Selmer

Selmer is it first Fabricant French of instruments wind (Clarinette S, Saxophone S, Cuivre S) located at Mantes-the-City (Yvelines). Founded in 1885 by Henri Selmer, this company was established at Mantes-the-City in 1919. It produces approximately 22.000 instruments per annum, including 80% of saxophones, and more than 100.000 nozzles of saxophone and clarinet. The 4/5 of the production are exported. The company also distributes BACH coppers (the USA) and the percussions FIRST (GB). Its annual Turnover rises to 35 million euros. The manpower is of 615 people.

History

This company, which remained under the control of the family since the origin, was rested by Henri Selmer who was a famous clarinettist. It initially manufactured Anche S in its workshop located at Montmartre, then manufactured Clarinette S which were sold with the the United States where his/her brother, Alexandre, also clarinettist, made known them. In 1921, it begins the manufacture of Saxophone S and begins again in 1929 the company of Adolphe Sax. Selmer resisted Asian competition while specializing in the high-end.

The company will be illustrated between 1932 and 1952 in the production of emblematic the Guitare S Selmer (model Selmer and Selmer Maccaferri ) thanks to the Luthier Mario Maccaferri. The musician Django Reinhardt will contribute to make of them the guitars of the Jazz manouche French.

The model Mark VI in particular the violas and tenors produced in the the Fifties and at the beginning of the the Sixties, is recognized by many musicians as being the best saxophone ever produced.

Produced models

Saxophones

1922 : Model 22
1926: Model 26
1930: Cigar Cutter (Super Sax)
1934: Radio operator Improved
1936: Balanced Action
1948: Super Action
1954: Mark VI
1974: Mark VII
1981: Super Action 80
1986: Super Action 80 Series II
1995: Series III (Soprano)
1997: Series III (Tenor)
1999: Series III (Viola)
2000: Reference Tenor 36&54
2003: Reference Viola

External bond

Selmer, official site

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