[Tenor Mattness]

Based on the serial number, this is a BA, but it certainly doesn't look like one! Does anyone know what's up with this horn, or have you seen one like it so deep into BA territory?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SELMER-PAR...a=1&pg=2334524&_trksid=p2334524.c100667.m2042

 

[Reet McVouty]

Yeah, based on the serial, but the bell keys are on the wrong side for a BA. It looks like a Super Series horn. The neck is wrong for it as well, MKVI neck maybe?

http://www.saxpics.com/?v=mod&modID=9

 

[Tenor Mattness]

I guess it's the Dorsey Model. Here's a link to one just 2 serial numbers away:

https://www.saxophone.org/museum/saxophones/specimen/15

 

[sax0naut]

The bell seems to have the „Radio Improved“ stamp.

It looks as if it has a second serial number on the back, which I can‘ read clearly but seems to be 2409x, that puts it in the Radio Improved run, too.

 

[sax0naut]

A bit fainted…

 

[milandro]

I guess it's the Dorsey Model. Here's a link to one just 2 serial numbers away:

https://www.saxophone.org/museum/saxophones/specimen/15

Precisely, the Dorsey model was produced during the run of the BA. That's why it falls in the same range and the dismay and suprise shown every time someone notices this.

Of course, as most things, this has been discussed many times before. Periodically someone re-discovers it

READ please the previous threads ( there are more I just chose the most significative ones)

https://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?139877-Do-I-have-a-rare-type-of-Balanced-Action-Tenor
https://forum.saxontheweb.net/showt...r-Tommy-Dorsey-Model-Series-I-on-Shopgoodwill
https://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?42075-Selmer-Dorsey-Model-Info
https://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?236094-Late-Radio-Dorsey-Study

 

[B Flat]

I’m going with Radio improved.
Wire guards and neck are wrong for a Dorset model.

Edit: wire keyguards aren’t wrong but neck seems to be.
And there is also the radio improved stamp.

 

[sax0naut]

I'm going with Radio improved.
Wire guards and neck are wrong for a Dorset model.

Edit: wire keyguards aren't wrong but neck seems to be.
And there is also the radio improved stamp.

Yes, definitely no Dorsey. Wrong G sharp on the left hand pinky, too.

The neck, of course, is Mark VI or later.

 

[LiAm84]

I think these late serial Radio Improved horns are sometimes described as the 'Dorsey Model series I' but yes they are really just a batch of Radio Improved horns with serial numbers and finished in the Balanced Action range. The 'Dorsey Model series II' was the one with the balanced action style key guards.
Coincidentally there is another one of these horns on ebay at the moment:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/283618248239?ul_noapp=true

 

[Reet McVouty]

I think these late serial Radio Improved horns are sometimes described as the 'Dorsey Model series I' but yes they are really just a batch of Radio Improved horns with serial numbers and finished in the Balanced Action range. The 'Dorsey Model series II' was the one with the balanced action style key guards.
Coincidentally there is another one of these horns on ebay at the moment:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/283618248239?ul_noapp=true

Yeah, they got it listed as a BA and a Radio Improved. Can't be both, so Radio Improved it is. I notice they don't give you the serial number and it's too hard to see in the picture. Buyer beware ...

 

[Reet McVouty]

Here's a good look at Balanced Actions

 

[Dr G]

Yeah, they got it listed as a BA and a Radio Improved. Can't be both, so Radio Improved it is. I notice they don't give you the serial number and it's too hard to see in the picture. Buyer beware ...

With a Mk VI neck, it is neither - it won't have the same core sound as a RI or BA. Worst of all worlds - ideally you'd want the ergos of the VI and the sound of the RI/BA.

 

[jgreiner]

With a Mk VI neck, it is neither - it won't have the same core sound as a RI or BA. Worst of all worlds - ideally you'd want the ergos of the VI and the sound of the RI/BA.

^^THIS^^. As someone who owns/plays both a RI and Super alto, this is quite true. Well, except for the ergos part. ;-)