Selmer Series II
I felt right at home on the Series II. Probably something to do with the fact
that I own one!! It is such a solid instrument and enjoyable to play, and I did
like this new one that I was testing. The Series II is light and easy to handle
and I felt able to control the sound with just the right amount of effort. Like
the alto it has a very 3-dimensional sound. I didn't have to over blow to get
plenty of volume, and playing quieter passages in the music was controlled, with
notes speaking clearly. Selmer saxes do change with age and grow old gracefully.
My own series II tenor has a slightly darker tone than the new ones, probably
due to all the dirt that has accumulated and the lacquer wearing off in places!
Also, the action is nice and low and light after a few years of adjustments, and
now plays better than ever. The Series II is a classic sax and feels like an
elder statesman among saxophones as it has been around for over 10 years now,
which, in these days of marketing and changing technology every day, just goes
to show that quality does stand the test of time. The Series II is ideal for all
sorts of work and playing styles. It suits rock and roll as much as classical
and jazz. A great all round performer.
Selmer
Series
III
Selmer Reference 36
Very
satisfying! From the moment I picked this up it felt right and after the first
few notes, I thought it was my own. It is the perfect step up from the Series
II, offering a very similar action - just a little lighter and very comfortable.
Tone production on this sax was very similar to the Series II but with more
resonance and greater tonal depth. There was plenty of weight to each individual
note, with a satisfyingly big round sound, particularly in the lower register,
where I could pump out those low notes with vigour. It really allowed me to
express myself and push through plenty of air whilst responding equally well to
gentle blowing.
This sax
seemed to have all that I want in a saxophone, great clarity, rich tone and
excellent playability. It oozes quality, a rare mix of style and sophistication.
The gold lacquer finish is a deep rose gold colour, which sets it apart from
other new saxophones; it looks the business. If I had to sell my own Series II
tenor then the Reference 36 would definitely be on my short list.
Selmer Reference 54
This looks very different from any
other sax on the market. It has an 'antique' finish which resembles old
saxophones when all the lacquer has worn off. The effect on the feel of the horn
is one that is very smooth under the fingers and to me it was very tactile as
the finish itself is very smooth to the touch. Blowing this horn was very free
and yet had a very controlled feel to tone production. It had a warm and darker
feel to the sound, with plenty of resonance giving it a very pleasing centred
tone. The action was light and fluid and response was excellent. It differs from
the 36 in that the 36 has a more open quality to the sound which seems to allow
more detail to come through. I really liked the 54 and playing be-bop and more
contemporary jazz was great fun on this horn. For more funky styles it was ideal
with lots of punch there, the notes solid even when playing very loud. The high
notes of the altissimo register sounded very clear and controlled, the lowest
notes were full of depth.
Both Selmer Reference saxes offer the
saxophonist great versatility and are both at the top of the tenor sax tree. I
really liked the warm resonance of the '54 but my favourite has to be the '36
for it's rich tone and open quality of sound.