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Portland Music Company

Pre-Owned 1939 Selmer Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone

Pre-Owned 1939 Selmer Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone

Regular price $8,499.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $8,499.00 USD
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ACTUAL INSTRUMENT PICTURES

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SN: 28484

Key Features and Historical Significance


  • Revolutionary Ergonomics: Introduced in 1935, the "Balanced Action" was a radical redesign. It was the first Selmer to move the bell keys to the right side of the bell, which allowed for all the long rods to be centered down the instrument, creating a much more balanced feel and even key pressure across the entire range of the horn.
  • Modern Design Foundation: This model established the basic prototype of the modern saxophone, with a keywork layout that feels surprisingly contemporary even today.
  • Superior Tone: The horn is celebrated for its unique bore design and French brass construction, which produce a characteristic warm, rich, and full-bodied sound, often described as more "spread" than later models like the Mark VI.
  • Notable Users: The Balanced Action gained prestige through its use by jazz legends such as Coleman Hawkins and Paul Desmond. Coleman Hawkins' iconic 1939 recording of "Body and Soul" was made on this model.
  • Original Components: Highly valued examples retain their original neck, which is crucial for preserving the intended intonation and tone, and original lacquer, which can develop a desirable "aged bronze" patina. 

 

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