Selmer Signet Alto

[BobD]

I just snagged a Signet alto on ebay for $350. It has the "S" brace and left hand bell keys. Looks like it's in decent condition and has been stored away for the last 15 years. The description says it has no dents or dings. I emailed to ask if the horn was playable and the response was that it was playable but it might need some work. I read some favorable reviews here on the forum so I'm hoping it will be a better horn than a new intermediate horn. Did I get a good deal?

[BobD]

So did I get a decent deal?

[Mark5047]

A decent deal is always in the 'ear' of the beholder. We can't really say for sure if you did or not until we hear how the horn plays, how much it needs in repairs (if any) and most importantly, how the horn makes you feel while you are playing it.
I would say if you found a nice saxophone that plays in tune with a sound you enjoy, and won't fall apart in your hands within 6 months, then you got a great deal for $350.00 - but in the end only you can make that determination.
Enjoy the sax and let us know how you like it

[goodsax]

I agree with Mark. It doesn't matter what the name or model number is, if the horn pleases you when you're playing it, and you feel you got it for a good price, that's a good deal. One of the best altos I've played is a silver Recording King (Martin Stencil) that's at least 50+ years old, and I got it for less than $325. For pure enjoyment of playing, I got my money's worth. As an investment for possible resale, I doubt I'll get my money back, but that's not why I bought it. There are many variables determining what is a good deal, and personal satisfaction has to be on top of that list, unless you're just in it for the buy&sell business.

If you're asking what the "blue book" for a Selmer Signet should be, I don't recall seeing any value estimates for them, but don't believe they would be very pricey.

[HC]

I marched on a Signit bari and it was a pretty good horn. The placement of the "pinky keys" and the resistance it had were the only problems I had with it. Once I got used to those keys, the low notes came out very easily. I should also mention that it has a pretty good sound to it. What was surprising was that it still has a lot of charactists of my TT bari. Ofcoarse, that was a bari, and yours is an alto. Some charactists might be there, others wouldn't. Hope this helps.

[BobD]

Well I got the horn and it didn't play. Had to invest another 110 in it to get it playing but now it plays great. It's a nice little horn and I'm amazed at the intonation. The last time I tried to play alto I couldn't get the low end to play in tune. This one is quite easy to play the low end in tune. Also the overall tone is good and the keywork is fine. I'm very happy with this purchase.

[goodsax]

Congratulations, Bob. Too bad it was DOA, but at least you got it playing and seem to be satisfied with it. Enjoy.

[BobD]

So I'm having some trouble with this horn. The low end from D down has a warble. It goes away at low Bb. But it's pretty bad on B,C,C#, and D. I just had it looked at and some pads replaced but perhaps it just developed another leak. Anyone know which pad it might be? Also, I thought that I might have read that some horns just do this and that putting a cork down in the bell helps? Is that true. Another possibility I thought might be the cause is the neck. It's not the greatedt fit and there does seem to be water/spit inbetween the outside of the part of the neck that gets inserted into the horn and the inside of the reciever of the horn. Perhaps a leak there may hinder the low end? Thanks for any help.

[Dave Dolson]

Bob: You'll probably get a lot of opinions about whether or not some saxophones naturally burble the low notes. I'm one to think that if a saxophone burbles the low notes, something is wrong with the horn or the player.

A cork or a mouthpiece cap or other small item down the bell won't fix anything, contrary to the reports. That is but another old-wives' tale, in my view.

Low end problems are often associated with high-end leaks (or the neck-tenon fit). You should look closely at all the mechanisms first. Then take it back to your tech or another tech. DAVE