Selmer Reference 54 setup

I'm considering the purchase of a new Selmer Reference 54 horn. I have heard that the setups on these horns are pretty lousy from the factory. I'm wondering if this is any reflection on the rest of Selmer's manufacturing process? Are they as sloppy with the metal work on the horns etc.? Does anyone have any input on this and how do other pro horns compare off the line?Thanks

John-

I can't tell you about 54's, but I have a Ref 36 that I am deeply in love with. Sloppy metal work? No way. This thing is a machinist's wet dream. I would think any horn straight off the production line should go first to a good repair tech to be properly setup. I can't understand the thinking of people who would consider paying $4500 for a new horn and then complain about having to spend $35 or so to get it properly setup. So what? You're going to spend that money in 6 months or so anyway, aren't you? Are you really going to make your buying decision based on which horn is in better adjustment AT THE MOMENT?

Buy from someone with a decent return policy, who will let you take it to your favorite repair guy and then return it if you aren't happy. Of course you pay more for that level of customer support, but in the end, the peace of mind is worth it, no?

John C.

I totally agree that the horn should go to a tech for a setup as soon as it's bought. I certainly have no problem with spending money for that after the outlay of $3,800.00 or more. I just find it curious that, if what I hear is true, that Selmer would do a haphazard job fitting the pads, corks, and felts after producing such a fine saxophone. I might make the decision to go with a Keilwerth etc. if I thought that they came off the line in a more playable condition. With my experience in manufacturing if one aspect is poor in a product there is a strong chance that other aspects of the manufacturing process are lacking. It's usually a managment problem, and I know Selmer was on strike earlier this year. Maybe demand is so great that they are pushing the horns out the door before the epoxy has time to set and the employees don't give a damn because they are dissatisfied. I wonder if professional Keilwerth or Yamaha horns need as much attention out of the box as Selmer?

I have no idea about the 54's, but I bought a III straight out of the box which required no setup whatsoever. Literally out of the box, packing materials and everything. It was dynamite from the beginning. But one thing of note, it wasn't packed well. My guess is that if there are problems, it's from the shipping. I suppose they expect more delicate treatment for their horns.

John, I think for most of us there is more to buying a horn than just the best off the line qualification. Just as with cars, motorcycles, houses, girlfriends, or any high ticket item, we look for something that we feel comfortable with. For some this is Selmer, some Yamaha, some vintage Conn, etc.. One thing I have found is a player that is comfortable with a one brand, will probably not like the other for one reason or another. Usually these annoyances are not major, and the player will overcome the differences. Sometimes a long time player of one brand will try another and realize that he had been playing the wrong horn for all those years. The explanation I have heard from Selmer is they know their horns are being shipped all over the world, usually by the cheapest method. Once a horn gets to the dealer, he is expected to set up the horn. Selmer figures why waste all the extra hours setting up a horn twice if the dealer has to do it again anyway. I don't really agree with that, but what can you do with the French, n'est pas? I am sure you were going to spend some time playing each of the horns on your short list. Please don't let the stories and rumors affect you too much. Mark Bushaw

Actually, I should have added that my Ref 36 played great right 'out of the box.' It wasn't until I had broken it in for several weeks that it needed some adjustment. Of course, some people (including my repair guy, by the way) claim that a new horn should not need adjustment, even after several weeks. My point is, none of that really matters. What matters is, which horn has that mystical and subjective quality that is going to make you want to keep blowing it day after day for the next XX years?

John C.

Hi John, I am werner an live in Germany but visit Paris frequently (my wife is french and from Paris) I have a Sax shop in Paris from where I purchase all my needed things. I own a Mark VI (1955) and had the chance to play a New 54 Tenor two month ago in the shop,

It is a great horn, very nice manufactured and very easy to play. I loved it (well that personal) from the sound and tone. Pads and mechanical things were normal and good to my understanding. What I do not like is the colour, that Gold matt strange coulor. I wish Selmer would come up in Silver or even gold. I would buy one for sure. Best regards Werner Roos

Thanks to you all for the great feedback and helping me in my choice.