[vansh]

Hi all,

I've been looking for an SBA alto and I tried one over the weekend that I really liked. The tone in middle and low registers was very warm, rich and lyrical. I couldn't get the high notes to sound that well (sounded a bit shrill) but I think it would once I spend more time on it with the right mouthpiece.

The horn is silver plated (not sure how to tell if its original), s/n 47xxx, nylon resonators and looked in decent condition. I couldn't see any plating wear. Some pads may need to be replaced soon and the keywork was a bit noisy so it'll need some oiling. The price was $5000 and I wanted to ask if that's the going rate for these horns or not?

Also, I was going to try some more mouthpieces (I used a Selmer C* for the play-test) and needed some suggestions. I am looking for a warm, complex and lyrical tone that's not too dark or too bright

Thanks,
Vansh

 

[Dr G]

Price is in the ball park - condition is everything beyond that and you're the one with the horn in your hands.

Silver plate tends to draw less in the U.S. market but I prefer it.

Price range will vary with private/dealer sales, lacquer/plate, condition, and location. A quick scan of U.S. dealers shows SBA altos between $4000-$6000.

 

[AhCheung]

Vansh

a bit on the high side for a private sale I think, especially if it needs some work as you seem to indicate (unless the horn is in museum condition but for the pads)

Compare for instance with the one ready to play at
http://www.nicolastrefeil.com/saxophonesvintage.htm#704208479
(trustable tech and great mpc refacer as well!)

 

[rjent]

If my research is correct, that is not a balanced action it is a super action made in 1951 (http://www.conn-selmer.com/content/resources/serialno.php#Selmer). The supers don't usually bring as much money so that is probably too much. I have played both and don't like the Action of the super. I prefer the action of my Balanced over the Series III, but the III just sounds awesome.

Just my opinion!

 

[vansh]

Yes, by SBA I meant Super Balanced Action or Super Action. Dr. G's opinion seems to be correct. I looked at a few other SBAs and they seem to be going for around 4000-6000. Considering this requires some maintenance, 5000 might be a bit high. I guess the price is that high because there is no wear plating wise.

If my research is correct, that is not a balanced action it is a super action made in 1951 (http://www.conn-selmer.com/content/resources/serialno.php#Selmer). The supers don't usually bring as much money so that is probably too much. I have played both and don't like the Action of the super. I prefer the action of my Balanced over the Series III, but the III just sounds awesome.

Just my opinion!

 

[Woosax]

If my research is correct, that is not a balanced action it is a super action made in 1951 (http://www.conn-selmer.com/content/resources/serialno.php#Selmer). The supers don't usually bring as much money so that is probably too much. I have played both and don't like the Action of the super. I prefer the action of my Balanced over the Series III, but the III just sounds awesome.

Just my opinion!

SBAs are generally more expensive than BAs. The average price of the 7 SBA's that were sold on ebay over the last 45 days is about $4200 with a range of $3300-5400. The average price of the six BAs is $2900 with a range of $2000-$4300.