Vintage Selmer Paris Cigar Cutter Alto Saxophone - Serial # 16543

Our Price: $ 2,500.00

Product ID: 16543SelmerCCAlto

This is a 1932 vintage Selmer Paris Super Series “Cigar Cutter” alto sax, serial number 16543. This is a true Cigar Cutter horn, with the tell-tale octave key design of this model, which was only available for a 2 year period. As rare as it is, it remains a popular option for players and collectors alike.

This alto was relacquered long ago, as most Cigar Cutters have been by now. The work is not bad, with much of the fine detailed engraved still clearly visible across the bell, thought is a bit more faint down on the bottom bow. There are signs of past dent work in the tube, bell and bottom bow, but all work was done before the relacquering, so it is hard to spot. The body is straight and all looks good currently. The sax does have its original neck as well.

This sax was repadded a few years ago, using leather pads and brown nylon resonators. The pads are sealing and the pad life still looks to be good. Rather than inflate the price with additional work, we decided to sell the horn as-is on its existing setup, which feels decent, though the horn could use a good pro set up. If you are looking for a bargain deal on a Cigar Cutter that is playing as it sits, you'd be hard pressed to find a better deal. Sonically, it definitely has a warm sound, and is less focused than you'd find on a more modern (post-Mark VI) Selmer Paris. Nice spread that fills up a room well.