How Legendary Saxophones are Made

#bettersax #saxophone #selmer
Jay Metcalf tours the Selmer saxophone factory in Paris, France to show us how these legendary musical instruments are made.
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[@ZexyObserver]

Crazy. The part I thought HAD to be done by hand, the engraving, is done by the robot. And the part I thought would be done by robots is all done by hand.

[@kyffreggaemanstyley]

Ma mère a travaillé dans cette usine dans les années '60. Elle assemblait les ténors et les barytons. Elle a croisé des célébrités comme Manu Dibango ou Sydney Bechet. C'était une époque merveilleuse pour elle. Merci pour cette visite qui fait remonter tant de souvenirs en moi.

[@insaneintherainmusic]

Wow this is incredible to watch! Thanks for taking us on this journey Jay, and for the translation as well!

[@bettersax]

Thanks Carlos

[@billj4137]

Had my interest the entire time. Video is well done.

[@Ro-official]

My two favorite youtube saxophonists under one video, wasn't expecting that!

[@jazztime4]

Hi Jay! As a 77-year-old pro saxophonist who played a ‘64 Mark VI alto until last last year when I sprung for a Yanagisawa Elite, I’ve got to tell you how informative and entertaining both of your factory tours were! Production methods, for the most part, are incredibly different, with the Yani’s, it seems, being more “hand-crafted” - but in the end result, these companies quite similarly create, I feel, the world’s two most impeccable saxophone brands! Thanks for all you do for saxophonists everywhere…we are all “family!” 🎷😃

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

I’m a total Selmer guy, but I was watching this awesome video with interest to find clues why there are so many complaints that brand new Selmer horns, not least Supremes, come out of the factory so badly set up. Everyone now knows you have to have your brand new Selmer checked before you use it, which I consider totally unacceptable. It was striking that Yanagisawa don’t even play test their horns! I think that says all you need to know. Having seen the Selmer process I guess their inconsistency is just down to pilot error, or maybe even bad packing for transit, I don’t know! Great vid Jay. I love these factory visits. So fascinating. Thanks dude. 😊

[@bettersax]

Not knowing more than what I filmed and showed in the videos. I think it’s very interesting that Yanagisawa has stations doing each section of the instrument while Selmer has one individual assembling the entire instrument. This may be the key.

[@thewarhenk]

Never gets old; I could watch these all day.

[@frankzona5459]

As someone who made a living in manufacturing, and now a full time saxophonist, these factory tours are absolutely fascinating. Thanks Jay for bringing these factory tours to us. Looking forward to the Yamaha tour.

[@chillznax]

Extremely interesting seeing the difference between Yanagisawa and Selmer manufacturing. Makes the Yanagisawa seem like an exquisitely handcrafted instrument like a Patek Philippe. The Selmer more like an Omega watch. I hear a lot about the quality issues with assembly on the Selmers but once dialed in they’re amazing. From the video it looks like the quality of assembly is very high.

[@reedhead1]

I love factory stuff. I've worked in a couple factories, I'm amazed at the brain power that goes into making things that make things.

[@andrescastro8198]

Knowledge and tools are everything. Agreed.

[@KleinkMusic]

Sometimes I forget you live in France and fluently speak the language. It's super cool!

[@dredavis2399]

That assembly department is no joke. They work so hard to make some of the greatest saxophones ever made. Great job! Love the video 👍🏾

[@mannyk6694]

Been waiting for something like this for ages, thank you so much!

[@loopyloumonster]

This is incredible!! The quality control is insane 🤯

[@TheGewidener]

Nothing compares to the Yanagisawa factory. I was amazed at how small Yanagisawa was, but they still turn out a respectable volume AND DO NOT PLAY TEST THEM AND THEY ARE PERFECT. This is very cool though, but Yanagisawa wins the quality and craftsmanship award. More was done by hand at Yanagisawa, and it's really smart that the same keys stay with the instrument the whole time. They barely even have to be setup. Selmer just can't say that. They sure look pretty though. I love watching old video (somewhere on KZbin) of the Elkhart factories when they shipped saxophones over in pieces and assembled them there, as well as built the USA models. Those old American factories had some really skilled craftsmen and more experience. I was disappointed to see the engraving being done robotically.

