Selmer Paris Signature Alto Saxophone - Gold Lacquer

£5,499.00
Description

Completing the lineup of the modern Selmer range, the Signature is released!

Selmer are notorious for their rich tradition of producing classic saxophones over the years.  We have seen legendary models come and go, but one thing has always remained – the constant evolution.  The Signature is now part of that evolution, taking the Super Action 80 Series II and Series III saxophones, making improvements both acoustically and ergonomically, while benefitting from recent innovations applied to the Supreme model.

Drawing inspiration from the Super Action 80 Series II

The Series II alto has been an absolute favourite among professionals for many years now, so surely it would be a mistake to get rid of it?  That's why Selmer took the decision to take the best of this instrument and develop it further, applying all the latest innovations and improvements, thereby creating a perfect sax, particularly for those players who have loved playing the Series II.

Fundamentally, we have the same bore structure as the Series II, but Selmer have developed a new neck bore which has the effect of improving the pitch accuracy around the left hand notes and upper register, plus facilitating a better response in the lower range.  Beyond this we see many of the innovations from the Supreme including the new neck receiver system with a three-point concentric clamp.  The Signature has a strong aesthetic identity with its striking Art Deco engraving, paying homage to generations of Selmer Paris artisans and their various techniques over the decades.

If you have ever enjoyed a SA Series II alto in the past you will absolutely love the Signature as it has the same sound identity, but with improved intonation, sound quality and ergonomics!

Acoustics, Mechanics and Ergonomics

The Signature brings us the same acoustic qualities the Series II - a warm, round and full bodied sound, but the re-designed neck now opens up the low note response, offering more comfort around this area, plus it corrects the octave relationships from the left hand stack area up through the palm keys.

The Signature includes the new Octave key system with Teflon supports, offering a lighter action, reduced wear-and-tear and noise.

Natural mother-of-pearl key inlays and leather pads with riveted metal resonators add class to the setup, while left and right-hand fine gold gilt metal thumb supports offer a refined feel and look at these crucial contact points.

Features

 Material: Brass
 Finish: lacquered
 Key Touches: White mother of pearl
 Neck: Selmer Signature
 Engraving: State-of-the-art machine engraving
 Case: Black ABS shell Signature case, designed by BAM
 Mouthpiece: Selmer Concept
 Made in: France
 Free Professional Set Up & Free Check over within a Year
 Recommended for: All serious sax players

Staff Review

I was fortunate enough to pay another visit to the Selmer factory recently and I was struck by the many advances in technology beyond what I had witnessed on my only other visit, many years before this one.   For example, they have taken metrology to new heights using a 3D scanner to be able to judge slight variations from one part to another in order to be able to control consistency.  We now see much more automated control of machining tools.  The most impressive site was the use of a 'robot' to lay down the highly intricate engravings!  But at the other end of the scale, you could still witness traditional methods - the hand hammering of baritone bells for example!  Everywhere I looked I could see Signature saxes in various stages of production - it was an impressive site!

Selmer have now completely set out their stall for the years, or maybe decades, to come - they now have a three-tiered range, starting with the Axos, progressing to the Signature and culminating in the Supreme.  I think what is key to understand here is that Selmer are essentially recognising what has been hugely successful over many years and rather than starting over with a new design, they are making improvements on tried and tested models.  The Series II has always had a great sound on alto - now tuning and response is optimised; the Series III has always been the one on tenor - now acoustically improved too.  And then it makes sense to bring in some of those features included in the Supreme just to give them that extra finesse.

These are beautiful sounding sound horns, with a perfect build and mechanism - there's really nothing to criticize.  All I can say is, come down to our store, give it a blow and see if it speaks to you!

Jim Cheek

NEW FEATURES

Optimized Production techniques:

More precise boring of the diameter of the neck entrance

Three-dimensional manufacturing check

Tone hole extruding machine for extruding by tone hole groups

All these elements ensure more consistency in the manufacturing process to reduce acoustic differences between instruments, even if subtle differences remain.

Acoustics

For better timbre and tuning

New neck bore

Reduction of the diameter of the low Bb and B key cups

Redefinition of the key heights

Modified diameters and locations of tone holes

New bell bore

Mechanics and Ergonomics

3-point concentric clamp for a better neck-to-body connection avoiding deformations of the clamp and tenon

The clamping ring of the socket is made of nickel silver, which brings density to this sensitive area. It is dissociated from the socket, which makes it possible to adjust its position.

The direct arm between the right-hand F# and F keys allows for a finer and more reliable adjustment

Octave key system with Teflon inside the sockets which lighten the action; It also limits play, noise and wear.

Lightening of the C# correction system by repositioning the double tone hole

New front F key design that is more easily accessible

Hinged toggle on left-hand pinky finger keys allows for greater ease of movement from one key to another

Redesigned shapes and placements of the side keys, facilitating fluid passage from one to the other

And additionally!

Realignment of the height of the left-hand mother-of-pearl keys offering a more natural finger position.

Shorter action of the right-hand pinky spatula keys (C/Eb)

Shorter action of the octave key

More natural and optimized position of the side F# key

Use of rollers within the key mechanism for greater fluidity 

Delivery & Returns

FREE DELIVERY ON ALL ORDERS OVER £100 TO UK MAINLAND

FAST & FULLY INSURED INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING. PAY THE FINAL LANDED COST AT CHECKOUT!

If you're based overseas and would like more information, please read our overseas guide located here

RETURNS

Goods purchased online can be returned within 14 days of receipt. This does not apply to custom ordered goods, products where hygiene is concerned and product seals have been broken (reeds, mouthpieces etc), digital download codes or software licences. Goods purchased through our website cannot be returned to our retail stores.

Watch our video

JIM REVIEWS THE SELMER SIGNATURE

Jim takes a look at the Selmer Signature to see how it fits within the Selmer Range

SIGNATURE AESTHETICS

Saxophones in the Signature range are distinguished by their specific lacquer color and intricate engraving. This engraving draws inspiration from the art of instrument making that has been practiced by Henri SELMER Paris since 1885. The engraving beautifully captures the essential components of saxophone. All of these elements are perfectly harmonized in the Art Deco style, which defined the era when the first SELMER saxophone was born in 1922. This unique aesthetic pays homage to the artisans whose skilled hands bring these marvelous instruments to life. The SIGNATURE alto and tenor saxophones offer a one-of-a-kind combination of artistry and craftsmanship."

PREMIUM ACCESSORIES INCLUDED

Signature case: An exclusively designed case made especially for the Signature by BAM.

Concept mouthpiece
Selmer Paris Neck strap

Silk/microfibre textile
Body swab

Neck swab
Cork grease

Exclusive to SAX Customers

FREE 42-POINT PRO SAXOPHONE SET-UP INCLUDED

All of our instruments are fully checked and set-up by our experienced technicians. Regardless of size or price - all saxophones go through the same process.  Here at SAX, we know that when you buy an instrument, our pro set up is absolutely essential to ensure the instrument you're purchasing is playing to it's optimum performance. 

Furthermore, we offer an exclusive benefit to our customers. Any new saxophone purchased from us can be returned within a year for a FREE checkover to make sure your saxophone continues to perform its best. 

WE'RE HERE TO HELP

SAXOPHONE SPECIALIST WITH 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

We have decades of experience as a saxophone specialist, thoroughly testing all our products and using highly skilled technicians to professionally set up every instrument that leaves the building.

Our World-Class saxophone advisors are on hand and happy to help with any queries you may have.