Without doubt these are two of the finest saxes ever made!

Selmer (Paris) "Reference 36" (in the spirit of the 1936 Balanced Action) 

• Both models offer the look and sound of the originals

• Superior modern keying action

• Reference 36 features a rich open sound and a slightly larger body.

• Reference 36 in dark gold lacquer with hand engraving (pictured left) and now available in a matt "antiqued" finish. (pictured right).

Selmer (Paris) "Reference 54" (in the spirit of the 1954 Mk6)

• Combining nostalgic sound with modern key design.

• Specially designed crook with different bore and angle.

• Compact key design makes the keys feel closer to the body.

• Reference 54 features a rich but more centered tone.

• Reference 54 in a matt "antiqued" finish (pictured left) and now available in a gold lacquer finish. (pictured right).

REFERENCE '54

From top to bottom this instrument does not disappoint. Solidly built, the Reference '54 is a joy to play and feels so comfortable in your hands and certainly packs a punch. The instrument feels nice and light. This in turn makes for better control and is reproduced in the sound. It creates a feeling of satisfaction as the notes come from the horn - Selmer have indeed created an instrument that has a focused sound reminiscent of the legendary Mark VI. 

This sound stems from the crook which has been stretched out and sits lower on the instrument. (Pictured here is a Series III crook on the left and a Reference '54 on the right). As a result, intonation is improved upon from the Series 2 and 3 - every note throughout the whole range was in tune, harmonics especially free and easy to reach. When you blow this horn you know what to expect. The keywork and action are a delight - everything feels like it is in the right place. The action is firm and yet relaxed enough to get round the most finger-busting passages in any type of music. This is a fun instrument and makes a big and powerful sound in all registers. For funk and fusion, modern jazz and rock  playing it is a must for any aspiring Brecker-fanatics out there. For those who want a more classic saxophone sound then the '36 might be the one for you.

REFERENCE '36

This instrument for me was a delight to play as I am a huge Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson fan. Playing the '36 made me feel like I was back in New York in the Fifties. A rich, full-bodied tone that can be reserved and mellow, but packs a punch when necessary, the '36 is, in my humble opinion, one of the most versatile instruments on the market. It felt at home playing Debussy, intonation perfect on the delicate passages of Girl With the Flaxen Hair; the response put the "bop" in Bebop on Charlie Parker's Confirmation!  For those people who have a Super Action 80 who want to upgrade then this instrument is the natural successor. It feels very much like a Series 2, the same light action that is its trademark, whilst being just as solid and comfortable as the Reference '54. Compared to the Super Action 80 the '36 just has that extra something, a feeling of security like the Reference '54, but with a sweeter tone. This is a reference instrument in the true meaning of the word, and I find it impossible to fault. When you think of a saxophone, for me the '36 is IT.

Update Dec 04: The Reference tenors are now supplied with a special shaped case.

Read Will Hood's review of the Selmer Reference Solid Silver & Booster Crooks/necks

SELMER REFERENCE ALTO

2006 Kookaburra/Australia Collector's edition Reference alto & tenor saxes

Selmer Prices & Ordering