my brother and I both had Selmers when we were growing up, I will admit, it was leaps and bounds better than most of the saxes we went against in competition. Boy I was lucky to have one when I was learning
@@RasplinYT honestly I don't know. My Selmer was bought back in 2003 and it was so wonderful to play. I'm sure the quality of some saxes have improved a lot since then but I still paid 2100$ for my sax back when it was brand new so I don't know about current ones
Thanks for the video, Jim! When I first heard that sound, immediately, vintage Selmer Mark VI came to mind! Wow! Interesting though that the original Mark VI didn't have the extra high F# key but the Vintage 54 does! Beautiful horn!
it makes more sense if they can only keep it if they can tell exactly what they're playing on. Would dispel the placebo effect entirely for these instruments.
Quite a difference between the two horns. The vintage finished horn has a much darker sound to my ear. Perhaps the mpc/reed combination was bettered suited to that particular horn to produce that particular sound. In comparison, the lacquered model sounded somewhat held back given the mpc/reed combination.
Check eBay right now if you are still in the market for one, they have a dark lacquer finish alto for $3,099. Just look up "Selmer Paris Alto Saxophone" it'll be close to the top as it is a new-ish listing (If you are not in the U.S then ignore me xD)
With all due respect to my saxophone instructor, one thing I wish I had done is invest in a Reference 54 instead of taking his recommendation to get a Series III. While the Series III is an amazing instrument, every time I hear that warm, dark sound coming from a Reference, I am always taken aback in sheer awe.
Balanced. Keeping in mind the player is 90 percent of the sound.. Them the Mouthpiece and reed.. Them the Sax. Not sure if the Keilwerth actually does have a sound. Subtle. Live the sound but it might not be as neutral as the 54
Hey guys, my name is Natan Neves Takara am brasilero and speak a little English, I urge you to record more duets, here in my region there some people who like to hear the duets of you, Thank you for your attention, strong hug.
Hello there, I was wondering if you would do a demonstration video of the Sakkusu tenor saxophone on your website, I am interested it but have no reviews to base it on. Thanks :)
@@shuekingyang8077 No, that's almost definitely not a Selmer - it's a Meyer (or Meyere-like) jazz piece with a medium chamber and medium tip opening in all likelihood.
Very nice presentation, I love your sound and control. How is the Ref compared to the Buffet Senzo in terms of sound, projection in Jazz and Pop music? Can you please do a review of the Senzo?
I had the opportunity to play a Buffet Senzo, a Selmer Serie II and a Selmer Limited Edition at the same time. The Senzo is very warm and pure, a beautiful sound, perfect for classical music, but with less projection than the Selmer ones. The Selmer Serie II is focused and very edgy compared to the two other ones and with a lot of projection whereas the Selmer Édition Limitée comes with less projection but with a really warmer and darker sound. This last one is a marvellous instrument, with a soft, fast and comfortable action, a dream… Anyway, these three horns were good horns and the best is to try before buying.
Good review. Tone is warm... but stuffy on both horns! I have never played a Ref 54 that didn't sound stuffy. Perhaps this is what Jim is referring to when he says "it'll be interesting to see how these horns age".
i found a vintage antique finish reference 54 in a gray color rather than a gold color. i’m a little skeptical of it because i haven’t seen any other reference 54 like this one in eBay or on woodwind brass wind. do you know if this sax is genuine?
Gorgeous sound ! I'm usually not a selmer guy because I try to avoid what everyone else wants, but this sax just blew me away. Do you guys setup each sax with a light action when you ship it ?
Hi Doge. In the top right hand corner you'll see a USA flag which will convert the prices to USD. Bear in mind you'll pay the price ex UK VAT too. When you complete your purchase your bank will charge you in dollars. All the best
All the great brand s of saxophone, are made for people 's , whose likes to be part of history 's, year's of best .( soon , collect all the goods, for good, great ..... wait for me... amazing 👏
gaming with will I've looked some yamahas but I liked the Antigua pro one better and I'm looking the silver plated selmer 42 and the p.mauriat system 72
Dean Haynes Lacquering effects maybe about 5% of your sound. It's pretty much all aesthetic when you get down to it. When in doubt just get a standard lacquered horn.
I got the antique finish. Every time people saw mine, people always said "Wow, such a beautiful Saxophone!". I guess people are just so used to seeing sparkling gold finish.....
