Selmer Reference Alto
This exceptional sax is the result of three years collaboration between the Selmer Paris R & D unit and Pierrick Pedron. "We began working on the project in 2000, in the wake of the Reference tenor," the saxophonist told us. " As a yardstick we used an exceptional Selmer Mark VI that I bought in New York in 1999. Our first objective was clearly defined from the beginning: THE SOUND. We tested to ensure that we found a sound texture, a depth and a breadth that is currently not found in any other instrument! This acoustic quality is the first asset of the Reference Alto, which does even better than the Mark VI in terms of power, as we also enlarged the diameter of the bell. We must also mention the great reliability of the pitch thanks to the neck length, which was especially studied."
Once the sound was taken care of the team concentrated on the mechanics: "These come directly from those of the Mark V1, conceived by Marcel Mule and known for their ergonomics. Modern production techniques enabled us to improve the feel and reliability even further.
The final stage was the finish: "We opted for a finish with a warm tint, which gives depth to the lacquer. Finally, we looked through the old plans in the Selmer factory to rediscover that superb engraved flower whose finesses and beauty enhance the instrument."
tribute to bird
Collector's edition / Reference saxophones
"What we have is a new Selmer saxophone that out does the best saxophone of all time the Selmer mark 6." - Courtney Pine. Click here to read Courtney Pine's rave review!
For the first time in the history of instrument making, Selmer Paris is offering musicians unique collectors edition instruments. "Tribute to Bird" is a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the death of the legendary Charlie Parker (1920-1955) and a tribute to the innovative approach with which he inspired the world of Jazz.
NEW Selmer Reference 54 Alto. The Reference Alto is one of the best saxes I've ever played. I've already had sleepless nights, knowing that ultimately I will have to let my old Selmer Balanced Action go in order to get a new Reference. 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 bought one! Tristan Clifton
(saxophones.co.uk)
