A superb SELMER CIGAR CUTER SSS alto saxophone, made in France in 1931, serial #15,042.
*** Acquired from several sources earlier this year,Cigar-Cutter Selmer, a good pre-war Balanced Action Selmer tenor, two M6 altos and a few other pieces. All are now in the process of being brought back to life, slowly, a pad at a time.
*** Have a look, if you would, at the YouTube listing from DOUGLAS PIPHER about Selmer sax history. Regret to say I don't know the fellow, but he seems to know quite a bit about the early pre-BA Selmers. Lives in Toronto? Maybe I should pay him a visit. In any event, have a look at his postings....lots of info there.
*** Over the years I can report having a several dozen Cig-Cutters pass through our hands. Had a burnished-gold instrument about a decade ago that was quite nice. The sax I've posted today (#15,042) is no beauty queen, but it is original, has actually not been played much in the past 90-some years. I spent about 15 minutes with it yesterday, found it to be a very good player with a bright voice. As I recall, Joe Allard used a Brillhart 3-star on his alto, but I've not got anything now in the shop that's comparable. Finally found a seventies Selmer B-star (not C-star) that worked well. I've got the time today, later tomorrow, to test mouthpieces more.
This particular sax does have some history with it. I got a call some time ago, from an elderly gent who told me his father had purchased the sax when it was new. Ready to sell items no longer needed, I got a fine Martin tenor, clapped-out French Bundy clarinet and this Cig-Cut from him. I do have personal contact info from the fellow and can forward same, with some pix, to the new owner.
It's unique in that the lacquer, worn about 50% is definitely original. Look closely at the "braids" the two that are between the main body and the end-bow and between the end-bow and the bell. No evidence of buffing or heaving polishing. The key-pearls are also sill sharp, show no evidence of having had the pearl-cups buffed. The strap-ring and the thumb-rest also are without serious wear or buffing at the left-hand side of the rest.
All of which means that I'm convinced that the lacquer, still about 50% intact, is original.
Wish I had three or four Cigar-Cutters now in the shop, though: for comparison purposes. I seem to remember that some players found the middle D to be sharp. I did no find that issue on our instrument. Low notes a bit low, ( normal stuff) but otherwise I thought the scale was quite good.
I'll give it another hour or so tomorrow. But my first impression is very optimistic. The bright and bell-like singing voice is unique and wonderful.*** Think Joe Allard, Hymie Schertzer....others who's names I've forgotten.
Instrument plays bright and clear, quite unique and NOT like a modern Selmer.
Seems to be several other early Selmers now posted on EBay. Our instrument wears 100% new pads and corks, has never been dented or dinged, comes with a new case + the original case. Two year warranty also. Don't be afraid of this beautiful alto!EDR
Wichita Band’s service warranty is the same as it’s been for more than four decades:
“ALL new and all used instruments sold by Wichita Band Instrument Company come with our 24 month service warranty. It’s in addition to any factory guarantees. For two full years, we will repair or replace (whichever in our estimation is the more advisable), pads, corks, springs or other parts required, at no charge to the customer. In the event of cracked or damaged wood sections, we will repair at no cost to the customer or replace the section and charge the customer only for our net costs for the replacement section. Often, wood replacement parts are supplied from the manufacturer at no charge. The customer is responsible for shipping and insurance charges. Cases and plating finishes are not covered by our service warranty but are sometimes covered by factory guarantees.”
*** WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT COMPANY / WICHITA, KANSAS / USA