Selmer Reference 54 Alto Saxophone 713xxx Mint+ Condition

Description

Here is like new (or better) condition Reference 54 alto from Selmer Paris. It is in mint condition, as is the original case. The owner of this horn took meticulous care of it, played it recreationally at home, and had the best tech around (Matt Stohrer) do an expensive ($300) full setup on it.

This is a beautiful saxophone, with a unique dark honey gold lacquer, gorgeous hand engraving, and Selmer Paris build quality. Besides looking nice, it is also one of the best available options for a do-it-all modern alto. If you want a Selmer sound and you want to play more than classical, then this horn is an obvious, no-brainer kind of decision. This is what you get. And when you consider that this horn is like new, but with a (very necessary) $300 new horn setup done by a tech who has a year wait because he is so in-demand, this is what you should buy instead of a new Ref 54. You save a LOT of money on a like new horn, and you end up with a better-setup saxophone anyway.

The tone really is reminiscent of the Mark VI vibe, with a delicate, French “core” in the center of the sound, and some dense, complexity around that. Compared to a typical VI, this has more of a robust, even scale up into the palm keys and down into the bell keys. Intonation and ergonomics are modern and better than a VI, so it’s a great horn for a whole range of people interested in a pro alto. The sound really comes alive at higher dynamics so that you can cut through playing lead alto or with a loud band.

You might be able to find a slightly cheaper used Ref 54, but even if it is fairly clean, it will probably, unfortunately, need a repad (in my experience), so you will end up spending the same. Just to sum up, this is a turn-key purchase on a beautiful Reference 54 that plays better than new, and for a lot less money. If you’re in the market for a nice alto, and you’re considering a new Selmer, buy this instead.