Wichita Band Instrument Company
Wichita, Kansas


A superb and totally original SELMER BALANCED ACTION alto saxophone, made in France in 1947, serial #33,631

Acquired by us earlier this year, together with half a dozen vintage saxes from a collector.

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.

*** This BA was built for the French market, in original bright silver finish.  Please note....no number stamped on the neck tenon.  Price includes original cheap French  case + a new ProTech.

*** Never dented or dinged, very clean original instrument.  ALL pads and corks were new in November..


*** You're seeing "works in progress" photos.  Jess tells me he'll be finished with it on November 29.

*** Nov. 29....Yes, now completed and ready to ship!  Absolutely stunning PLUS it's a superb player. Think Al Galladoro, Phil Woods, Bud Shank, Tommy Newsom on the Carson show...

In 1947, Selmer built  2100 instruments;  I'm guessing 2/3 were altos, one-third tenor.

This one's super clean, looks like it's never been played. Keywork still tight, NO wear to the original bright silver plate.   Please note the ebonite buttons for key-pearls.  Selmer couldn't get mother of pearl during the war years or just after. The buttons are original, never replaced, no wear showing the edges of the pearl-cups.

Original "Table C / Stentor"  Selmer-Paris mouthpiece.

Instrument plays bright and full, the voice like that of a voluptuous French lady, who's maybe a few pounds overweight but we love her all the more because of it.   The instrument is not for sissies.

Intonation is perfect.  The low notes are NOT sharp.

Superb intonation means low notes are NOT a quarter-step sharp.  Use a VanDoren 2 1/3 or 3 on a modern Selmer mouthpiece and you'll be amazed at the warm and liquid tone-color. 

We have no hesitation in recommending it to the most particular musician.

*** Better than a new one?  In OUR opinion, ABSOLUTELY!

 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

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Wichita Band Instrument Company is a small musical instrument emporium located in the center of the USA.  The owners are Kansas natives Gary L. Ray and his two sons. 

Founded by a woodwind repair technician in 1953, we soon will commence our seventy-first year in business.

We’re not a “back bedroom” operation but can report that we are the owners of a proper “brick and mortar” workshop.

We enjoy a sterling reputation for ethical business transactions and confirm to our friends and clients

the simple fact that we expect to be in business forever.

****** COMING SOON.....

Selmer M6 #125,XXX, 95% orig French lacquer, high F#.

Selmer alto #149,757  (sold)

Selmer alto #46,473 (sold)

Selmer alto #44,057 (sold)

Selmer alto #33,631

Selmer alto #32,592

Selmer alto #30,880

Selmer alto #15,042 (Cig Cutter)

Selmer alto #487,444 (SA80-II)  (sold)

H.N. White "King Super 20" alto, pearl side & palm keys, circa 1947.

Martin "Committee / The Martin" tenor, 1946, 95% orig lac.

Watch for our EBay postings!

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