Saxophone Selmer

Saxophone Selmer

The new entry-level instrument from Conn-Selmer, this saxophone features a gold lacquer body with high F#, rocking table keys and and articulated C#. Prelude is well designed, well build, has good intonation, and a gorgeous full tone. Comes finish with mouthpiece, ligature, strap, and a hard shell carrying case.

Selmer makes some saxophones and their line once included the legendary Mark VI. Their recent models have returned to design ideas that the Mark VI had.

Company: Selmer

Founding Date: Early 1900s

History:

Selmer was founded in the early 1900s by Henri and Alexandre Selmer. In it is early days, they focalized on clarinets, as both of it is founders were clarinet players. Although Henri and Alexandre started out by building reeds and mouthpieces for clarinets, the company would ultimately grow to include a wide range of woodwind instruments, including the saxophone.

Selmer’s most successful saxophone, the Mark VI was introduced in 1954. The saxophone was made in France, and in the first place imported to the United States in parts to stay clear from import tariffs. The Mark VI was formulated up until the end of 1973 when it was substituted by the Mark VII- supposed to be an “improvement” but not so much in reality. Selmer’s most recent professional horns, the Reference 54 and the Reference 36, were introduced in 2005. These models are based on 1954′s Mark VI model and 1936′s Balanced Action model.

Who Plays the Brand:

Selmer is one of the huge four saxophone makers and has a huge stable of artists who prefer the brand. A short list of these artisan includes Phil Woods, Paul Desmond, Bob Berg, Sonny Rollins, Stan Getz, Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, John Coltrane, and Lee Konitz. Owing to the popularity and reputation of the Mark VI horn, this list is only a snippet of the big body of artists that proudly use a Selmer for their performances.

What They Are Known For:

Although the Selmer name has devised successful models for as long as they have been devising saxophones, the Mark VI is not only the primary model players think of when they think ‘Selmer’, it’s the firstborn model some players think of when they think ‘saxophone’. The horn is veritably legendary amidst jazz musicians, and is played by a lot of of the best in the business.

Perhaps because the Mark VI set such a high standard, Selmer took a faulty turn with the introduction of the Mark VII which most saxophone players agree was a step backwards. The Reference 54 and Reference 36, however, are profiting a very decent reputation.

Interesting Stories About Them:

A recent reviewer at Musicians Friend had very kinds words to say in regards to the new Reference model saxophones and how favorably they compare to the horns they seek to recreate:

“Playing the Reference 54 tenor was an illuminating experience. I knew at once I had an extraordinary instrument in my hands. It had the richness of tone, the warmth, and the punch and projection I loved in my Mark VI, but was a little brighter.

finally put down the Reference 54 and picked up the Reference 36. It had the same ergonomic key feel as the 54 but it is own tonal coloring. It is based on the Balanced Action model Selmer introduced in 1936 and has that instrument’s rich open sound. Like the 54, it is an extraordinary instrument. If I had to choose amidst the two, I’d have a hard time making up my mind.”

Price Ranges:

Sopranos range from $895 for a student model to $5,499 for a professional model.

Altos range from $1,602 for a student model to $5,229 for a professional model.

Tenors range from $2,160 for a student model to $6,199 for a professional model.

Baritones range from $4,479 to $9.329 for a professional model.

(Prices current in June 2009)

Saxophone Selmer Pic

Saxophone Selmer Picture

Saxophone Selmer Pic

Saxophone Selmer Pic

Most helpful client reviews

45 of 47 people found the following review helpful.
An splendid instrument for beginners or intermediates.
By M. Guzman
The Conn-Selmer Prelude Alto saxophone is an splendid instrument at a bargain price. Craftsmanship on this peculiar saxophone is superlative, rather above other also priced instruments by less reputable manufacturers. The keys are firm, in a good way. The tone is warm and even all around the entire range, clear, just a bit this side of bright. Once you hold the instrument and play it for the original time, it is apparent that the Conn-Selmer Prelude Alto is a well engineered saxophone in the tradition that is related with those two great companies. Everything in regards to this instrument exalts attention to detail and quality at an lowcost price. Highly recommended.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful.
Decent Price, Poor Sound
By Jeff
I’ve always taken an interest in learning the sax and at last mustered up the courage into buying one. After a bit of numerous exploration online, I learned that the “big four” brand names (according to the website I found anyway) were Selmer, Yamaha, Keilworth, and Yangisawa. Wile searching, I found a few other brands of Chinese made sax’s underneath the $500 range but was skeptical of their quality and reputation, which led me to the reason for purchasing the Prelude AS-711. I figured that at the $500 price point, I’d be getting a beauteous good sax from a well known company. I hate to say it, but I was a bit disappointed.

10 of 11 persons found the following review helpful.
purchased for middle school band student
By keg
Excellent option for beginning band student. Although the band conductor discouraged online instrument purchases; this instrument is in perfective condition, and is priced significantly less that a one year rental price. The instrument arrived as expected. A very good amazon.com buy experience.

See all 10 client reviews…