I had the pleasure in the workshop to be able to work on a 1948 Selmer Super Action silver baritone saxophone. It is therefore one of the first models to be produced between 1948 and 1953.
The Super Action is the model that made the transition between the brilliant Balanced Action and the legendary Mark VI.
A lot of work awaited me on this instrument. The original stamps all had to be changed as they were marked with the dry leather.
The body and the keys, silver, had tarnished a lot with time. The instrument having gone a long time without playing. It took a lot of time to bring the silvering back to what it had been like in his younger years.
After cleaning, I glued the new pads, and to have a sound that projects well, I chose original pads with metal resonators . Then I continued with the change of the felts and corks that had to be replaced.
When reassembling the saxophone, I had to check the spring tension for each key I reassembled. I removed the possible mechanical games, these being formed over time and by playing. Then, I applied the oil to the mechanism and set the key lift (the distance between the buffer and the chimney).
Subsequently, I made the plugging of the buffers and finalized the complete setting of the saxophone .
In conclusion, the sound of the saxophone is simply incredible and in line with Selmer’s reputation.
The customer was delighted with the repair and takes great pleasure in playing his instrument.
Personally, I had a lot of fun working on this instrument in order to give it a second life, and to share my experience with you.
Guillain, wind instrument repairer
