Selmer Paris Reference 54 Serial Numbers
I'm starting to think they do this on purpose. So, I was cruisin' eBay and downloading pics. I came across a very nice looking Reference 54 Kookaburra, one of the limited edition horns made as a tribute to Charlie 'Bird' Parker. You can plainly see the serial number: 596982. Let me check the Wait a sec. 596982 = 2001. I'm pretty sure that the Kookaburra came out in '06.
I re-checked the website (which is mainly Flash, so I can't link to it). OK, let's check the for serials. Only goes up to 1992, s/n 490000. Wait a second. The serial number chart on for 1992 says 486000. In other words, the French and US serial number charts don't match.
It's just one year and 4000 horns, but still. Heck, that's what, 6 to 10 years or more of SML sax production?
Here's the second thing. This Kookaburra, limited edition, painstakingly crafted, hand-made showpiece of Selmer that they only made a couple hundred of (total), has the wrong serial number stamped. It probably should be 696982. Scroll down on a bit to see the justification for the 696xxx number. If you don't think this is a big deal, let's just change the horn mentioned: Some Guy: I've got a Selmer Mark VI Eb alto I inherited from my father, s/n 233976. I don't know anything about saxophones, but these are selling for $1.8 million on eBay. Music Shop: Dude.
That's not a Mark VI serial number. SG: I don't believe you.
Reference 54 Tenor Saxophone, acoustically based on the Selmer (Paris) Mark VI, delivers a rich, centered sound with excellent intonation. Using a hammering process, the neck, body, bow and bell are created from a special brass alloy with a higher copper content, which softens the metal for a richer, warmer sound. Adams Musical Instruments, Concert percussion, slagwerk, schlagzeug, are the choice of world-class soloists, orchestras, composers, and educators alike because the craftsmanship, sound quality, and technical innovations are the highest quality specifications in the world making them truly world-class instruments. It only makes perfect sense then that soloists such as Robert Van Sice, Evelyn.
MS: Here's the serial number chart. Read it and weep. You just have one of 'em. Tell ya what. I'll give you $150 for it. In 50 years, you might be substituting 'Kookaburra Reference 54' in that conversation.
54 Tenor Sax - Selmer Reference 54 Tenor Saxophone Serial Number 'N.648500' SOLD This sax has a 'brushed' finish and matte lacquer, with some playwear at the usual spots. It has a.right on the bow brace. No other dents or repairs that I can see. The plastic resonator pads are in good condition. It is keyed to High F#. '.inspired by the Mark VI model released in 1954, the Selmer Model 74 - 'Reference 54' tenor saxophone is a professional tenor saxophone that integrates the Mark VI's legendary acoustic characteristics with innovative modern key work and more stable intonation.
Selmer Paris Super Action 80
A favorite among jazz saxophonists, the Reference 54 tenor saxophone offers a rich throaty sound especially well in the lower register. The keywork of the Selmer 74 tenor saxophone is fluid and responds well to even the most tortuous passages. Using a hammering process, the neck, body, bow and bell are created from a special brass alloy with a higher copper content, which softens the metal for a richer, warmer sound. Use of kid leather pads with plastic tone boosters projects the sound and adds flexibility.
Selmer Paris Website
The Reference 54 includes the traditional pearl key for front F, while the compact design makes the keys feel closer to the body of the instrument. With a brushed finish and matte lacquer on both the body and the keys, the Reference 54 has a vintage appeal.' You can find the Reference 54 tenor, new, discounted to around $5900, on Woodwind and Brasswind (www.wwbw.com) This will be a rare chance to get one for half that amount. This sax comes with a new Pro-Tec gig bag as pictured. This horn is a consignment, so this will be a no return/no refund auction. Check out Selmer Ref.