Selmer Balanced Action 24xxx ORIGINAL rarity

This is a beautiful 24k Balanced Action alto in original lacquer and US engraving, a very rare find.  This horn has an absolutely beautiful sound but will requires some attention to function at 100%.  Pads will need help and some solder joints at the bell brace that are traditional weak-points for old Balanced Actions may warrant some review as well, although they are currently stable.  The sound is unrivaled and the condition is very good and difficult to find.

Original case and mouthpiece included!

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King Silversonic #470xxx Very nice looking Big and loud

This is a King SIlversonic #470xxx Eastlake production.  It has original finish and very old pads that will need revision. The body and neck are in excellent physical condition.  One guard foot was resoldered by Ernie Sola many years ago but it will be hard to notice or find it, was done so well.  The horn at this point has only scratches and is otherwise very very nice.  The sterling silver bell has gold wash, the neck is also sterling.  I bought this horn many years ago based only on the shockingly great sound it produced.  It has been waiting for attention for a long time, please adopt and care for it.

 

 

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Selmer MK VI Tenor 87xxx 1960 Original Package Find

Here is a 1960 Selmer MK VI tenor saxophone serial no. 87xxx with original case, mouthpiece (Brilhart was included at this time) and Boosey & Hawkes Edgeware Clarinet. This is the original package from 1960.

This is very few numbers from my own 87k tenor and this has been kept for a future overhaul but we are setting some horns free.  This is a near mint 87k tenor, the find of a lifetime and a player to match.  The lacquer is all original, US engraving, pads all original, nothing has been done to this one.  It currently plays on original pads very nice but of course a little bit stuffy.

The neck is in perfect condition, the horn has most of its lacquer as can be seen in the photos.  There are a few imperfections; there is a tiny ding on the bell flare, one resoldered guard-foot at low C, and a slightly dinged upper post at Eb/C.  That is all, otherwise it is gorgeous.

This horn particularly plays bright and warm and loud.  it has both the aggressive edgy quality and full richness we would expect from a late 80k tenor.  Among this serial number this is undoubtably one of the absolute best one can find, which is why it was kept for years (by myself).  This horn is for the most discerning player or vintage collector who knows exactly what these are and what they are looking for. This is not cheap, you have been warned.

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Selmer MK VI 98xxx US near Mint Original Tenor Saxophone

This 98xxx tenor is everything is should be.  It is all original and on original pads as well. Nothing has every been done to this horn and it still plays great.  There are no dents of consequence, nor any solders or repairs that I found.  it has some normal lacquer speckling from age but not even much play wear.  The pearls are sharp, the original neck is perfect condition.

It currently plays very well, but would be amazing with a fresh set of pads.  The sound is HUGE, very organic and complex sounding with a lot of power and edge as well, exactly as it should be.  This is very easily one of the best MK VI’s I have ever played.

Full restoration pics at bottom

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Otto Link Straight Sig. FL Marinated Masterpiece

This is a piece I optimized in 2010 for myself and then gigged on for a number of years. It is a Straight signature Link Florida originally stamped 7 and restored to .101.  There was a small nick in the tip that I repaired.  It is a VERY LOUD piece with a tonal color right in the middle between dark and bright (relative to what these piece might usually be) and is exceptionally smooth and comfortable to blow.

Horned Toad’s Select Collection Vintage Reproductions

I am working on a new project of small batch high quality reproduction of the rarest, best and personal favorite tenor mouthpieces out of my decades long acquired collection, most of which are impossible to find.   In many years of mouthpiece hunting, collecting, selling and restoring vintage pieces I have gathered a unique and special array of some of the best pieces in the world from the perspective of someone who really likes vintage Links and Bergs.  I never had a super modern sound and still tend to gravitate to my vintage Links and Bergs.  I have collected, played and sold a huge number of them but I kept the pieces that worked best for me and at this point some of them need to be shared, and at least preserved as in some cases I only have one and will never see another.

Development and manufacturing costs that are rather high. Every aspect of these is made in USA. There is significant investment required and all hand finish will be done by myself.  I have at the moment many models I am considering.  In the first run all pieces will be produced in the exact facings they are current set at, as this is really were they play best, although customization will be possible.  At the moment I will be likely be producing in brass, stainless, resin/plastic or hard rubber.  

