[gotselmar]

No one has replied to my post and I am wondering if I am on the right forum. Here's the original http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?168995-Selmar-USA-Tenor-Help-Identifying-Model

Seems like a basic question. Can someone please provide me with some tips to increase my odds of getting an answer. Thanks you!

 

[saxmusicguy]

See here:

I recently bought a selmer usa tenor # 1,129,xxx. Is this a TS 100 professional? Can anyone give me some imformation about the tenor and what is't worth? thanks

Look for engraving on bell/bell bow and Rib mounted posts(thin strips of brass connecting the posts). If the sax has body on post it is probably a TS200 a intermediate model.. If it has nickel plated keys it's the selmer student model.

 

[gotselmar]

saxmusicguy - THANK YOU !!! After looking at some pics of the TS200 it looks like that is what I have. The keys are brass in color (not nickel plated). Does that mean it is more of an intermediate instrument? Also just so I understand what is meant by "body on post" can you direct me to a description or photo. I am new at this and don't quite understand the term.

 

[whaler]

It looks like you figured it out. It is probably a good horn, but it is what they call an intermediate horn like the Yanagisawa 901s and Yamaha 52 models.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Selmer-TS20...173?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c20447f0d

 

[saxmusicguy]

saxmusicguy - THANK YOU !!! After looking at some pics of the TS200 it looks like that is what I have. The keys are brass in color (not nickel plated). Does that mean it is more of an intermediate instrument? Also just so I understand what is meant by "body on post" can you direct me to a description or photo. I am new at this and don't quite understand the term.

Ribbed construction means that the posts that hold the pivot rods, etc. are first attached to brass plates (i.e. "ribs"), which are then attached to the body tube of the instrument. Here's an article about ribbed construction. You can (kind of) see Selmer Paris's version of "mini-ribs" used on their Serie III horns in this photo:

 

[gotselmar]

Excellent information and thank you once again for the help. I start lessons soon and feel better knowing that this isn't some sort of inferior "toy" instrument.

 

[saxmusicguy]

My understanding is that the TS 200 is a decent intermediate horn. Good luck with your lessons. Once you've played it for a while, it would be nice if you could report back regarding what you think of the horn. Make sure you swab it out after playing (see here) and also wipe off the finger oils with a soft cotton cloth.

 

[gotselmar]

One thing that I just noticed is that the mouthpiece is a Selmar S 80 C* (Made in France). Is this a good mouth piece?

 

[saxmusicguy]

One thing that I just noticed is that the mouthpiece is a Selmar S 80 C* (Made in France). Is this a good mouth piece?

The Selmar S 80 C* has historically been the standard classical alto sax mouthpiece. It has been less popular on tenor, but has received a fair amount of use, as it is included with new Selmer (Paris) saxes. It's probably a fine mouthpiece to start with, although you may find the tip opening a bit "closed." Here's a thread about classical tenor mouthpieces, but you should talk to your teacher first before buying. If you're interested in a jazz mouthpiece, a good option is Vandoren V16 T6. You can get mouthpieces on trial from Woodwind and Brasswind.

 

[gotselmar]

Okay. I'll give it a try and if I cannot product enough air I'll look into a mouthpiece with a larger opening. Can't tell you how much I appreciate the help.

 

[saxmusicguy]

Okay. I'll give it a try and if I cannot product enough air I'll look into a mouthpiece with a larger opening. Can't tell you how much I appreciate the help.

Blowing air through the mouthpiece also has to do with reed strength and your embouchure. If you have trouble with the C*, it may not be the mouthpiece's fault. But yes, I think C* has a rather narrow tip opening.

 

[Steve Stockham]

The C* is a good "middle of the road" mouthpiece. Strangely enough, I had one for my alto and didn't like it whereas I love my C* on my tenor (which is a Selmer USA Model 164) as it gives me a really nice warm full sound! BTW, I am using Rico Royal 2½ reeds which seem to give me the best tone for the least effort. I also use RR 3's at times but I really prefer a larger opening for harder reeds.

 

[WattsProdigy]

The Selmar S 80 C* has historically been the standard classical alto sax mouthpiece. QUOTE]

It cracks me up how many people say the Selmer S80 C* is a historical classical mouthpiece; seeing as how they have only been in production since the 80's. I think it is important for people to keep an open mind with mouthpieces and consider what saxophonists used with classical music in the 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's. Selmer S80's did not exists then and the saxophone has been used in classical music since the late 1800's.

 

[WattsProdigy]

Okay. I'll give it a try and if I cannot product enough air I'll look into a mouthpiece with a larger opening. Can't tell you how much I appreciate the help.

If you cannot produce enough air with the C* then a wider tip opening is a mistake

Try a slightly softer reed and as your embochure strengthens move up to stronger reed strengths. The Selmer S80 is an excellent mouthpiece that you will be able to use in both classical and jazz music. Just remember the main part of your tone is YOU, not a special mouthpiece, reed, ligature or horn

As John Coltrane once said "You can play a shoe string if you're sincere"

 

[hakukani]

The Selmar S 80 C* has historically been the standard classical alto sax mouthpiece. QUOTE]

It cracks me up how many people say the Selmer S80 C* is a historical classical mouthpiece; seeing as how they have only been in production since the 80's. I think it is important for people to keep an open mind with mouthpieces and consider what saxophonists used with classical music in the 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's. Selmer S80's did not exists then and the saxophone has been used in classical music since the late 1800's.

The selmer S80 C* mouthpiece came out in late 1974, about six months before the MkVII. I have a pic of me with one on my alto from 1975.

 

[saxmusicguy]

It cracks me up how many people say the Selmer S80 C* is a historical classical mouthpiece

It has held a long enough reign (for whatever reason - probably Selmer's tendency to include it with new horns) that it's reasonable to refer to it with words like "historically" and "traditionally." It has certainly established a tradition.