![selmer reference 54 dimension selmer reference 54 dimension](https://shop.hueyng.de/media/image/65/35/f7/236-31Selmer_Tenor_Saxophon_Reference_54_Vintage_Logo_1280x1280@2x.jpg)
Even though I have a bit of a vested interest in perpetuating myths about vintage horns - due to ownership - I'm relieved to hear about the apprenticeship programs still being in place at Selmer, and elsewhere. And having dealt with brass metallurgy some in the past, it makes sense that the more zinc versus copper, the brighter the sound, because the metal becomes harder. I really could not comprehend how assembly robotics could handle sax keywork - despite hearing this story from different people for a dozen or more years. If you look at the instrument of choice of well known players, I believe you will see that the vast majority of them are using instruments of modern design. Modern horns are much better accoustically and use far superior materials. For two of our lines, we pay considerably more for assembly in order to get the best job possible.Saxophone design has come a long way over the years. There is a tremendous variation in the perfection of key fitting and final assembly in the market today. Most of the major factories have apprentice programs to train new highly skilled workers. There are highly skilled assemblers and key fitters around today, and plenty of them. On some of our lines the process is pretty much machine done.The "old craftsmen were better" business is also a myth. On one of our lines, the bell, body, bow, and neck are hand hammered and THEN hand burnished. On some of our lines, the bell is hand hammered. I'm not aware of anyone who has been able to successfully automate that process fully, including Selmer.There are various degrees of hand work used in the fabrication of bodies, bells, bows, and necks. The cost of the metal used is a VERY minor consideration in saxophone construction, as it is only a small fraction of total production costs.Almost every maker with which I am familiar still hand assembles keywork.
![selmer reference 54 dimension selmer reference 54 dimension](https://medias.audiofanzine.com/images/normal/selmer-reference-54-alto-1016928.jpg)
Many manufacturers today use a higher percentage of zinc to give the horn a brighter sound, but they are only following consumer preference.
![selmer reference 54 dimension selmer reference 54 dimension](https://medias.audiofanzine.com/images/normal/selmer-reference-54-alto-603057.jpg)
The "better brass was used in the past" story is a myth. We use a different mix in each one of our lines. Later.Īs a matter of qualification, I'm currently employed as designer for five different saxophone brands, and oversee the manufacturing of all of them.You can specify any alloy you want. So I believe the temporary endorsement story. The Mark VI he always used to play, if in good shape, would blow just as easily as that Yamaha. Hmm - what would you have to pay for a new old stock Mark VI? $8000 or more I'd guess. So in reality, Selmer could charge $8000 - $11,000 list - for a hand assembled new horn, formed and drilled with the CNC machines of course. And they aren't teaching the craft to youngsters.
#Selmer reference 54 dimension pro
If $4800 is a fair price for a CNC produced pro Selmer today, assembled with robotics, I would guess hand assembly would add 10 man hours - perhaps for $200 extra cost to Selmer translating to $400 more out the door? There probably aren't more than a dozen such craftsmen left however. then? I would guess saxes use more like a 70/30 brass, so maybe $30 extra cost due to the copper market? I think the comment about hand assembly is the key. So it would cost a whole $24 extra today vs. After all: a 60/40 yellow brass does have 60% copper at $3+ per pound. Perhaps the horn factories choose to use a lower copper content brass today because of cost though. The only thing that has changed much at all in the foundries is there are a few more low-lead formulas in use. Can you picture a site like this 30 years from now - Wow you guys should hear my 2001 Yamaha 82Z - it's a classic! Brass metallurgical formulas CAN be done exactly the same today as the 1920's through 1960's.