[@pukalo]

My local university bought an entire set of Series II saxophones, from sopranino to bass, from Selmer a long time ago. Can't imagine how much that must've cost.

[@user-yp9fb1jb6m]

They are worth more now.

[@Simon.the.Likeable]

Will you be visiting the Keilwerth factory? I hope so. I have a Yanigasawa, a Selmer and two Keilwerths. It would be good to see the full set. (It would soothe my OCD considerably.)

[@ThisIsToolman]

The “pulling” operation is extraordinarily clever.

[@Ybor-ld6uq]

As a retired machinist loved this. Knowing that your work will go to people making music would be so rewarding.

[@morrij01]

I bought my Super Action Serie II right out of high school over 26 years ago and seeing how it was put together is incredible. Thank you for that.

[@mikesaxclar]

absolutely incredible! Congrats on getting to experience this and thanks for taking us along!

[@totidoki05]

i'm so glad i got to start saxophone with a selmer, sadly it was a very old one that i rented so i don't have it anymore but i'd like to get one someday, at least when i will have relearned to play the sax properly!

[@matthewhetzler4912]

Thanks Jay. ✅Yanagisawa Factory ✅Selmer Factory 🟩Yamaha Factory Can’t wait!

[@HonestSaxSound-unEdited-]

Keilwerth factory..!😊

[@Sn00ze]

Amazing mini documentary! I don't play the saxophone and always wondered how they are made, this is incredible!

[@djpolymath]

Amazing, Jay! Thanks for the tour. Most of us would never have such a behind-the-scene opportunity. (I’m still most flabbergasted that Yany doesn’t play-test. Talk about confidence in the manufacturing process!)

[@fredericpariset1246]

Nice video I have had the opportunity 30 years ago to visite Selmer factory as I do not live very far from their production plant and I am now very surprised how they have improved their processes using modern equipments. For those who are interested another well known instrument manufacturer is also located in the same town Buffet-Crampon Both in Mantes la Ville Many thanks to make these video on Sax manufacturers help us to understand their philosophy and dedication to make premium instruments for musicians It also make people understand the price of these instruments when you look at the number of bits the number of steps and the time it takes to make such beautiful instruments ❤❤❤

[@morosso1968]

i'm not a musician but how i love to sit and watch videos like this. thank you for uploading!

[@borntobayan]

It’s amazing to watch a lot of these steps performed by complex machines and to think that 100 years ago folks probably did all of those operations somehow by hand

[@Jason-cm6uh]

Way cool! As a welder/ fabricator and a musician, this is pure heaven. Thanks dude!

[@bettersax]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@billynugget1256]

What an opportunity to see this, thank you Jay

[@Invisible_Hermit]

This was truly amazing and captivating! Thank you so much Jay for sharing this journey into the heart of creation of such iconic saxophones. They are absolutely a thing of beauty! 🎷

[@AFN2750]

I will probably always play vintage saxophones, mostly conns, but man, this is so cool to watch as they make amazing instruments

[@HahnJames]

Awesome peek into the Selmer manufacturing process. It's a lot more complicated than I had imagined. I thought you were going to get into some myth busting and rumor dispelling there for a second.

[@antonioarnaud8647]

Very good video of my favorite saxophone! Thank you for taking the time and initiative to do this and show all of us how this is done! Good Job!!! 👍👍👍

[@Laura-wg5jk]

Fascinating! It's interesting how Selmer does the engraving (robot) versus what we saw with Yanagisawa (hand done). Looking very much forward to Yamaha video.

[@gianlucawork]

These videos are precious documents to understand why the final price seems so high. It doesn't make it affordable to me, but they're more appreciated (Rigotti was also very useful to understand why reeds are so apparently expensive). Thank you Jay

[@nickpetrov2939]

Thanks for this video, Jay! So interesting to look inside Selmer factory. Can't wait for Yamaha!

