and played it myself I without delay fell in love with it. The pretty yet strange oldfashioned finish is so cleverly done, but most significantly the Reference 54 delivers a full strong fat sound at the lower end, it has fantastic key action and allows me to play sub-tones with a quality I had never been competent to achieve before. The precision of the sax’s action likewise decreases the likelihood of tuning issues at a gig. The band I work in has an exceedingly wide repertoire and requires me to play a range of timbres and harmonics to manufacture dissimilar moods. From deep creamy textures to rasping tones and severely sounds this sax has it all and it is just outstanding to play on. Oh, and there’s a bonus – a great case which even has a business card holder on the front!

If you may afford to make the investment, this tenor sax is a will have to to undertake for any professional.