Selmer Paris Model 72 / Reference 54 Professional Alto Saxophone

The Reference alto takes its inspiration from a 1958 mid-70,000 serial number Mark VI. Musicians and aficionados consider these the most valuable (other than David Sanborn who prefers later models). The Reference plays and feels like a vintage Selmer, including longer bell to improve intonation and a dark, warm lacquer finish. In fact, one of the professionals at IAJE back in January had a 76,000 Mark VI. Comparing them side-by-side we all thought that the Reference possessed a fuller, richer sound than that particular VI.