[@ezrashoaf9354]

First Yanagisawa, and now this?!

[@HonestSaxSound-unEdited-]

Selmer❤ First I want to thank each and every one of the luthiers and workers who make it possible for these true works of art to exist (also extended to other brands). When you touch one of these, you immediately feel certain differences and you are delighted! ..and you thank God that there are still people who seek and maintain excellence! And second, I also want to congratulate the author of this excellent video!

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

Luthier is a maker of stringed instruments, such as violins or guitars, not woodwind instruments.

[@HonestSaxSound-unEdited-]

​@@zvonimirtosic6171right friend.. but how can we call this "metal" workers from wind instruments?? ..or, a piano constructor?, it isn't a luthier too? Anyway they are a mixture between specfical workers and artist's.. and i would thank all them..

[@mr.cocking7664]

This is great! My main instrument is a Selmer Paris K-modified cornet from 1968. It looks a bit rough cosmetically but it plays incredibly well. Best valves of any cornet or trumpet that I've played.

[@jojo-bt8mq]

素晴しい動画。感謝👍

[@JoshuaC923]

This is amazing, always like to see how things are made. Thank you!

[@bettersax]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@FarrinD12]

This is a fantastic video! Thanks Jay! On a side note, I just picked up a burnin tenor mouthpiece, and man I feel right at home on it! Thanks for making great gear as well as video content!

[@bettersax]

Thank you and great to hear you dig the mouthpiece!

[@smoothvelvetsinger]

What an amazing video Jay👏🎷👍

[@Kirktracy]

Fun to watch, Jay. Thanks!

[@bobblues1158]

Yeah Jay! I love these videos. Thanks!

[@brianclausen2344]

Fantastic vid, Jay! I had thought they were still using pitch inside of their necks, but ice?!?! Very cool! hehe. Keep up the great work enlightening us with more fun Saxophone knowledge!

[@musicman1341]

Outstanding Jay!! Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@bborgan7611]

Great Video Jay! Thank you!

[@mossygreenlog]

Bro, you make excellent videos! You should be over a million subscribers. Hopefully you'll get there soon.

[@bettersax]

I appreciate that!

[@rexpayne7836]

Great content and presentation. Great channel. 😊

[@wisconsinmel]

Another great video Jay 😀🎷 A lot of work goes into getting the videos cranked out. Has to be fun touring all these great saxophone product manufacturing facilities.

[@Dionpr1]

Fabulous. Thanks Jay.

[@MerelIbrahim]

Estupendo tu reportaje. Felicitaciones.

[@kennethvenezia4400]

Thanks for this video Jay. After this I started kissing 💋 my 1965 Selmer MVI

[@robertzantay5923]

It is great to see where my Mark Six came from. I bought it for $250 when we were both about twelve years old in 1965. I’ve never played any other Alto Sax that sounds as good as mine does ( to me) of course I learned to play sax on this instrument 🎷 so I am so comfortable playing it.

[@elizabethjmanzano]

Can’t wait for the Yamaha sax factory tour! I have a 62-II but I’ve been considering an upgrade and these videos are very enlightening!!

[@paoloalbano4690]

Thank you Jay... ❤

[@mossygreenlog]

Thanks!

[@bettersax]

Thank you!

[@penguinista]

Excellent video!

[@shipsahoy1793]

Thanks Jay! I ❤it!!

[@KennyBaik]

The video is fantastic! Thank you for sharing, and I'm looking forward to more captivating videos like this.

[@marklee1965]

Thanks Jay. Another very informative video. Much appreciated.

[@woodwindfixer9248]

Conn New Wonder saxophones had drawn toneholes and they were begun in 1914. Perhaps they began as soldered toneholes, but pretty confident they were using drawn toneholes prior to 1922.

[@EricTorreborre]

Love it, thanks Jay. Can't wait for Yamaha now!

