Selmer SE-SO2S Sopranino Sax
Sopranino Saxophone
- Super Action 80 II Series
- Straight, one-piece construction
- Body and keys silver-plated
- Hand‑engraved anniversary detailing
- High F-sharp key
- Leather pads with metal resonators
- Includes S80 C* mouthpiece and Selmer Light case
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Available since March 2013
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Item number 146791
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
A focus on the tonal core
The sopranino saxophone is the highest‑pitched voice in the saxophone family and is increasingly used in contemporary music. The Selmer SE‑SO2S sopranino sax is a further development of its "historical" predecessor: lightweight and versatile, with a very rounded sound and improved playability. This high‑end instrument offers excellent intonation and a uniform playing resistance – qualities essential for a sax of this size. Its distinctive warm tone integrates seamlessly into the Super Action 80 II family, with the tonal flexibility that is so characteristic of Selmer instruments in general also realised in this specific sax. The manufacturer's approach of focusing not on the sheer volume of the sound, but on the quality of the tonal core, is particularly important for the sopranino saxophone, where it helps to counteract what might otherwise be an almost piercing sound.
Silvery elegance
At the same time, the Selmer SE‑SO2S sopranino sax continues to be defined by its traditional qualities. The instrument is made from brass, with both the body and the keywork finished in silver plate. The attractive appearance is completed by hand‑engraved detailing. The SE-SO2S is fitted with leather pads and metal resonators, which underline its characteristically American sound. A high‑F-sharp key and an adjustable thumb rest, which can be set for left‑ or right‑hand use, support comfortable playability. Compared with the previous version, changes have been made to the tone holes and the pads in particular. This special instrument comes with accessories such as an S80 C* mouthpiece with ligature and the Selmer Light case.
Precise projection
With this appealing set of attributes, the Selmer SE‑SO2S sopranino saxophone is aimed squarely at discerning musicians – right up to virtuoso professionals: Not for nothing is it described by the manufacturer as a "professional‑class instrument". Thanks to its excellent projection and timbre, Classical and Jazz saxophonists in particular are likely to appreciate its qualities. Despite its range, the SE-SO2S provides uniform radiation, a warm tone, and a very strong tonal affinity with the E‑flat alto saxophone. Its musicality and playability will allow it to hold its own across a wide variety of musical genres, not least because it avoids the tendency towards shrill frequencies that sopranino players often fear – something that in itself reflects a high level of craftsmanship. Musicians will find that the finely engineered mechanism and precision build make the entire dynamic range very accessible.
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.
One-piece construction
The term "one‑piece construction" refers here to the SE-SO2S's straight design, in which the neck is integrated into the main tube, eliminating the need for a detachable S‑bend. The concept is often said to offer greater robustness – for example when tuning at the mouthpiece – and also reduced weight. Tuning itself is generally considered easier, which is especially relevant given that intonation remains the trickiest aspect of the sopranino saxophone, an instrument that is inherently more challenging to control than the alto or tenor. It comes as no surprise that sopranino players welcome any improvement in this area. At the same time, modern instrument-makers also tend to assume that a one-piece straight sopranino sax will further enhance the strong projection that Jazz saxophonists in particular favour. The Selmer SE-SO2S Sopranino Sax aligns closely with this design philosophy.