I've played one of These years ago, incomparable tone color. But Selmer saxofones don't sound all the same in the model range. Some are exceptional, others are mediocre but ALL of them need adjustment out of the Box.
Ethan McIntosh no, the Reference 54 are modeled after the Super Balanced Action and Mark VI saxophones made famous by jazz players. The Selmer SA Series II is an example of Selmer’s classical saxophone.
I checked out a few at the NASA conference earlier this year, and my personal favorite is the Selmer Series III. Second option, probably a Yamaha EX. You really need to take the time and find out what is best for you. Play a lot of horns and get what you like and what you sound best on.
I play a 1955 63000 MK VI Alto and have tried the reference 54 and was not very impressed ? If the early VI's are the most coveted and desired Saxophones on earth then why would Selmer not just remanufacture what was already perfection and not try to improve it? New "Coca Cola" yes...that was an awesome idea. Does Steinway keep on trying to reinvent the piano? No. Has anyone improved the violin since Strad?
Bill Abbott The mark VI would have so much value if they were produced today,but now are getting more apreciated the bslanced and super balanced action selmers
I play a 1954 58k Mark VI and they sound the same, except the Ref 54 has more tonal consistency. Speaking of Strad, it seems to consistently lose to newer violins in double-blind tests, so they did arguably improve on it. I love vintage Selmers, but I don't think they're necessarily perfect.
I don't like Selmer ... Excessive price, sound "conformist" - I have an Selmer Super Action 1947, I sold it for bying 3 saxos (one ténor (Selmer Bundy - Same tube Buesher 400), one alto Conn Chuck Berry II, wonderfull ...more One baryton Welklang Soloist ...), 3 for one, and 3 better !!! Selmer is finish ...
I have got my Ref 54 for two years now. I am loving it more and more. It just sounds very good, and easy to play too.
I love the vintage finish. gives it a much darker and smoother tone than the deep gold imo. i just love the look of it more also.
I deeply agree. I love this kind of sound.
yeah the vintage finish looks so nice
Cubsfan122112 definitely agree
Cubsfan122112 same. After highschool I'ma switch back to Alto from Bari and buy this
Im kinda new to the saxophone can someone explain why paint affects the sound of a saxophone?
I’m glad I kept mine. Great horn with a marvelous sound. Your playing is great. Better than me.
Man , You have the ideal job !
my brother and I both had Selmers when we were growing up, I will admit, it was leaps and bounds better than most of the saxes we went against in competition. Boy I was lucky to have one when I was learning
And how would you say yours compares to modern saxes today?
@@RasplinYT honestly I don't know. My Selmer was bought back in 2003 and it was so wonderful to play. I'm sure the quality of some saxes have improved a lot since then but I still paid 2100$ for my sax back when it was brand new so I don't know about current ones
lol careless whisper beginning i luv it- the musician and the horns sound great.
I can't wait to buy the sax, doesn't matter the finish, just the saxophone
Great sound!...I'd love to play some Paul Desmond solos on that horn...Beautiful!!
Ese saxofón es hermoso
Thanks for the video, Jim! When I first heard that sound, immediately, vintage Selmer Mark VI came to mind! Wow! Interesting though that the original Mark VI didn't have the extra high F# key but the Vintage 54 does! Beautiful horn!
You guys should do an event where volunteers are blindfolded and play a variety of saxes and they can keep the one they choose.
Salty Samurai yeah! That would be awesome! Besides the fact you giving away expensive equipment for free
Maybe that was unrealistic mr memestar, but I like the blindfold Idea.
Salty Samurai or maybe they try the instruments blindfolded, and they buy the instrument they like
The_Great_Benzoni yes, or they can keep the instrument for a week or something.
it makes more sense if they can only keep it if they can tell exactly what they're playing on. Would dispel the placebo effect entirely for these instruments.
Both are wonderful. Unlacquered finish produces a bit drier sound. Lacquered version a bit juicier sound.
Wow I think I will buy this saxophone
He played Careless Whisper, I'm sure of it
Wheatley an improvised variation
Careless Murmur
Jajaja best comment ever !!
How much price in us dollar?
Tasty tone there sir! Very nicely done!
Could u tell why its called reference 54 and where that name come from with thanks
Quite a difference between the two horns. The vintage finished horn has a much darker sound to my ear. Perhaps the mpc/reed combination was bettered suited to that particular horn to produce that particular sound. In comparison, the lacquered model sounded somewhat held back given the mpc/reed combination.