[@dougckelly]

good to know that shopping trolley's are a pivotal component in sax making.

[@MytzaHandbalistu]

This is pure joy to watch! I would love to visit Selmer Factory too ❤ and maybe leave with a Supreme Sax 🤪

[@iwanarya4779]

Amazing selmer factory

[@samsohrabi8029]

Thank you for sharing.

[@ABC060491]

It's amazing how vertically integrated the process is.

[@davidsunderland8063]

Thanks, you just inspired me to make one💛

[@costamoreira5825]

Love this.❤.

[@jonniejlo]

Amazing video! Soooo cool to see inside the beast.

[@miguelangelvenegasferniza3274]

Greetings from Ensenada Baja California Mexico, thank you for the video 🤟

[@bobhoye5951]

Fascinating to be taken throught the process. I think someone once said: "A saxophone is an ill-wind that no one blows good". But then there is Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney, Coleman Hawkins and at a later period Stan Getz and Paul Desmond.

[@rosskane961]

Terrific video! I’m taken back to those old Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood videos showing how violins or erasers are made😄

[@davidjung1824]

I’m not sure which factory it was but he did one on how saxophones are made too

[@springersound1844]

Fantastic.

[@davidlangford5383]

nice one jay awsum video

[@dustinwalden7091]

I had a Bundy II alto in middle school in 1995. Played it in marching season and a baritone sax in concert season (no clue what model it was). I never learned to use the octave key. I guess my mouth naturally tensed up on the higher notes and just never used it.

[@renatrustamov5709]

Super!

[@yahyangegame8756]

Its amazing

[@sidneiramalho]

Great video! Even though I'm not a Selmer guy I do respect them a lot. Great work putting those saxes together. It makes me want to make my own saxophone.

[@nathancamp6584]

Very interesting to watch. I started on a selmer and then switched to Yamaha. Both great horns

[@steveparker8723]

Not a saxophone player but it was cool seeing some of the process of making them.

[@saiskandapgs]

Loved every minute! Thanks for the detailed explanation. Waiting patiently for the Yamaha one! If you have any spare footage you didn't use, try to upload them as well. No duration of these is too long to watch!

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome :)

[@RalphBrooker-gn9iv]

My first saxophone was a Guban alto (I was 8 and had played a little ‘simple system’ clarinet’). As I understand it, the Guban alto (c.1969) was a Selmer Mk.6 copy under licence made in what was then Czechoslovakia. It was a superb instrument. Later in life a bought a Selmer Super Action 80 which I didn’t get on with. The SA80 was much vaunted at the time. I bought mine in cash from Bill Lewington’s in London. I’d love a Mk.6 alto.

[@patrickgallagher9069]

I played on a Selmer VI tenor sax in high school!

[@alaincookykoch5994]

Danke!

[@bettersax]

Thank you!

[@MrSimonious]

That was great. I have a Selmer Tenor… Radio Improved model, original patina. It’s a beauty

[@user-px2ym1kv3q]

Well done

[@josephknudson5097]

Quite interesting. God bless you.

[@rexmyers991]

Very interesting!

[@Bikerguy_123]

Wow i had no idea😊

[@Kelekona_808]

It's amazing how the Selmer work spaces are so clean. This tour definitely shows where the cost of the horns come from.

[@peterpham6288]

12:51 Great tone!

[@marcobadilla8773]

Se agradece este fascinante video de Selmer, como el anterior de Yanagisawa. Esperaré atento el de Yamaha y ojalá algún día podamos ver una visita tuya al mítico Rampone y Cazzani . Gracias

[@AndrewKennedyMusicOfficial]

I really enjoy these videos Jay. I have two Selmer Paris saxophones. I'm looking forward to the Yamaha video as my soprano is a Yamaha.

[@samloos3531]

I would have liked to see more of the machining of the small parts

[@thisguyhasglasses773]

Didn't know they still made Bass Saxes!!

[@Frygonz]

Keilwerth factory!