Selmer SE-A2M Matt SA80 II Alto Sax
Alto Saxophone
- Super Action 80 II series
- Body: Brushed matte
- Keys with gold lacquer
- Hand-engraved details
- E-flat tuning
- High F# key
- Incl. S80 C
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Available since February 2019
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Item number 146742
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Finish body Brushed Matt
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Finish Keys Gold Lacquered
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Body Brass
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Gravure Yes
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Resonator Pad Metal
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Case Yes
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Case with Backpack System No
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Mouthpiece Yes
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Strap No
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Wiper (Body) Yes
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S Arc Wiper No
Quite simply a classic sax
The warm, rounded sound of Selmer's Super Action (SA) series has inspired and influenced generations of saxophonists. Since its introduction, these instruments have combined outstanding tone, the unmistakable and clearly recognisable "Selmer sound", genuine playing advantages, and high manufacturing standards. As a result, SA series alto saxophones have become not only arguably the world's most widely played altos, but also a benchmark for instrument makers everywhere. Even the earliest models in the series were already regarded as milestones in the history of saxophone design, and yet Selmer has continued to refine the concept, with the SE-A2M exhibiting numerous details that align with the evolving expectations and preferences of today's players. The focus has been on improving the mechanism, response, and overall tonal character – inasmuch as improvements are possible for such a classic sax.
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Responsive and articulate
For all these improvements, the Selmer SA80 II remains firmly defined by its traditional qualities. The SE-A2M has a brass body with a brushed-matte finish, which sets off the gold lacquer on the keys and inside of the bell rather nicely. The hand-engraved details are another fine touch. The sax is fitted with leather pads and metal resonators, which underline its characteristically American sound. A high F-sharp key, a left-hand table, and the adjustable thumbrest contribute to its comfortable playability, as expected. Compared with the previous version, revisions have been made to the tone holes and the pads in particular. Musicians who've played this model note that these changes have made it even more responsive and articulate – across all registers, and from the softest pianissimo to powerful fortissimo passages.
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Precise projection
As an updated successor to a model that has long been firmly established worldwide, the Selmer Super Action alto saxophone is aimed squarely at advanced players – right up to virtuoso professionals. One of its defining strengths is that it is not confined to any single genre, and has no desire to be. Instead, it lends itself just as readily to Classical music as it does to Jazz, Pop, Soul, Rock, and other musical styles, whether it's used in orchestral settings, section work, or as a solo instrument. This is due in no small part to its open tonal character, which is rich with overtones while still offering very focused, reliable projection. The wide dynamic range, delivered in the timbre so characteristic of Selmer, is made immediately accessible by the finely crafted mechanism and a level of precision that remains exceptional even with such an open tonal character.
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About Selmer
Henri Selmer Paris, founded in 1885 by Henri Selmer – a clarinettist and graduate of the Paris Conservatoire – is a legendary French manufacturer of wind instruments. Initially producing clarinet mouthpieces, the company soon expanded to full clarinets and gained global recognition for its craftsmanship and quality. Selmer became particularly renowned for its saxophones, which have been favoured by countless Jazz musicians since the 1920s. Beyond saxophones and clarinets, Selmer also crafts trumpets, trombones, and horns, continually refining its instruments through collaborations with leading musicians and the use of premium materials.
Contemporary comforts: The high F-sharp key
The high F‑sharp key is now generally regarded as standard equipment on quality saxophones, even though it is not always found on older instruments. Its primary purpose is to make it easier to reach the high F‑sharp, as an alternative to the standard fingering, while also simplifying the fingering for higher notees in general. Engaging the high F‑sharp key is thus often referred to as using an auxiliary fingering. In addition, the key is a great help when playing trills and fast chromatic runs, as it allows for smoother hand movement. Alternative fingerings for producing these kinds of notes are almost always less comfortable and more difficult to play, particularly as it is typically the highest note available without auxiliary fingerings. The high F‑sharp key is used predominantly in classical saxophone playing.
