Selmer USA Omega line of alto and tenor saxophones were superb professional instruments rivaling the Selmer Paris line. Later Omega horns have less bell engraving and are not as desireable for Selmer USA horns, though they are excellent intermediate horns. Key indicators are the neck.
If it is the type similar to Paris horns it is the desireable model; also the engraving is much more extensive on the earlier models.
Anything with model number including MG is not their earlier pro horn.. The AS and TS started having corners cut to lower cost. The early saxes had a dark lacquer and many Selmer Paris mk VI keywork styling. Earlier horns had a brass high F , later models had a pearl high F. The VI had a simplier 2 point design ring. USA had a thinner, lighter plastic thumb hook design. Keywork specifics are different — lengths of segments of keywork, quality of finishing, etc.
The USA horn was basically a copy of Paris horn using specific parts that they had or made for this horn. The Omega Model. Serial Number ranges: xxx through xxx need confirmation All of these early horns were apparently hand soldered like their Paris cousins. Notice the round RH side F pearl, ovalized pearl high F. This design was carried forward to the SA The neck strap loop is distinctively thin compared to Paris.
The pearl touches are smaller than Paris. Engraving: Notice the engraving is only around the emblem. No engraving on the bell front nor bow. Emblem: The emblem is a stamp. Engraving: The engraving is very nice floral on the bell only. No engraving on the bow Emblem:. Serial Number ranges: xxx through xxx need confirmation. TS example: xxx better pictures coming soon Engraving: Notice the engraving is not only around the emblem, but all around the bell and front part of the bow.
Emblem: The Emblem is engraved, not stamped. Also notice the neck stiffener under the neck which is smooth and does not have a crease like the Paris horns. At this point Selmer USA lowers the overall quality of the instrument. The neck socket uses a cheaper version with the music lyre being separate about 3 inches lower.
This engraving is a bit more simplistic than earlier engraving such as the model. This is a fantastic horn with a nice full tone and warmth.. Earlier models had ornate flower motif engraving, later ones no engraving. Same keywork, design, etc. Click here to jump directly to the [ Soprano comparison ] [ Alto and Tenor comparison ].
Herbert Couf, President of W. Some of which were sold as a competing model. Royalist II and many Armstrong like the model saxes were strictly a student line made in Elkhart as a Reverse-engineered Keilwerth Royalist to reduce the cost. I believe he now owns a home on a local Golf Course. Also, the engineering group for Mr. Couf made improvements on the Keilwerth design. It was the seesaw type and he redesigned it to the side type. This also allowed the altissimmo F keytouch to be redesigned.
The earlier Keilwerth, alto, soprano and tenor all had metal thumbrests. Late model sopranos and altos had plastic thumbrests. The plastic thumbrest had a 2 point connection. This prevented breaking which apparently was a problem on Selmer horns at that time. Superba 1s see below for a better description and pictures — have Rolled Tone Holes throughout the range of saxes, except for the Soprano. Bow soldered directly to body via an expanded section.
No rings were used to combine the sections. Superba 2s — have straight tone holes throughout the range of saxes plus the Superba 1 soprano. This apparently keeps the stacks stiffer and parts of the body resonates less. The Superba 2s supposedly have a more cutting sound similiar to Selmers of the time.
Both horns had oversized concave pearls that are very comfortable. Non articulating low Bb keywork, but very fast and functional mechanisms. For a few years the Superbas were available in black lacquer. The engraving was done after the lacquer which provided a stunning visual affect of being able to see the engraving from a distance. Keilwerth EX model line — the EX line can be a very good horn, all depending which model you purchase — the eaarlier ones being made in Germany.
The G key originally was black plastic, later to be a pearl. The RH side F originally was rectangularish metal, later to be a round pearl. The models would later add a high F usually as a longer lever above the side F. Later on the Superba Is had a little more engraving and a twin point raised plastic thumbrest improved from the adjustable metal thumbrest versus the still fixed metal thumbrest of the IIs.
Other than that most features followed each other. Couf Sopranos had no rolled toneholes. The early ones may not of had neckstrap rings. The Superba 1 neckstrap rings were a very thick loop, a tad too much for Heiman straps. BELOW: you can see the selmer stylish thumbrest very late modification , the plastic 2 point raised thumbrest. Also the lyre holder is on the backside versus other locations such as on the front above the bell keys.
Adjustable vs non-adjustable thumbrest later 1s had the raised twin point plastic thumbrest. Body to Bell brace on the 1s was two different sized circles, IIs had a single wavy rod. Committee and Centennial are other names used between and All of the saxophones listed above were professional models that still have their devoted fans. However, Martin made student and intermediate saxophones, too. If the Martin saxophone you own is an Indiana, an Imperial, or a Medalist, then you have a student model in your collection.
Martin is a popular collectible in the world of vintage saxophones, and a brand that is held up as having a great sound as well as classy engraving and good looks. The 'Handcraft' models were handmade and hand engraved instruments that were produced for a very long time. The Handcraft introduced bevelled toneholes to the US Cousenon was probably the first company with pseudo-bevelled toneholes and Martin tinkered with them considerably throughout their history.
Of all the Martins currently in my possession, a Handcraft C melody, a Handcraft Bb soprano, a Pedler Martin-stencil alto, a Handcraft Troubador alto and a Magna tenor, none have exactly the same style of toneholes. Some horns feature the name of the craftsman that assembled the horn engraved someplace either on the body or under an altissimo key. The tone holes are distinctly different, so I agree with this assumption.
Skip to content. See More Results The Martin saxophone is one of the most sought after collectible vintage brands around. There are lots of variations on the Martin theme, and below are the ones that I think you should consider.
From the Committee on, they are almost always lacquer. The name alone inspires reverence. Some models certainly command the highest prices. Selmer has the only legitimate claim to be the direct successor of Adolphe Sax.
I believe that the models before the Balanced Action are overpriced. You can buy two wonderful old Conns for what some people are asking for Selmers of the same era. I have found that most of the action in pre-Balanced Action horns is just talk. There seem to be very few people outside of a few collectors buying these horns. Similar adjustments for finish. These are the first horns that really sound like Selmers. The differences in the variations are pretty minor, mostly in mechanism.
The later examples have better intonation in the upper end than the earlier examples. They are often beautifully engraved. Better feel and intonation than the Balanced.. The engraving is usually not too elaborate. I have a customer who owns one. Nothing else is quite like it. Longest production run in Selmer history. Lots of minor variations along the line: necks; engraving; side key attachment etc.
More than with any other model, condition is everything. Horns made for the European market are often unengraved, and lacquered examples may have silver plated keywork. The Mark VI was an impossible act to follow. The VII was rejected by the Selmer faithful. I think the ones below around are good horns, and that you should be careful above that number. Engraving is uncommon above These horns can be a real bargain when you find a good one! This small company made around horns between and and have a fanatical following.
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