"SELMER"SSS280R Performance Bb Soprano Saxophone

About the Model SSS280R

Express yourself through a voice based on the great Selmer tradition. The SSS280R soprano sax is capturing the interest of today's upcoming artists and delivering a modern French sound at an exceptional price. Incorporating all the right features, this soprano sax is lightweight and delivers all the performance demanded by today's top players. The acoustic response of Selmer LaVoix II saxophones is quick and fluid through all registers, and the neck is specially designed with slight resistance. This combination provides superior response, and teachers also prefer it for embouchure and air stream development. Key design is compact with professional spring tension for quicker facility. Other features include a traditional bell flare, high G, multiple adjusting screws, and treated leather pads. Its finish boasts clear lacquer over rose brass, adding a warmer timbre always appreciated on the soprano, and it also features hand engraving on its body and bell. The LaVoix II soprano uses an included Selmer USA mouthpieces that helps to create an even tone, excellent response, and steady intonation. The included lighter-weight case thoroughly protects the saxophone and offers excellent storage capacity.

The story of the Selmer Company dates back to the 1800’s with brothers Alexandre and Henri Selmer’s graduation from the Conservatoire de Paris.  In 1885, Henri began making reeds, mouthpieces, and clarinets in Paris.  Alexandre Selmer moved to the United States performing as the principal clarinetist for the Boston Symphony.  The Selmer clarinets grew quite a following and in 1904, even received a gold medal at the World’s Fair in St Louis. 

In 1909, Alexandre moved to New York City as the principal clarinetist for the New York Philharmonic.  Alongside his performances, he opened a Selmer retail store in downtown New York with teaching and repair facilities.  George Bundy began working in the store under the guidance of Alexandre Selmer.    

In 1911, Alexandre returned to Paris to assist the family business, leaving his US interests in the hands of George Bundy.  Bundy expanded the business to incorporate selling and distributing instruments from other companies such as Vincent Bach, Martin, Ludwig, and Musser. 

In 1920, Bundy moved into the area of flute manufacturing.  Hiring George Haynes, he began operating in Boston under the names “Original Haynes” and “Master Flute”.  In the early 1920’s, Bundy moved his operations to Elkhart, Indiana in search of a stronger labor pool.  With production by C.G. Conn in Elkhart, it was known as the “Band Instrument City of the World.”  In the late 1920’s in response to growing demand for the flutes, Bundy brought a young flute craftsman, Kurt Gemeinhardt from Germany to work for him.

In the late 1920’s Bundy purchased the American business from the Selmer brothers, while maintaining the exclusive distributorship of Henri Selmer Paris products in the US.  In 1948, Selmer produced the first successfully molded plastic clarinet called the Bundy Resonite 1400.  The clarinet was modeled after the famous Selmer Paris BT clarinet used by notable artists like Benny Goodman.  The clarinet established a reputation for affordability and high quality and by 1978, sold over one million units.

The Selmer Company continued to grow acquiring other legendary brands and makers such as Vincent Bach, Buescher, Glaesel, Ludwig, Musser, Emerson, and William Lewis.