My dream sax.. almost got one for 3 granf but i missed out on my chance
Check eBay right now if you are still in the market for one, they have a dark lacquer finish alto for $3,099. Just look up "Selmer Paris Alto Saxophone" it'll be close to the top as it is a new-ish listing (If you are not in the U.S then ignore me xD)
sou louco por um selmer
With all due respect to my saxophone instructor, one thing I wish I had done is invest in a Reference 54 instead of taking his recommendation to get a Series III. While the Series III is an amazing instrument, every time I hear that warm, dark sound coming from a Reference, I am always taken aback in sheer awe.
I would love to hear a comparison of the keilwerth mkx and sx90r I want to buy one of those with the vintage finish
My dream sax
The antique finish sounds a bit better to me..
There are a lot of nice things about the Selmer pro saxophones....but I notice one thing in comparison to others; the quiet key action
just great. thanks.
Great Sound I Love it
donde se encuentra la casa instrumental
Hi how do sales to the US work? Why would anyone buy in the US if you have a lower price?
setup?
Can make a video on the Selmer Paris Series III Model 62 Jubilee Edition Alto Saxophone?
A little old, but very similar for now:- ua-cam.com/video/lGRFzr85gGk/v-deo.html
This guy's tone is insane!
Balanced. Keeping in mind the player is 90 percent of the sound.. Them the Mouthpiece and reed.. Them the Sax.
Not sure if the Keilwerth actually does have a sound. Subtle. Live the sound but it might not be as neutral as the 54
Hey guys, my name is Natan Neves Takara am brasilero and speak a little English, I urge you to record more duets, here in my region there some people who like to hear the duets of you, Thank you for your attention, strong hug.
Your English writing is good. Keep it up!
i cant decide which one i want. the deep gold or vintage. which is better?
I like vintage
Thanks, Jim. Great vid.
Great.... :S ... Now I want one...
I love yall❤
Hi Jim , I want to ask you which of the two version did you enjoy the most . The vintage finish or the gold finish ?
Jim I got a new 54 and I notice the action is really stiff. How do you make the keys easier to press down? What did the techs do? Thanks!!!
You just need to get used to it
Adjust the springs
@@clausvidebk1980 I wish I could learn to fix my own sax
Hello there, I was wondering if you would do a demonstration video of the Sakkusu tenor saxophone on your website, I am interested it but have no reviews to base it on. Thanks :)
May I know which mouthpiece is he using? Thanks 👍🏼
@@shuekingyang8077 No, that's almost definitely not a Selmer - it's a Meyer (or Meyere-like) jazz piece with a medium chamber and medium tip opening in all likelihood.
かっこい…✨
How would you compare it to a Yamaha 62?
Nice sound Jim ! Which mouthpiece / reed characteristics do you have for this trial ?
What mouthpiece did you used together with horn in this video?
what mouthpiece did you use
Is there any other lig other than a Rovner that will work for a Beechler 7 metal alto mouthpiece? I just don't like the Rovner.
CJ Waterman olegatures are pretty popular
Beautiful song ! Mouthpiece ?
Very nice presentation, I love your sound and control. How is the Ref compared to the Buffet Senzo in terms of sound, projection in Jazz and Pop music? Can you please do a review of the Senzo?
I had the opportunity to play a Buffet Senzo, a Selmer Serie II and a Selmer Limited Edition at the same time. The Senzo is very warm and pure, a beautiful sound, perfect for classical music, but with less projection than the Selmer ones. The Selmer Serie II is focused and very edgy compared to the two other ones and with a lot of projection whereas the Selmer Édition Limitée comes with less projection but with a really warmer and darker sound. This last one is a marvellous instrument, with a soft, fast and comfortable action, a dream… Anyway, these three horns were good horns and the best is to try before buying.
Cheat code: The walls give off some great saxophone acoustics! 🎷😂
Good review. Tone is warm... but stuffy on both horns! I have never played a Ref 54 that didn't sound stuffy. Perhaps this is what Jim is referring to when he says "it'll be interesting to see how these horns age".
How do you achieve the tone style such as in the forget you video? I't really cool.
A mix of long tones, and having the concept you want in your head.
i found a vintage antique finish reference 54 in a gray color rather than a gold color. i’m a little skeptical of it because i haven’t seen any other reference 54 like this one in eBay or on woodwind brass wind. do you know if this sax is genuine?
Great video, what mouthpiece did you use with this amazing saxophone?
