Hi, i have a selmer usa alto saxophone, it was bought in the 80's, it is serial number 823255. I cannot seem to find reliable info on what model it is, or how much it is worth. It is in very good playable condition, no pads need to be replaced, no leaking, etc. There are some scratches, and one small ding on. In the 1990's, Keilwerth stenciled a saxophone for Buffet called the 'Expression' and that model has a Keilwerth serial number. The modern Buffet 400 (and similar) are Asian-made and do not follow these serial number charts. The Bundy in question here is from approximately 1950 to date. Locate Henri Selmer Paris instrument serial numbers. Selmer (Paris) Sax Legend: Year: Model: Serial Number: 1922: Model 22: 750-1400: 1923.
hi, i have a selmer usa alto saxophone, it was bought in the 80's, it is serial number 823255. i cannot seem to find reliable info on what model it is, or how much it is worth.
it is in very good playable condition, no pads need to be replaced, no leaking, etc. there are some scratches, and one small ding on the bottom of the bell.
any help would be greatly appreciated, i am considering selling the saxophone as i no longer play it, but will only do so if it will fetch a decent amount of money. otherwise, i will keep it for nostalgia!
thanks again in advance for any help.
sorry if the pictures do not help that much-
Hi Thaichine,
I have a very similar Selmer USA Alto Sax. Serial number 822567, also bought in the 80's. I can't find any information on this serial number anywhere and also have no idea what it is worth. I have had 2 music store reps tell me it is worth $1800 and one said no, more like $600-800--so I have no idea. Mine looks exactly like your pictures except that the engraving does not extend to the back of the bell, and mine is in mint condition with no scratches or dings. Have you learned what yours is worth? or does anyone else have any idea?
Selmer USA horns (unlike Selmer Parissaxophones, which are always strictly professional grade models) are all of the student to intermediate variety.
As such, the latter quote of $600 to $800 is much closer to the actual ballpark worth, if not on the high side of what you can expect.
You're mistaken the Selmer USA Omegas from the 80s are well respected saxes.
http://forum.saxontheweb.net/archive/index.php/t-4272.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqD9NhRbD8w
Thanks Sean,
Great links, I learned a lot and wow can that guy play, he sounds amazing! I haven't pursued selling my alto yet the 822XXX model number described above. Do you have any idea what I should ask for it?
Selmer Saxophone Serial Numbers Value
With used Selmer Paris Super Action 80 I, strictly professional horns selling in the $1,800 range in today's economy (an indisputably superior instrument to the Selmer USA horn), you aren't going to get anywhere near that amount for the step up/intermediate/entry level pro Omega.
I have no idea right now but both the tenor and alto versions are heavily bid on when I've seen them on ebay. You could get upto $1200 or more I believe for the alto.
I've seen the tenors go for upto $1600 on ebay over the last two or three years. Many people sing their praises some don't.
Try doing a google search for 'Selmer USA alto 162'.
It may come back with some archived ebay sales.
Those may interest you:
Current market rates for these horns do not support that monetary assessment. Additionally, although one sees a small cadre of amateur enthusiasts sing some praise for these good, but not superlative, model saxophones, you would be hard pressed (read not going to happen) to see them used by the professional level players.
Unfortunately for those wishing to sell, those driving the market value are the pros and hard core collectors, neither which seem overly enamored with the Omega as a top tier horn.
Henri Selmer Trumpet Serial Numbers
Thank you both for your time, opinions, and insight. Your knowledge is very much appreciated!
Selmer Saxophone
Wow, I started this thread like two years ago! Didn't think anyone would still be commenting on it. Just FYI, I went to brick and mortar stores, they were offering me ~300 for it. I ended up selling it locally on craigslist, to someone who wanted a nicer sax for his son who had been playing for about a year. I sold it to him for 620. I think it was a fair price.
Thank you for all the useful advice. I have a very nice Selmer Signet Alto Saxophone for sale on Craig's List now for $900.
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I disagree, that may be the case for the last 10-15 years, however mine was purchased in 1986 and is a professional grade instrument. I earned a music degree with this horn and am an active professional musician. I only retired my USA because I acquired a Mark VI
If you're referring to the Selmer Omega model 162 from the 1980's, I definitely concur with you. This was marketed as a pro sax back then and was the product of a design collaboration between Selmer USA and Paris.
The Selmer Signet, on the other hand, was produced a bit earlier and was always considered to be an intermediate model, the best horn that Selmer USA made before they came out with the Omega line.