Selmer Paris Tenor Saxophones: Reference 36, Super Action 80 Serie II, Axos Tenor, 1951 Super Action

Today I play several Selmer Paris Tenor Saxophones. Two of the instruments are privately held and two belong to Beacock Music where I teach woodwind lessons. I love Selmers of all ages and really find that they as a brand have certain feel. I've tried who knows how many over the years from many decades and while there is huge variance between them there is something about them that is Selmer. It's kind of like Ferrari or Lamborghini, they change a ton over time but each brand has their personality and philosophical bent. All my horns are Selmers and Yamaha's and I am partial to both of those brands so my opinions and enthusiasm certainly influence me and are part of why I don't review stuff or go into a bunch of specifics on each instrument. I love playing and sharing some beautiful images of Paris and France and some loverly moments spent with these truly exceptional instruments.

[@YoungWilliamO]

Reference 36 sounded the best, though they all sound good. The 36 is Selmer’s best tenor IMO.

[@wckoek]

Just found a great deal on an Axos Tenor. I understand that the Axos alto is based on series II body with series III neck, is the tenor version of Axos based on series II or III?

[@lightsworndark]

sa 80 sii is my fav

[@wckoek]

As an instrument the Serie II respond to your playing better but it didn't sounded anything special. The Axos sounded tame and balanced but the Reference 36 is more lively, the 1951 SA have a unique sizzle tone that can be really nice for intimate ballads but I think I'll go for the 36 if I can only have one horn.

[@seanmullins7009]

SA80 serie II was my favorite

[@olaflangness2907]

It is difficult to hear the difference in product comparisons through cellphone speakers. That said, I could pick out the 1951 Super Action from the rest, and it was a sound that pleases me. I might be wrong, but I think I noticed a slightly more aggressive curvature in the neck of the 1951 SA. That and I assume many other small things might explain why that one stood out for me. As always, great playing Brian!

[@brianmyers8350]

Thanks so much Olaf, good to hear from you man! Hope you're doing well!

[@MacawAviculture]

After playing and owning many different Selmer tenors the past 50 years SBA, Mk 6, Reference 36, I prefer my Yanagisawa 880 and 990 tenors. Both have incredible build quality, awesome sound and perfect intonation. You are a great player, thanks for sharing this video!

[@brianmyers8350]

Nice! I just tried w01 and Aw010 yannis the other day and hadn't played many yanigisawa horns before, wow they were awesome! Super clean and I liked their sound and personality! Happy playing!

[@MacawAviculture]

@@brianmyers8350 always my friend! I recorded this song in one take with my black/gold Yani 990. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4m2pIaDZZl6Y6M

[@gwildor8543]

You sound amazing on all of the tenors, but I love the sound you got from the Reference 36 as well as the 1951 Super Action (SBA).

[@brianmyers8350]

Thanks very much!! They both felt great for sure!!

[@ericking9061]

I believe it is you that make any saxophone sound at its best

[@SaxSith]

80 series ll

[@colinanderson8667]

wow can you play, ! oh yeah i tuned in to get a sax review, i forgot, im ordering my second ref 36 tenor this week. can i get on line lessons? im in Australia

[@brianmyers8350]

@@colinanderson8667 congrats way cool! I teach online through Beacock Music and Ed Center in Vancouver, WA USA, would be stoked to work with you

[@colinanderson8667]

@@brianmyers8350 thanks ill be in touch when i get the horn

[@brianmyers8350]

@@colinanderson8667 right on man, sounds good

[@FunkOsax]

Really interesting….. I preferred your sound on the 1951 SA, then the 80 SA, despite my own horn being a Reference 36 (which I love).

[@bluegoose555]

fine playing

[@benhostetler268]

We call it the SBA bc it avoids confusion with the Super Action 80 1 and 2. While it’s technical name is the Super Action it matters very little when the popular name is the SBA and that’s how they are sold and known to everyone.

[@Boriskrasno9412]

Balanced 1951❤

[@michaelcarroll2217]

Yo Brian! Sounds terrific!Especially the 36 model. Hope all is well!

[@brianmyers8350]

Whats up MC? Great to hear from you! Playing Young Frankenstein right now for a month in PDX. Hope all is well with you!

[@stephenmegrath3734]

Yip, I would have had that Selmer poster too!

[@pukalo]

Reference 36 sounds best to me.

[@Rsonixtunes]

I have an older 1990s pre jubilee SA80 series II tenor- ever try one? You’d sound great on it!

[@brianmyers8350]

Thanks! I think I have tried one but it's been a long time though, gotta find one and give it a spin side by side!! Cheers!!

[@bibiroulagrillade49]

Great Video !

[@bobblues1158]

Sound great Brian! What mouthpiece and reed are you playing here?

[@brianmyers8350]

I'm playing what seems to be an old link blank, it was hand done with a little baffle by clarinetist Fred Rast. Using a legere signature 3.5. Mouthpiece tip measured at .119

[@bobblues1158]

@@brianmyers8350 OK. Thanks Brian!

[@KOACAINE]

Good video! Thanks

[@brianmyers8350]

Thank you!!

[@jazldazl9193]

Get a Supreme and be done ;)

[@JJ_Photo]

or save the money and get a Series II with a Series III neck... 😉 Yes the keywork is maybe more modern on the Supreme. But that price....

[@jazldazl9193]

@@JJ_Photo$16000 in New Zealand. I hear ya

[@badlourising]

Too much talk about not much. Can't compare. All depends on mouthpiece, reed and neck. Just depends on your set up

[@FunkOsax]

His mouthpiece and reed setup remained the same, so it was a valid comparison of Brian’s sound on 4 different horns (each with the stock neck). As he mentioned at the end of the video, this is how HE sounds on these instruments, and that other players will sound different.