![]() Re-tooling back to the radio improved keywork after switching production to the BA for a small run of horns would not be cost-effective. While Jimmy Dorsey did have a lot of influence at this time period, its doubtful that Selmer would have altered its production simply at his request. Most likely a bit of both of these scenerios were at play in the creation of this horn. Instead of wasting these parts Selmer may have used them to make a limited run of horns that were given to various performers who endorsed Selmer saxophones (Jimmy Dorsey and his sax section being the most prominent of the period). However, this seems a bit far fetched as discussed below.Īnother more likely scenerio is that Selmer did inventory in 1937 and realized that they had a good number of left over bells and plenty of extra keywork from the earlier saxophone models. Accordingly, Selmer agreed to make a limited run of altos and tenors that met these design specifications. However, one story is that the Dorsey band, devote Selmer players, all preferred the earlier radio improved keywork, but liked the way the new balanced action performed. The origin of this model is not known for certain. Probably less than 100 of these horn were ever produced. WHAT KEY IS SELMER BUNDY FLUTE SERIAL NUMBER 564067 SERIESLastly, the C and Eb key guards are balanced action-like and soldered on with a triangular flange and therefore do not cover up the serial number stamp on the back-side of the body tube.īoth the first and second series Dorsey Selmers are retro-fit balanced actions that are characterized by having a balanced body tube and radio improved keywork. ![]() Second, the portrait engraving pattern is located in the same spot as you would expect for a balanced action (mid way up the front side of the bell). First, the serial number is not located on the bell of the instrument nor is the radio improved stamp. Other minor differences exist between this later version and the first series Dorsey. These horns are noted for having a sheet metal B/Bb keyguard soldered over the top of the wire guard. The second series Dorsey Selmer was in 1938-39 (serial number range (26xxx-28xxx). Further, the serial number on the back of the body tube differs from that on the bell and is partially covered over by the retro-fit Eb key guard just as the B/Bb keyguard cage is soldered in place right over the bell engraving. Second, the sailboat portrait is positioned on the bottom right side of the bell (as you're playing) as oppoed to the middle of the front section of the bell. First, the stamping is of the earlier Radio Improved era complete with Henri Selmer signture, serial number, and Radio Improved stamp. While, the bell is engraved with the appropriate balanced action floral engraving pattern with sailboat portrait, it differs slightly from the typical balanced action engraving pattern. This first series Doresy is charcacterized by having all radio improved keyguards. The first series (as pictured here) was in 1937 (serial number range 23xxx-24xxx). There were two runs of Dorsey Selmer saxes. The Dorsey Selmer was only offered in alto or tenor. The most obvious departure from the balanced action is that the bell keys are located on the opposite side of the bell (left as you're playing the horn). ![]() However, the miracle happens on the bottom half of the horn. The upper stack is almost 100% balanced action. These rare limited production horns have a balanced action body tube with retro-fit Radio Improved keywork including the eariler Radio Improved bell, table mechanism and bell to body brace. ![]() The Dorsey model Selmer was first introduced in May of 1937 almost two years after Selmer had begun production of the balanced action line of saxophones.
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