can't figure out model of a Selmer USA alto sax Serial # 825769

[chad_propst]

I bought it around 1990. How can I figure out what model it is?

[sycc]

I believe it is a Selmer USA Professional. That's how Woodwind and Brasswind advertised mine(825xxx) when I bought it in april of '88. Very similar to Selmer Omegas,in fact most times I refer to my '88 altio as a Omega.

[sharp5]

Sounds like one I had. Does it have the engraving up the bow as well and very mark six like in key layout. Mine was an AS100.

[Hurling Frootmig]

Probably the AS-100. I had a couple of bad experiences with the AS-110 but I've heard that the 100's weren't too bad. The original 162's are suppose to be nice players but I haven't seen one in my neck of the woods in playing condition.

[bruce bailey]

Most of the USA Selmers were OK but the AS100 was the one to have. This came out about the time of the VII and the Selmer guys were saying it was VI tooling but no one has ever confirmed this. I actually could not tell the difference from the paris horns at the time although I was at trade shows and the horns sent there were usually hand picked. With any Selmer, there are goodens and baddens. I played a VII in for repair that was one of the best of any Selmers I have played and the guy got it for cheap. On the downside, the AS100s are getting high and I have sen them going for near $1,000 lately.

[chad_propst]

So from what I see here, you guys think it might be a Selmer USA AS100.

[chad_propst]

If that helps. It's either the AS100 or the AS110 from what I've been able to decipher.

It has an oval pearl High F# key, not just brass only.

Anyway the feedback's been great.

The E key is broken and I can't figure out how to explain what's wrong with it the lay-person. Maybe you guys can help me out here--

Basically, when you press the E key it doesn't release back up when you let go of it, you know what I mean? It's dead. It needs a new spring or something (I'm utterly out of my league here). When you press it it'll close but not reopen when you let go of it.

I'd like to get that fixed but I have no idea if it's an expensive fix or not.

I also have no idea how much the horn is worth. It's been unused and in a case for over 11 years, since I used it for 2 years in high school. There are no dents or dings, and only slight tarnishing around 2 or 3 keys. It's in really really good shape.

I'm trying to figure out if I should keep it and get it fixed or sell it and get a new one.

Any thoughts?

[bruce bailey]

First make sure the spring is there. If it is, it should press on the "hook", a little round blip with a groove in it. If the spring is floating free, it is probably just off the hook. To put it back on, break the point off of a pencil and hook it on. If it is on the hook and pressing the key downward, it may not have enough tension. To fix, unhook it from the hook and bend it slightly in the closed direction and rehook. BEFORE you do all of this, make sure the E key is not binding or not screwed on properly. Also you might try unscrewing the pivot screw that holds the key on about one quarter turn to see if it is just too tight. When all else fails, take it to a tech as it is an easy fix as the key is not buried under any other keywork.