The Selmer Super Action 80 Series II alto saxophone sits between the classic Mark VI and modern pro horns as a workhorse chosen by many touring, studio, and orchestral players for its focused sound, reliable projection, and adaptable playability.
Brief history and lineage
Produced from the late 1980s through the 1990s, the Series II continues Selmer Paris’ evolution from the Mark VI through the Super Action 80 line, keeping a recognizable voice while changing bore, tone chamber, and key geometry.
Musicians still call it the Selmer Series 2 alto saxophone because the market attached that shorthand to its distinct voice and ergonomics; collectors and players use both “Series II” and “Series 2” interchangeably.
Why working saxophonists still pick a Series II
Pros favor the Series II for its projection: the horn cuts through small combos and studio mixes without sounding harsh.
The core sound sits forward and centered, which helps lead players hold a line in both jazz and pit work.
Durability matters: many Series II altos survive decades of heavy use with routine maintenance, making them practical for daily gigging.
Distinctive build and keywork features
The Series II uses a medium-large bore with a slightly revised neck profile compared with the Mark VI; that combination pushes the sound forward and tightens the center of the tone.
Palm keys and high F# mechanisms are positioned for quick reach and fast fingering; right-hand table keys have a slightly compact layout that favors technical playing.
Construction choices—brass alloys, lacquer or silver-plate finishes, and soldering practices—affect vibration and sustain; a well-soldered joint and lightly finished bore deliver more resonance.
What the Series II sounds like in practice
The tonal fingerprint: a focused midrange with harmonics that remain clear rather than overly warm; low register has presence, middle register projects, and altissimo tends to be reachable with a controlled embouchure.
Attack is immediate; short articulations respond cleanly and dynamics scale well from pianissimo to full blast without losing center.
Intonation leans slightly sharp in some upper middle notes and can droop in the extreme low end depending on mouthpiece and reed; most players compensate with embouchure adjustments or neck swaps.
Response and articulation nuances
Players who use a firmer embouchure get focused projection and tighter upper register response; looser embouchures yield more warmth but risk diffuse sound.
Tongue position changes articulation character quickly; Series II rewards precise tonguing with crisp attacks and clear slurs.
Technical specs, serial variations and production quirks
Model markers and serial ranges signal production batches; early Series II examples show slightly different neck tenon fit and octave hole placement than late-run horns—these small changes affect response and intonation.
Finish options include lacquer and silver plate; silver-plated necks often feel a touch more immediate while lacquered horns age differently and can be cheaper on the used market.
Aftermarket neck swaps are common; many players fit vintage Mark VI or modern custom necks to balance tuning or to soften/brighten the timbre.
Series II versus Mark VI and modern competitors
Compared to a Mark VI, the Series II is generally more consistent out of the box and has a bit more forward projection; the Mark VI offers more color and complexity but varies greatly between individual horns.
Against Yamaha and Yanagisawa, the Series II trades absolute tuning consistency for tonal character; Yamahas deliver rock-solid intonation and low maintenance, Yanagisawas offer crisp mechanics, while the Series II gives a mid-forward voice preferred by many jazz leads.
Buyers should weigh tonal color versus mechanical predictability and resale trends when choosing between these options.
Pre-purchase inspection checklist
Check pads for mold and seating by pressing each key and listening for leaks; a leak tester or simple blowing test will reveal pad sealing issues quickly.
Inspect neck tenon fit—loose tenons introduce instability and tuning problems; wiggle the neck in the receiver and look for solder cracks at key joints and tone holes.
Examine key alignment and spring tension; sticky or uneven action often points to needing a tech setup rather than a full rebuild, but bent keywork or unsoldered braces are red flags.
Spotting originality and common repairs
Original necks, bodies, and keywork increase collector value; aftermarket pads, replaced necks, or swapped key posts change feel and often lower price unless done by a reputable tech.
Ask for service records and any photos of repairs; documented professional overhauls boost confidence and resale value.
Pricing, depreciation and resale value
Typical used price ranges: project horns under $1,000; playable, pro-setup examples $2,000–$4,000; mint or fully restored silver-plated models can reach higher depending on market and finish.
Upgrades like a quality aftermarket neck or a documented shop setup can raise usable value but may lower collector appeal to vintage purists.
Market timing matters: supply dips and peaks in gig demand affect prices; vintage interest spikes can push Series II values up temporarily.
Setup and mouthpiece/reed pairings
For jazz leads try Meyer, JodyJazz, or Berg Larsen mouthpieces with medium-to-hard reeds (Vandoren 3–3.5 or D’Addario 2.5–3.5 depending on facing) to tighten focus and increase projection.
For classical work favor Selmer S80 or Vandoren mouthpieces with softer reeds to flatten brightness and broaden the tonal core.
Small ligature and facing changes alter focus dramatically; a firmer ligature increases edge, a looser one softens the sound.
Common maintenance issues and repair cost expectations
Pads, corks and springs are routine wear items; expect a basic pad job from a reputable tech to run in the low hundreds to the high hundreds of dollars depending on location and pad grade.
Major frame damage, unsoldered joints, or repeated leaks suggest structural problems; those repairs can run into the thousands and often reduce overall value more than simple part replacement.
Regular preventive care—drying the neck after play, storing in a stable case, and yearly checkups—extends life and keeps tonal character consistent.
Modifications, custom setups and resale impact
Common mods include aftermarket necks, pad profile swaps, and ergonomic key adjustments; each can improve playability but also signal the horn has left original spec, which affects collector pricing.
Conservative mods—comfortable key reshaping, natural pad choices, and reversible necks—offer performance gains without killing resale for most gigging players.
Recording, live gig and studio tips
For live stage use, a close dynamic mic (SM57-style) angled at the bell with a 15–30 cm distance captures the Series II’s forward core while reducing room bleed.
In the studio, a large-diaphragm condenser 30–60 cm off-axis yields warmth and harmonic detail; roll off 100–150 Hz to clear low-end buildup and apply gentle compression with fast attack to tame peaks without squashing nuance.
On stage, keep monitors angled to avoid direct bell feedback and position mics slightly off-axis to preserve natural resonance and prevent harshness.
Quick decision checklist
Buy a Series II if you need a pro horn with a forward, projective midrange, proven durability, and a sound that sits naturally in jazz and studio settings.
Consider alternatives if you prioritize absolute tuning consistency, minimal upkeep, or a darker vintage color—look at Yamaha, Yanagisawa, or a well-sorted Mark VI depending on taste.
Walk away from any Series II showing unsoldered braces, persistent leaks after a tech setup, or a mismatched neck/body combination that causes tuning instability.
Final buying and setup recommendations
Test the horn with the mouthpiece and reeds you play; the Series II’s strengths show when setup matches your embouchure and style.
Budget for a professional setup if pads or regulation look marginal; a good tech will often unlock the horn’s best intonation and response at a reasonable cost.
When properly selected and maintained, a Selmer Series II alto saxophone delivers a reliable, expressive voice that stays relevant for gigging and recording players for years.
