The Resurrection of the Old Great Sax Secrets.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. Use of kid leather pads with plastic tone boosters projects the sound and adds flexibility. 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 dull lacquer on both the body and the keys, the Reference 54 has a vintage appeal.
Selmer Paris Paris Reference 54 Tenor SaxophoneThe Selmer 74 Paris 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. A major favorite among jazz saxophonists the Reference 54 tenor saxophone offers a rich throaty sound that even "barks" well in the lower register. The key work of the Selmer 74 tenor saxophone is extremely fluid and reacts well to even the most wicked licks. Complete with Paris Lite case, Selmer Paris mouthpiece, cap and ligature and Selmer saxophone care products. Join the legions of jazz saxophonists that have rediscovered the sound of the legendary Mark VI and have made the Selmer 74 Reference 54 tenor saxophone their tenor of choice.
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I have been looking for a tenor to double on for sometime. The Reference 54 is sooo smooth sounding it just makes you want to play it more and more. I had to have it. The key action is super quick. The tone is consistent throughout and very easy to blow. Make sure to play test the one you will buy to ensure that the set up is right. I can see the day when the this tenor becomes my main horn.
This tenor saxophone is a real piece of work. The key work is exactly the quality of a Selmer Mark VI. There is a Mark VI at the school that I am attending and it's tonal quality is wonderful, the best I've heard. I thought about buying it from the school, but unfortunately the VI require collaborative work every two or three months, and I cannot afford that kind of expense. I saw the Ref. 54 in a WWBW catalog and thought I'd try it. This sax is a Mark VI with a high F# key for all I'm concerned. The finish is beautiful and vintage. The only problem I am having is I can't quite flutter tongue the upper notes above the high E. It is a new Tenor and I do have some getting used to. All in all, wonderful sax, and the people at WWBW treated me real well on the ordering and servicing.
HOLY SMOKES!!! With my Sugal Super Gonz II, this is the fattest, smokiest sound I've ever heard. I experimented with reeds and found that a med hard La Voz or Plasticover 3 gives me the sound I want. I also have a Berg Larsen 110/70 that gives me a slightly better fusion/r&b sound... but I can't imagine ANY mouthpiece would play badly with this sweet monster of a horn. Five stars, two thumsb up, and if I had three thumbs, I'd put three up.Fat low register, IN TUNE palm keys, free blowing, and a look that WILL turn heads. Case is a little heavy, so opt for a good flight case (SKB is what I prefer)
I spent an entire summer trying as many different saxophones as possible, including many different Mark VIs, and when I tried the Reference, I instantly new this was the best saxophone I have ever played. I spent a lot of time trying the Reference back to back with several Mark VIs. The reference has the same warm, buttery sound, however, the intonation is perfect, and the sound seems to fill the room more and be of higher quality on the Reference. There is nothing hard about getting the low notes out like some other reviews say. If you have a correct embouchure, they will come out effortlessly.
This really is the best sax you can buy. It is a must have. Buy this as soon as you can! The intonation, sound, and projection are unmatched and it is everything you would expect from a great VI, only better.
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