Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone Serial No. 38721 (1949) – Coltrane Year | Mechanically Refurbished | Rare Professional Saxophone

The Selmer Super Balanced Action (SBA) Tenor Saxophone, serial number 38725 and dating from circa 1949, is one of the most revered vintage saxophones ever produced. Renowned for its extraordinary craftsmanship, effortless ergonomics, and rich, expressive tone, the SBA occupies a legendary place in saxophone history. Highly sought after by professional musicians and collectors alike, these instruments represent the pinnacle of post-war French saxophone design.

Most significantly, this instrument comes from the same production period as the Selmer Super Balanced Action famously played by John Coltrane. Coltrane's SBA is widely documented as a 1949 model, with a serial number in the early 40,000 range, generally accepted to fall between 38,501 and 41,500. With serial number 38725, this saxophone was built during that same celebrated production period, making it especially appealing to collectors and admirers of Coltrane's early career.

This 2nd hand Tenor Saxophone has been mechanically refurbished by an experienced technician. The mechanism has been carefully inspected, regulated, adjusted, and play-tested to ensure smooth, reliable performance while preserving the instrument's original vintage character.

The Super Balanced Action is celebrated for its rich tonal palette, broad dynamic range, and effortless response. Its warm core, vibrant overtones, and exceptional projection have made it a favourite among generations of professional saxophonists across jazz, classical, and contemporary music.

Features

• Authentic Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone

• Serial Number 38725 (Circa 1949)

• Genuine 2nd hand vintage French professional saxophone

• Mechanically refurbished and performance ready

• Built during the same production period as John Coltrane's famous 1949 SBA

• Rich, resonant tone with exceptional projection and tonal complexity

• Fast, ergonomic keywork that paved the way for the Mark VI

• Ideal for professional musicians, collectors, and vintage saxophone enthusiasts

• Includes case (where applicable)

Why Choose the Selmer Super Balanced Action?

The Selmer Super Balanced Action is widely regarded as one of the greatest tenor saxophones ever built. Introduced as the successor to the Balanced Action, the SBA refined Selmer's revolutionary ergonomics while producing an unmistakably rich and expressive sound. Many players consider it to possess a unique tonal character that bridges the warmth of the Balanced Action with the focused projection of the later Mark VI.

Its legacy is inseparable from John Coltrane, who famously performed and recorded on a 1949 Selmer Super Balanced Action before later moving to a Mark VI. Coltrane's instrument is widely documented as originating from the early 40,000 serial number range, generally accepted to fall between 38,501 and 41,500. This places serial number 38721 within that same historic production period, adding further significance to an already exceptional instrument.

Today, original SBAs remain among the most rare, sought after, and collectible vintage saxophones in the world. Their remarkable craftsmanship, unmistakable tonal richness, and historical importance have secured their reputation as true pro luxury instruments.

If you're searching for a vintage Selmer Super Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone, a mechanically refurbished 2nd hand tenor saxophone, or a rare deluxe professional French saxophone, this circa 1949 example, serial number 38721, represents an outstanding opportunity to own one of the most iconic saxophones ever created.