These will play as the actual pieces play, rather than an aesthetic reference of the ‘style’ of some old piece.  These will be finished in the actual style the original makers intended, as I actually know and have the hand skill to apply that finish.

#1 “Missing Link” quad-ring transitional Otto Link Super Tonemaster.  

This is a one-of-a-kind mouthpiece that I searched for for like 30 years, finally got one.  I will never see another and it is safe to say most everyone will not have a chance to ever play one not to mention buy one.  I was lucky to obtain this one.  It had a minor amount of work done to it, I improved it greatly and although I never intended to return to an early Link this one demanded my attention because it plays in a very special and great way; compact with a lot of sizzle/bright for an early Link, still very fat but crisp deliver.

It is punchier than a Tonemaster, more compact that a NY double ring, and more lyrical/nuanced than a FL.  This is truly a unique and great playing early Link that I want to make available.  I think a LOT of folks will love this, but if you are really looking for a Guardala with the appearance of a Link this is not that.  

This is a singular opportunity to own a really impossible to find piece.  It will be cast in brass or silver depending on interest.  The initial run will be the exact piece that I have as currently set up with a facing of around .098 which is really the outer range of where these types of pieces are designed to play their best. Finding this piece is what compelled me to start this project.  

#2 Serial numbered FL Link Super Tonemaster 7*.  This is the best metal FL Link I have ever played, without exception and it is the facing that everyone wants.  Many people have asked me to sell this but I only have one, and this will solve that problem.  It is a 100% original mouthpiece and it screams, very loud and very complex.  I will only produce this piece in 7* and it will be high detail replica.

 

These are two models that I am starting with, and many others to follow. For now I would ask that folks interested in having any of these pieces to send an email through the contact form and put “Select Collection” in the subject line so I can make a list. Watch this space, these are still in the works.

Otto Link FL no USA Slant Sig “Marinated” .100 Amazing!

Otto Link Florida middle period (no USA, long baffle) slant sig.  This piece has been masterfully restored and optimized at .100 tip (7) with an early EB style long flat baffle.  There was a pickup hole filled in the top but it is flush and mostly invisible.  This is one of the best slants ever, very fat and aggressive sound, not overly bright and not at all shy or muted, very forceful and edgy while still remaining darkly edged.  This is a rare and truly great playing slant, very hard to match.

 

 

 

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Amazing Selmer 88xxx MK VI Soprano

Just in, mind blowingly great 88xxx Selmer MK VI soprano, still playing it, just hard to put down. Original lacquer has normal aging spots. No solders or damage other than some smoothing on one side of the bell rim. Super rare with high F# which is a major bonus on soprano.

This is an incredible find, not sure it will be for sale.  Five digit Selmer sopranos are extremely hard to find now, this is a special order High F# original lacquer in excellent condition.  It is so strange, but it really seems to have the same quality as late 80k tenors do; spread, even scale, colorful, powerful and very flexible.  It is actually quite different from many other five digit Selmer sopranos I have had and played.  This may be the best Selmer soprano I have ever played. (In the photos below you will notice the lyre screw is missing, but I think I just removed it for weight).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Selmer SBA Low Bb Baritone Unbelievable Rarity 44xxx Original, Nearly Perfect Unicorn

1951 is the year, “Super Action” (SBA) or “Super Balanced Action” baritone low Bb near perfect original US engraved masterpiece.  This horn is 100% UNMOLESTED.  It has a few TINY dings and scuffs, some honest wear, just a little and otherwise it is structurally perfect and nearly cosmetically untouched.  It is SO rare to find one of these that has survived in this state.

According to Douglass Pipher this: “Selmer 44xxx is a US-Market baritone. It shipped in March 1951 as part of a batch of 30 Saxophones. (11 Altos, 13 Tenors and 6 Baritones)”

There simply were not many of these made and far far less of them still surviving in undamaged condition!

This has ALL original pads and resonators, never had an overhaul.  The pearls are not worn, this had not been played much, but right now, it DOES PLAY, though should receive some attention.  This has not been cleaned or anything, just exactly as revealed in the 1951 case, so there are a few insignificant water or strapping stains showing. The body, neck and upper brace all share the same 44xxx serial number (that has been obscured in the photos).  This amazing jewel of Selmer model history and craftsmanship IS for sale but will not be shipped.  Drop in, and fly this treasure out.  This is for the top pro and/or collectors.  Thanks for looking!


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