Forum of the Saxes

JPSaxMan · Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 8:45 am Post subject: Serie II vs Serie III

You've probably been all waiting for this so here it goes. If I leave anything out I'll be sure to correct it.

Selmer Serie II

The same vintage Super Action 80 works into this new horn

Typical rocker style mechanism on the left hand pinky cluster keys

Patented spring loaded rods eliminate key play (as far as I know they still use needle springs in some places).

Patented body-to-bow connection to assure an airtight seal.

Plastic thumbrest (both octave and right hand)

Kid leather pads with metal tone boosters

Serie III

Reducing weight in the ribs and rods by 30% permit a somewhat lighter horn

The new neck angle copies that of the Mark VI, therefore permitting a better airstream for easier playing

New styled spatula keys create a different feel of the horn

Kid leather pads with metal tone boosters

Metal thumbrest (both octave and right hand)

Offers a version of alto with a harmonic mechanism; facilitates in playing altissimo G.
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Next is the comparison of the Serie III and Reference horns Twisted Evil

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JP
Student of Saxophone
Music Education (BME) Major-2011
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

JazZz · Joined: 05 Jul 2005 Posts: 170

On the selmer website in the comparision chart, it lists the series III and the reference54 as being almost the same so I can't wait for this comparision. I've seen the reference's, but all I keep on hearing is that it's "A remake of the Mark VI" which really means nothing to me having never played one.

JPSaxMan · Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:23 pm Post subject:

Yea, they basically are about the same so maybe I won't waste my time. I do have a sound clip from the Music Professor at the University of Kentucky who phonically compared the two with a different result. Let me get it and I'll post it Cool

_________________
JP
Student of Saxophone
Music Education (BME) Major-2011
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

JazZz · Joined: 05 Jul 2005 Posts: 170

That's pretty cool. I'd assume that the reference would have a darker tone because it's made out of a heavier alloy (I know at least the alto is). I've never heard them play tested side by side, just my in store comparission and they both have 2 different tone's. Selmer's are so nice Smile

JPSaxMan · Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 11:55 pm Post subject:

The general conclusion of the phonic test was that the Ref. was brighter.

But you can decide for yourself Cool

_________________
JP
Student of Saxophone
Music Education (BME) Major-2011
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

JazZz · Joined: 05 Jul 2005 Posts: 170

ha, that's a surprise!

Altosaxophonerules · Joined: 25 Aug 2005 Posts: 130 Location: Canada

I also have another question... after re-reading your comparsion, what does kid leather pads mean?

JPSaxMan · Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 9:22 pm Post subject:

AS4vr,

No one horn is "better" than the other IMO, therefore I don't feel that the II is better than the III or vice versa. I think I'm gonna try out a Serie II before a III or Reference horn when I finally go for an alto, but for now I don't have a personal opinion. If you're talking about just features/specs, the III is a newer/modern horn which will tend to have more modern features, but to say the III is better than the II just because of the modern features is a crock IMO.

ASR, kid leather pads simply are leather pads. I believe they call them "kid" leather because the leather comes from baby goats (aka, kids). Cool

_________________
JP
Student of Saxophone
Music Education (BME) Major-2011
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

Altosaxophonerules · Joined: 25 Aug 2005 Posts: 130 Location: Canada

Kid pads, new volcabulary for me. Anyways, I think that the Series II and Series III are both great horns. Just some modern upgrades to the Series III

altosax4ever · Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 10:07 am Post subject: Not what...

Just making sure, I actually prefer the II myself. Mr. Green

Thanks!
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Music IS Life

(and the saxophone is breathing)