[soilmapper]

Haven't played sax in 19 years (since graduating college). I have a 1954 Buescher Aristocrat which is in pretty shabby shape. I also played with a Selmer Soloist D mouthpiece. I never really cared how good a horn I had; I just knew that I always had a better tone than the player next to me for some reason. Now, my 11 yr. old son has started to play and I am interested in quality al the sudden. Can anyone tell me how good a mouthpiece I have? Also, what is the difference between the F, C and D models of the Soloist? Thanks!!!

 

[Michael Ward]

If there are no chips in the rails it's a great piece and much sought after. No need to change it at all. The D is a good middle of the road tip opening ( 76) that I would use myself. C is a little close and F on the open side. C*, D and E are the most popular.
The D could be a little open for an 11 year but I wouldn't lose it. Best to get the horn in good playing condition.

 

[soilmapper]

OK, I have to now ask what you mean by "open." I wasn't a music major. I just like playing in the band and in college. Never got into the nuances of sax brands, reeds, and mouthpieces.

I have no idea how old the mouthpiece is, (other than 26+ yrs. because that is how long I have had the horn) but I would bet it is easily 35+ yrs old. No chips anywhere, just a little wear (as one might expect in a mp that old) around the tip. In excellent condition for one that old.

 

[Michael Ward]

Open just means that the tip opening for an outright beginner of 11 might be a little hard to play but not necessarily. Beginning players are traditionally often started on the Selmer C* which is a slightly smaller tip opening than the D but it's not a given. Also your Soloist is more than likely better quality than the Selmer pieces available now. Best thing is let him play the D with a 2 or 21/2 reed and see how it goes. Unless the horn is well set up it will be hard to evaluate the piece.
The original Selmer soloist comes in a long shank and short shank version and were supplied with the Mark V1 and are a high quality piece which command a good price used. The older short shank is more desirable but they are both good . Have a look on Theo Wanne's Saxophone Mouthpiece Heaven to identify the piece you have,

 

[bruce bailey]

Does the shank of the mouthpiece have a scroll on it or is it an S-80 (smooth)?

 

[soilmapper]

Not sure what you mean by a scroll, but, on the topside, it has a script "Selmer" written inside a laurel with "Paris" underneath that and "made in france" (now barely legible due to its age and wear) lower down. Around the end (where it fits on the neck) is a ring of decorative loops... is that what you mean by scroll?

 

[daigle65]

Is "Soloist" written on the table (the flat part)?
If so your mpc is worth $$$ if it is in good condition.
You probably shouldn't let an 11 year old play with it as he could damage it.
Buy him a student Yamaha instead.
If you're interested in selling the Soloist you could do so on SOTW.
Check eBay to see the average price of such a mpc.

Go here
http://www.theowanne.com/mouthpieces101/Selmer.php
to find out if it is a short or long shank.

 

[soilmapper]

Yes SOLOIST is written on the bottom side, cursive, upward between two stright lines and the letter "D" below/beside it. Thanks for the tip, I doubt I would sell it though.

I have now looked it up on the site you recommended. It appears to be a long shank Soloist D. It is in great shape for its age. It has three very tiny chips in it. Two along the edge of the table (well back from the opening), along the scrolled ring at the back of the shank. None detract from the appearance. I like the idea of keeping it but what might it be worth?

 

[bruce bailey]

Only a guess from watching ebay. If it is a long shank, I would say $200 and if it is a Short Shank, maybe $500-700 if it is really nice.

 

[Fidelio]

Mouthpieces (like everything else) are worth whatever somebody wants to pay. I bought my vintage Soloist E -- in near-mint condition -- for forty bucks from somebody who didn't really know what they were letting go. At the same time, Sarge over at World Wide Sax has vintage Soloist C* in pretty good condition for $199.

No matter how much it's worth, though, these pieces are awesome, and I have to agree with Daigle65: it might not be the best idea for your son to use it in school. You'd be surprised what kind of madness takes place in your average middle school band room.

 

[bruce bailey]

It is like these $1,000 cars with $3,000 wheels. A Yamaha YAS-23 for $300 and a Soloist mouthpiece for $500. I have bought horns on ebay just for the mouthpieces. I bought a Chu tenor for $150 and sold the 2 mouthpieces in the case for $700.

 

[Stan]

Only a guess from watching ebay. If it is a long shank, I would say $200 and if it is a Short Shank, maybe $500-700 if it is really nice.

So much?!? I can't belive it... in my opinion it is reasonable and cheaper to buy a mpc with a closed tip and send it to a refacer. I have a few for alto and tenor in original conditions, somebody want to buy them for 500-700$?
Consider also that Selmer sells long shank Soloist Style-like and Super Session mpcs for alto and tenor. You can buy it new! I know it is not the same but it is also not so different

Stan