selmer signet

[connman]

What can you tell me about a Signet alto? Are these pro level instruments? Did Selmer make them or were they produced by someone else? Do they have a decent action and sound quality? How much is one worth in very good condition?

[mostly alto guy]

There was a thread about these before the crash, but it might be dead...

Anyway, if it has LH bell keys and an S-shaped bell brace, it's a good horn. These were made by Buescher in the early to mid 60s, and are essentially Aristocrats. Some have said the body metal is of a bit lower grade, and I suspect that compared to an early 'Crat this might be true.

However, I have one, currently stripped and awaiting a pad job, that has a big but sweet sound that compares well, favorably in fact, with any intermediate horn currently made (at least the ones I've tried--Yani 901, JK EX90, Yamaha 52). Good ergonomics as well, but why not--it's practically a Buescher. I played this horn through HS, and it got me into more than a few "select" bands.

Prices vary widely for these, but for one in playing condition, reasonably straight with no big dents or repairs, $3-400 would seem like a bargain.

[Grumps]

Yeah, our Signet thread was lost in the crash.

I would wholeheartedly second Mostly Alto Guy's thoughts on the Signet; provided it has the left hand bell keys and the 'S' between the body and bell. Mine lasted me from 8th grade to lead alto in my college jazz band and then on to the bar circuit. It's now entrusted to my ten year old son who at first was ashamed of this "old school" horn and wanted a shiny new import like the other kids. As he watched the other kids' horns fall apart and noticed how nice his tone was getting, he wouldn't trade it for the world. It's HIS horn now; and a very durable horn at that.

[mostly alto guy]

There's a cherry-looking Signet just like mine on ebay right now. I didn't copy the item number, but it should be easy to find in a search.

[phathorn]

I recently picked up an old signet alto ("s" brace, etc,etc) and am about to have it overhauled. My first choice is to get a set of Goodson's prestini pads with the Noyeks. Anyone have enough experience with the Signets to have any other pad recommendations?

[Ray]

I saw one in the paper that is silver from the early 1950's for $600.00.....don't know what shape it's in. Is that a good price if it's in good condition?

[stevesklar]

Is this Signet overpriced, or a good deal?
I'm looking for a nice tenor.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3705574164&category=16 234&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWA%3AIT&rd=1

[mostly alto guy]

Unless this horn is totally mint, with original lacquer, that's way too much dosh. After it fails to get any bidding action, you might offer the seller $300-500, but only if you get a play test guarantee. It's possible this is a very nice horn, but it might just as easily be a ragged out relaq; can't tell much from the picture.

[punkpie]

This is my horn, my ad. It is totally mint, original lacquer, LH pads, S-brace.

I had it appraised at a grand. But thanks for your input.

[punkpie]

oh yeah, go here to see more:

http://www.geocities.com/writelexi/Signet.html

[mostly alto guy]

It is indeed a very nice-looking Signet, and it certainly has the potential to be a very good player as well (can't tell from looking). But it got no bidding action, as I predicted. Your appraisal for a grand was a bit optimistic. Signets, as nice as they are, just don't sell for that much. If you reposted on ebay with a starting price of, say, $300, I'd bet you'd get plenty of action.

[punkpie]

I had a guy bid for one dollar less than the reserve. We were emailing behind the scenes and waiting for the auction to end so I could sell it privately. Only problem was when he realized he didn't have the money. Everyone lists things on ebay a little higher pricewise, that's just how it works.

I have played for 11 years, and received more compliments on that sax than any other I've played. It sounds, and looks, beautiful.

[stevesklar]

It does look like a beautiful Signet. And I am looking for a tenor with that deep "tone". I'm not much into the "brightness" of alot of horns.

I've always listed items on eBay at the minimum I would take. Usually the price of the things i've sold have gone far beyond my expectations. Of course, I've only sold vintage bicycle stuff mostly in excellent condition. So it's a different market. But it's also based on supply & demand.

[rsclosson]

I played a Signet tenor that came in to my local music store today. It is not one of the "S braced" models and I was surprized and impressed on how well it played. Great ergonomic keywork and a rich fat easy blowing tone with plenty of growl when pushed. It caused a slight onset of G.A.S. which I have thus far resisted My question ot all of you is, was this a quirk or am I just getting stupid in my old age? :(

[ralphclark]

I had a guy bid for one dollar less than the reserve. We were emailing behind the scenes and waiting for the auction to end so I could sell it privately. Only problem was when he realized he didn't have the money. Everyone lists things on ebay a little higher pricewise, that's just how it works.


Beg pardon, no it isn't!

You may be a terrific sax player but you apparently don't have much ebay experience. I am, OTOH, a terrible sax player but a fairly experienced ebay shopper.

If you list items with a starting price that is at the upper end of what people will consider the item is worth, you risk getting no bids at all. Better to start low - even if you have a (hidden) much more optimistic reserve price - in order to generate interest and start the bids going. Auctions that show "0 bids" for too long acquire the lonely atmosphere of tumbleweed blowing across the empty main street of a ghost town. It only scares people away even more.

Remember that on ebay, unless your item looks like a bargain, shoppers are usually willing to hold back in the belief that a better deal will appear in a day or two.

Sorry, I know - it's a sax forum, not an ebay forum. I'll shut up now.

[BobD]

How's the intonation on these Signet Altos? I was thinking of getting one for my son but don't want to get a horn he'll have to fight with to stay in tune.

[JPSaxMan]

I played on a Signet supposedly made prior to WWII...with the S and side bell keys. This horn rocked the house. It was my friends and he let me borrow it for a solo on "Evil Ways"...whoo, what a horn! :D

[mostly alto guy]

A pre-WWII Signet? Unlikely. These were made in Buescher's Elkhart factory after Selmer took over, sometime in the 60s.

That it is a great horn I don't doubt, just the vintage.

[JPSaxMan]

Well,

My friend got it from a guy in the Navy who played it at Pearl Harbor around the time of those bombings...so? Maybe I need to do some more research or ask him on it again, but I'm pretty sure it is pre WWII...<_<

[Saxdaddy]

I have rebuilt a few of these, they are nice horns. I remeber the tone, and decent intonation. I haven't played the altos theough, but have play a few of the tenors.

[Sax Magic]

Sarge at World Wide Sax has a pre-1960's Signet, which is a genuine French-made Signet, for sale on his web site. This is, no doubt, a far different horn from the Buescher 400 or Aristocrat upon which the 1960's Selmer Signet (s-brace) was based.

The poster who played from that era probably played a French one, and even Sarge says that this is the only one he has ever seen.

http://www.worldwidesax.com

Sax Magic

[RockyMtnSax]

Hmm.

I have a 1988 Signet (RH bell keys, no S brace) Alto that plays great. It has nice strong metal, and a great response. Personally, I think most of the Selmer USA "intermediate" horns are very nice.

[Kelpie]

I have an older Signet alto (left-hand bell keys) from somewhere between 1975 and 1980 and it plays well. Metal is thin on the bell and has a nice big sound to it. Seems to be well made. I chose this over a new Asian import and for half the price (I have under 800 bucks into it after a trip to the repairman for a few new pads and adjustment) I think plays better. The horn was is good condition with a few very minor dings and scratches and almost 100% of original laquer. Looks like someone played it for a few years then stuck it in the closet. Overall I am very happy with it.