Hindi cinema 54 number saxophone ultra saxophone how much cost to replay I am Hyderabad speaking
What mouth piece do you use ?
Gorgeous sound ! I'm usually not a selmer guy because I try to avoid what everyone else wants, but this sax just blew me away. Do you guys setup each sax with a light action when you ship it ?
Avoiding something for the sake of not being the “same” is worst than people who choose something due to popularity
@@kennethreed8746 According to you, of course.
hai, which one is better, p mauriat greg olsby edition or this selmer reference 54?
thanks
Alvin Wilianto P Mauriats are nice horns but there nothing better than a top of the line Selmer or Yamaha.
Hello sax.co.uk , on your online website, how could I purchase something on the website since everything's in pounds and I'm from the U.S?
Hi Doge. In the top right hand corner you'll see a USA flag which will convert the prices to USD. Bear in mind you'll pay the price ex UK VAT too. When you complete your purchase your bank will charge you in dollars. All the best
All the great brand s of saxophone, are made for people 's , whose likes to be part of history 's, year's of best .( soon , collect all the goods, for good, great ..... wait for me... amazing 👏
I am thinking of getting a professional saxophone that will last through college and up. What would you recommend?
gaming with will I've looked some yamahas but I liked the Antigua pro one better and I'm looking the silver plated selmer 42 and the p.mauriat system 72
Mike Wasowzki Jupiter jas 869
Nothing like that Selmer Sound. Still the best saxophones in the world, IMO.
The yanagisawa saxophones are handmade selmer not, yanagisawa has is more soundly
Hey Sax.co.uk what laquer has the best sound
Dean Haynes Lacquering effects maybe about 5% of your sound. It's pretty much all aesthetic when you get down to it. When in doubt just get a standard lacquered horn.
ok thanks
I got the antique finish. Every time people saw mine, people always said "Wow, such a beautiful Saxophone!". I guess people are just so used to seeing sparkling gold finish.....
Which scale are you playing with, or is a song?
Juan F. L it's improvisation
+Ryan Velten In a pentatonic scale or dorian or just a mayor scale?
Brands on instruments, gears, tools, and bags. From a to z...
I've played one of These years ago, incomparable tone color. But Selmer saxofones don't sound all the same in the model range. Some are exceptional, others are mediocre but ALL of them need adjustment out of the Box.
mi sueñooooo
Beautiful sound, but isn't this a classical saxophone??
Ethan McIntosh no, the Reference 54 are modeled after the Super Balanced Action and Mark VI saxophones made famous by jazz players. The Selmer SA Series II is an example of Selmer’s classical saxophone.
Fantastic sounding m going to buy this as my budget. I'm music teacher keyboard player. Rasesh Gandhi india Gujarat
Best Instrument.....
What higher end Tenor Saxophone would you suggest?
I checked out a few at the NASA conference earlier this year, and my personal favorite is the Selmer Series III. Second option, probably a Yamaha EX. You really need to take the time and find out what is best for you. Play a lot of horns and get what you like and what you sound best on.
Evan Courtney You have to play a bunch of them. They are all "good". Just depends which one suits your playing style.
i don't know why but this sax sounds like my conductor low end sax xD
same sound
Record yourself and then listen to it.
I play a 1955 63000 MK VI Alto and have tried the reference 54 and was not very impressed ? If the early VI's are the most coveted and desired Saxophones on earth then why would Selmer not just remanufacture what was already perfection and not try to improve it? New "Coca Cola" yes...that was an awesome idea. Does Steinway keep on trying to reinvent the piano? No. Has anyone improved the violin since Strad?
Bill Abbott The mark VI would have so much value if they were produced today,but now are getting more apreciated the bslanced and super balanced action selmers
I play a 1954 58k Mark VI and they sound the same, except the Ref 54 has more tonal consistency. Speaking of Strad, it seems to consistently lose to newer violins in double-blind tests, so they did arguably improve on it. I love vintage Selmers, but I don't think they're necessarily perfect.
#bringbackthebass
Vintage looks nice but the darker tone turned me off
mouthpiece?
puppies
I don't like Selmer ... Excessive price, sound "conformist" - I have an Selmer Super Action 1947, I sold it for bying 3 saxos (one ténor (Selmer Bundy - Same tube Buesher 400), one alto Conn Chuck Berry II, wonderfull ...more One baryton Welklang Soloist ...), 3 for one, and 3 better !!! Selmer is finish ...
R54 IS BAD.
Desire Apple It’s quite good, actually.