Let me take a minute to clarify something. I do not "dislike" Selmer saxophones. I just think there are other horns out there that are as good if not better. The Reference series (either 36(Balanced Action) or 54(Mark VI)) is arguably one of the best horns that Selmer has ever made. They are very solid.

I do however have issue with someone buying a Selmer saxophone "just because it says Selmer on the horn." I have gone to great lengths in this forum to provide real, logically sound reasons as to why I feel the way I do. I have played/owned quite a few Selmer saxophones. The hype used to be a valid one because Selmer literally OWNED the market share for saxophones, at least at the non-vintage professional level.

When the first series Yamaha 62 was born, that changed the playing field. This horn made EVERY manufacturer go back to the drawing board, so to speak.

I`m not here to compare one brand against another. As for silver horns....my Alto is sterling silver with gold plated keywork. This is the most beautiful horn I have ever laid eyes on. The engraving (Statue of Liberty, Twin Towers) is breath-taking. The fact that the horn was made pre 9-11 makes it that much more special. And it`s got a bright jazz sonoroity about it which suits me perfectly.

Remember....a saxophone is only worth what you are willing to pay for it. I`ve personally seen my Alto go for almost 4000 dollars on eBay. Does that mean I would pay that for it? Hell No! Well...after playing one, I might re-consider. ;-) I got mine for 2500 bucks. And it`s worth every dime. My Alto actually cost more than my tenor because of the special limited edition and custom engraving. They are both Guardala saxes too. So when I see Mark VI horns on eBay for 6,000 to 10,000 bucks, it makes me sick to my stomach because you never know what you are going to get with those horns. They are characteristically very inconsistent with regard to intonation.

So Wildband, by no means am I attacking your stance or opinion. Everyone is entitled to what they believe. If we are trying to "help" a new person get on their way to playing a better saxophone, the biggest mistake we can make is to pick a horn that costs as much as a car does and tell them that everything else is trash. I`ve actually read this kind of crap in this forum and I don`t even participate in those threads because I am obviously dealing with someone who is not educated in this arena.

I am not a "know it all" and I never professed to be. I`ve just been around the block a few times and I don`t mind sharing what I`ve learned along the way.

My only hope is that people will think before they spend this kind of money.

Again....we`re all friends here. ;-)

that wasn`t a attack on you, more of a general comment, overexagerated of course. Of course, i also don`t know which kind of selmer jen was talking about. Becasue, I know that at least form what i`v heard the reference series does ot have a silver plated option. And, of course, we`re all on the same side; looken for the best sax.

I know you weren`t attacking me. I just wanted to make it very clear that I wasn`t attacking you. By the way, we do agree that Selmer makes good horns. I just happen to think they are EXTREMELY over-priced and that in most cases, you can get as good or better saxophones for significantly less money. Now that I have had time to step away and read what I wrote above, It is very clear to me that I should have made that point more clear. I did not, so I`m saying it now.

I enjoy the interaction from a few folks in this forum like BleedingGumsMurphy and yourself. I just ask that people remain objective with their views.

Remember....Bird could own us all on a Bundy! (That was my first horn, by the way)

Until Next Time.........Mike

your first horn was a bundy? Cool, same here. Good solid horn; I used it (still do) to march with. Likewise, I enjoy talking wiht someone who talks back. heh.

And Bird on the bundy... I`m glad I said that back on some other freindly "debate".

I`m currently using my AS300 as my super 20`s in the shop . Sounds pretty nice though. Anyway, the new selmers are a lot of money for a horn, especially in silver. Have you seen the prices? The horns are well made, but their sound is blah, though. Nothing to go crazy over. Like I said, for a new horn, you can`t beat the yamaha Z.

Very well stated, BGM. I only know of one horn that I would take over the 82Z......oh, wait a minute....I own it! And that is the ONLY one. The only reason why I feel this way is because you can`t buy my saxophone new anymore.

I still say that if I was in the market for a NEW Alto, the Unlaquered 82Z would be it, hands down!

I haven`t really said much about the Yamaha tenors. I`m really not a fan of them. That seems kinda wierd, doesn`t it?

I do however think they have the best alto made today.

Well, i`ve played the Yamaha 875EX which, according to the guy selling them was the best horn yamamha has out. I liked the Reference 54 more. apperently it isn`t. I`ll look into the 82Z and the jazz series of mvspur, but until then I still stand with the selmer mark VI and reference 54. Until then at least.

However, it`s true that selmers ask a lot of money; around $4000 for thier reference. (compare to top of the line yamahas and LA sax) Fortuantly money isn`t an issure for me.

any particular reason an unlaquered one would be best?

Unlaquered may not be the best for you. It depends on what you are going to be primarily playing. This horn is a Jazz Giant! The fact that is has no laquer on it makes it a very bright horn. If you are going to be playing mostly classical, or concert band type music, then I would shy away from the unlaquered version.

As for the Reference 54 and Mark VI. I`m sure you know that the Reference 54 is Selmer`s modern version of the VI. The Reference 36 is Selmer`s modern version of the great Balanced Action horns of yesteryear. The balanced action was the Mark VI predecessor. The Reference series horns are supposed to have the same sound characteristics, but with modern keywork. They are great horns. I`ve played them and I can attest to their abilities.

I still prefer my Guardalas, though.

Someday i`ll have to find a dealer who has em. I think I said this, but the reference 54, while an excellent horn, doesn`t quit have the bite that a mark vi has. Course, that might just be me; who knows. but, against the modern horns i`ve played (don`t include your guad. saxes, the 82z,
la sax, and many others (heh)) i`ve liked it the best.

Hey...fair enough. Like I always say....what works for one may not work for another. As long as you play one, that`s all that matters.

So do you know any dealers besides in Texas, perhaps closer to Tennesee that sell your saxes? Because while a periodicly take trips to texas, it`s a bit of a drive.

next time i take a trip down there, i`ll check em out.

Not sure what you mean when you say "YOUR" saxes. If you are talking about my Guardalas, good luck finding them new anywhere. If you mean the LA Sax horns, you can get them from Woodwind Brasswind online. They have a great trial program where they will send you up to 4 horns, but only charge you for one of them. You have a few days to pick pne, then send the others back. They will charge you for the rest of the horns if you do not return them quickly though. There is only one distributor for the LA Sax horns. The rest of the places like Woodwind Brasswind are retail agents. The distributor is located here in San Antonio, Texas. You can call Jerry and order a horn from him and he will send it to you. If you would like, I can personally make a trip and play test whatever model you want. That`s up to you. I don`t work for these guys. I just happen to have bought all of my horns from them so I have a good relationship with them.

Just let me know.

Thanks a lot; though It`ll be awile before I get a new sax (like probably next summer) But when I do i`ll be sure to check em out, and I may take you up on your offer if it`s not to much trouble.