I was just offered to buy the horn from a friend. Does anyone have any helpful hints want I should be looking for? I have not looked at the horn yet and he hasn't given me a price. What is good price for this horn in good condition?
1938 selmer balanced action
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Robinsax: This should be posted under the SELMER thread . . . hopefully the moderators will move it.
The SBA alto is among the most desired of Selmer saxophones. I don't know the market for these, but it should be substantial, both in price and desire.
I'd look to see if the horn had all of its parts and no damage or re-lacquering. Then I'd try to get it at the best possible price, fully expecting to do a full overhaul on it. You should figure in that cost when buying it. I'd imagine the thing would be close to a MKVI in value.
Even if re-lacquered, it may prove to be a keeper. DAVE
The SBA alto is among the most desired of Selmer saxophones. I don't know the market for these, but it should be substantial, both in price and desire.
I'd look to see if the horn had all of its parts and no damage or re-lacquering. Then I'd try to get it at the best possible price, fully expecting to do a full overhaul on it. You should figure in that cost when buying it. I'd imagine the thing would be close to a MKVI in value.
Even if re-lacquered, it may prove to be a keeper. DAVE
If it was made in 1938, it would be a balanced action, not a super balanced action..... Me thinks.
The main difference concerning the balanced action would be the inline right hand stack, screw adjustments only for said right hand stack, a smaller bore, and soldered bow and bell connections.
If the horn lacks the offset right hand action and no screw adjustments for the Bb, G# bridge mechanism, it probably is a balanced action.
I hope this helps.
The main difference concerning the balanced action would be the inline right hand stack, screw adjustments only for said right hand stack, a smaller bore, and soldered bow and bell connections.
If the horn lacks the offset right hand action and no screw adjustments for the Bb, G# bridge mechanism, it probably is a balanced action.
I hope this helps.
Way too much on above estimate:
BA alto - $2,000-3,000 depending upon condition, bit more if a true closet horn.
SBA alto - $2,200-3,500, depending upon condition. Closet horn, and/or high F# key, slight bit more.
The TENORs bring double or triple the above prices, but the altos prices have just never gone up...I know this cuz over the last year or so, I sold 4-5 SBA altos, silver plated, high F#, and two or three SBA tenors, all with F# keys.
BA alto - $2,000-3,000 depending upon condition, bit more if a true closet horn.
SBA alto - $2,200-3,500, depending upon condition. Closet horn, and/or high F# key, slight bit more.
The TENORs bring double or triple the above prices, but the altos prices have just never gone up...I know this cuz over the last year or so, I sold 4-5 SBA altos, silver plated, high F#, and two or three SBA tenors, all with F# keys.
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