I am a technophile. I love new things and the latest technology. This extends to my hobby as an amateur saxophonist. My saxophones have always been state-of-the-art, shiny, computer designed, Computer Numerical Control produced wonders. Perfect.





However, in my band I am surrounded by Luddites - people singing the praises of old, antique horns. Modern science cast aside for superstitious, artisanal empiricism.





I knew that the old horns weren't as good. I didn't even have to try them to know.





So when my friend JF noticed I was struggling with my modern horn, he suggested I take his 1937 Selmer balanced action alto saxophone home for the weekend to try it out. I agreed because JF suggested it - it would have been rude to refuse.





When I pulled it from the case, I laughed. It was ugly - probably the ugliest saxophone I had ever held. The lacquer was rusted off. There was welding that looked like a poor lead soldering job holding the brass body to the bell. Most of the engraving was illegible because it had been rubbed off by years of handling.. The finger pads were in an uncomfortable straight line, not offset like modern horns. It had no high F# key. I almost put it back in the case without trying.





Against my better judgement, I put the neckpiece on, shaking my head at how huge the bore was. Put on my mouthpiece and played a few notes.





I was astounded. That horn just sang, and sang effortlessly. The keys were smooth and fast. The tone was rounder, less nasal, more centred. It was love at first blow. I played for hours, and didn't put the horn down until I had blown my embouchure.





JF is a very generous man, and he agreed to part with his Balanced Action alto when he realized how much I loved it, and how much it improved my playing.





To this day, I don't understand how an ugly 82 year old horn can outplay the most expensive new horn that money can buy.





I guess there are a lot of things I don't understand.





Selmer 1937 Balanced Action Alto Saxophone



