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The Reference Alto is one of the best saxes I've ever played. After 30 years Selmer have finally done it, they’ve got that old MK VI magic back - and then some!I had the lucky chance to play test 10 References at the Paris factory, and to my surprise they were all very consistent, but without losing any of their individual character. An impressive feature is just how free blowing the Ref is when compared to the slightly resistant series II and III. The tone, (bring it on!) is just fantastic! Well centred throughout it’s range, rich - yet with loads of clarity and juice. It's nice and big at the bottom but still full at the top. Although it is a new horn, it evokes a real sense of history and an intoxicating vintage tone. It has the authority of a vintage Selmer but with all the intonation problems resolved. I worked it hard and the only thing that didn't impress, (yes, the only thing!) was that it didn’t resonate as much when blowing sub-tone, but this could be resolved with set-up.What did impress me the most was the projection, it could equal the Series III no problem and get out the way Guardala! I found that I had to pull back a little on my playing to compensate for instant ‘back of the room’ sound. Action wise, it's just what I like, a little resistant but with plenty of fluidity. It has nice touches: the front F pearl, smooth top E key, rounded low Eb/C keys and vintage style body brace. To look at, it is just exquisite, dark gold lacquer with original MK VI engraving patterns. Additional accessories are the excellent new Super Session (E) mouthpiece (that I am very impressed with) and specially designed "Reference" badged shaped case. There is something about this sax that I can’t explain. Call it what you want, shazam, magic, the X-factor, this sax certainly has it. You can see, feel, hear & sense the history and pedigree coming. If you're having a love affair with an old Mark VI but are fed up with niggling intonation & reliability problems this is the answer. This horn builds on the legendary legacy to the meet the demands of modern players, it will surely become a history maker. All I have to say is: I've now bought one! Tristan Clifton (saxophones.co.uk)From: Production (EC Labels) mailto: selmeral@eircom.net. Sent: 27 October 2004 11:19 Subject: RE: reference 54. I bought a Selmer reference alto from you early last year and it is going great. Anyone I play with is blown away by the power and look of it and when they play it I think they go to heaven for a little while. Many thanks and regards ALAN Click for further information
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