Another great video, gents! I think that these will become a SUPERB sax to grab 5-8 years from now on the used market as they'll depreciate significantly, but the new price is too close to what someone can purchase 2 mint Mark VI'S or a mint pristine SBA for, so that's ridiculous when one considers the AMAZING new-condition horns at 1/4 the price like the Ishimori, Yanagisawa, Atelier 82Z, and the exceptional Peter Ponzol Antigua Pro One Cryogenic models that also have that "Mojo" built in and can go toe-to-toe. Professional West Coast artists in the USA are currently stating they'd love a no-cost "Gratis" Signature/Supreme from Selmer to endorse and play it, but have no desire to purchase outright. Many of us recall when every Ref 54 tenor was listed for $6K, and now sellers can't give them away for $3,800. So used is the way to go for bargain savvy shoppers.
Thanks for the great review. I recently purchased a Signature tenor and really love it. In the shop, I played several other horns, including two Yanagisawas, a Yamaha, a Keilworth, and the new Eastman. While they were all great horns with their own strengths and weaknesses, I found the Signature to have the best of blend of features. Great tone throughout all registers, very good intonation, feels good under the fingers. My main alto and soprano are both Yanagisawa, so I was surprised that I picked a Selmer tenor. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to try a Supreme. But it's hard to imagine it being THAT much better, and the Signature was already at the top end of my budget. It's a wonderful instrument and I've enjoyed playing it.
It's interesting that Selmer is introducing two new horns while they have customers waiting for the Supreme tenor. I would imagine there are hundreds waiting for the Supreme. I am one of them. Both of the horns in this review sound very good.
Thanks for watching! Yes, there is a plethora of great Saxophones at a variety of prices these days, but if you're business is low quantity/high value then keeping them premium is the way forward. Think Rolls Royce, high-end watch makers etc. But, the market will decide, either they'll sell enough each year or they won't ultimately.
Let’s not forget the 875EX from Yamaha too. All good pro saxes and I’d be happy to play any of them! For me the EX edges it, but I’ve been playing them for years…
Very fine video, thank you Dawkes. Has anybody asked Selmer if is there any connection between naming this line of saxophones, and the already available Signature Selmer clarinets (which have existed for decades now)? Speculation: does this mean that the Signature clarinet, and Signature saxophone(s), deliver the elusive "signature Selmer's sound", or the "quintessential sound and performance of the house of Selmer", in terms of clarinets and saxophones?
Thanks for watching and for your comment. Selmer mention deep in their release material the following: "The Signature name highlights Henri SELMER Paris's identity as an instrument inventor and manufacturer, established over the course of the company's history." - Like you we think it's quite sensible to align one name across Sax & Clarinet especially when it has good history.
Interesting your comment about the military being one of the establishments that might invest in new model instruments, when Selmer have produced these two new models with no attachment for a lyre fox on the neck. I don’t know if they’ve made some other option, but as it stands both supreme and the signature are not suitable for marching band musicians.
Frankly, who would march around, in wind, rain, sun and snow, with instruments that cost an arm and leg? You use lesser instruments for that. These new instruments are delicate, for covered concert halls, where the difference in sound between an ordinary instrument, and an excellent instrument, is more audible.
Another great video, gents! I think that these will become a SUPERB sax to grab 5-8 years from now on the used market as they'll depreciate significantly, but the new price is too close to what someone can purchase 2 mint Mark VI'S or a mint pristine SBA for, so that's ridiculous when one considers the AMAZING new-condition horns at 1/4 the price like the Ishimori, Yanagisawa, Atelier 82Z, and the exceptional Peter Ponzol Antigua Pro One Cryogenic models that also have that "Mojo" built in and can go toe-to-toe. Professional West Coast artists in the USA are currently stating they'd love a no-cost "Gratis" Signature/Supreme from Selmer to endorse and play it, but have no desire to purchase outright.
Many of us recall when every Ref 54 tenor was listed for $6K, and now sellers can't give them away for $3,800. So used is the way to go for bargain savvy shoppers.
Super playing
Thanks for the great review. I recently purchased a Signature tenor and really love it. In the shop, I played several other horns, including two Yanagisawas, a Yamaha, a Keilworth, and the new Eastman. While they were all great horns with their own strengths and weaknesses, I found the Signature to have the best of blend of features. Great tone throughout all registers, very good intonation, feels good under the fingers. My main alto and soprano are both Yanagisawa, so I was surprised that I picked a Selmer tenor. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to try a Supreme. But it's hard to imagine it being THAT much better, and the Signature was already at the top end of my budget. It's a wonderful instrument and I've enjoyed playing it.
It's interesting that Selmer is introducing two new horns while they have customers waiting for the Supreme tenor. I would imagine there are hundreds waiting for the Supreme. I am one of them. Both of the horns in this review sound very good.
Nice work guys.
I do wonder if Selmer prices themselves out of the market though. Lots of great saxes at half that price.
Thanks for watching! Yes, there is a plethora of great Saxophones at a variety of prices these days, but if you're business is low quantity/high value then keeping them premium is the way forward. Think Rolls Royce, high-end watch makers etc. But, the market will decide, either they'll sell enough each year or they won't ultimately.
@@dawkesmusic Selmer is hiring.. if that is an indication of their success
Not really, selmers have good re-sale value and that’s why they are expensive. These two new selmers won’t get cheap anytime soon
Wonderful Review!
Glad you liked it!
The Simon's did a good job.
Thanks for watching! Q: How many Simon's does it take to review a Saxophone? A: It's the quality of Simon's not quantity ;)
Yamaha has the top of the line Custom Z and then 2nd sax Yamaha 62.
Selmer now has top of the line Supreme, and 2nd sax called the Signature.
Let’s not forget the 875EX from Yamaha too. All good pro saxes and I’d be happy to play any of them! For me the EX edges it, but I’ve been playing them for years…
Very fine video, thank you Dawkes. Has anybody asked Selmer if is there any connection between naming this line of saxophones, and the already available Signature Selmer clarinets (which have existed for decades now)? Speculation: does this mean that the Signature clarinet, and Signature saxophone(s), deliver the elusive "signature Selmer's sound", or the "quintessential sound and performance of the house of Selmer", in terms of clarinets and saxophones?
Thanks for watching and for your comment. Selmer mention deep in their release material the following: "The Signature name highlights Henri SELMER Paris's identity as an instrument inventor and manufacturer, established over the course of the company's history." - Like you we think it's quite sensible to align one name across Sax & Clarinet especially when it has good history.
SML were employing a 4 slot neck clamp design as part of their “22 features” from Rev D throughout all the Gold Medal horns.
Interesting your comment about the military being one of the establishments that might invest in new model instruments, when Selmer have produced these two new models with no attachment for a lyre fox on the neck. I don’t know if they’ve made some other option, but as it stands both supreme and the signature are not suitable for marching band musicians.
Frankly, who would march around, in wind, rain, sun and snow, with instruments that cost an arm and leg? You use lesser instruments for that. These new instruments are delicate, for covered concert halls, where the difference in sound between an ordinary instrument, and an excellent instrument, is more audible.