Selmer 1988 ‘USA – AS100’ Eb Alto, Silver Plate #824k (Archived)

1980s Selmer "USA" [Professional] AS100 alto sax, in silver plate!

A entry-professional Selmer from the late 1980s - Model AS100. At #824k I will estimate its dating at 1988. Rare Silver plate in 97% condition. These are one of the best kept secrets in the sax world.--pro sax, "selmer", with all the ergos and tone you're after. Most people mistake the "USA" on the bell for the later student-line. Do not be fooled! She arrived with a few missing screws (I will replace with silver ones to match!) As someone one mentioned, these models and the like should be considered a cousin to the Mark VI; I like that description. ***these are far closer to the Mark VI tone than was the Mark VII(crisp)! - in my opinion.

A bit of historical discussion(with added sax forum research): Arguments over the true Omega Model 162 saxes (note that "Omega" nor "162" nor "AS100" was ever engraved on the saxes) may be different than the AS100 models that followed. The main noticeable differences were the engraving change, the high F# change from brass to pearl, and the thumbhook from brass to plastic. From there the AS110 changed the Front F from pearl to a teardrop. Earlier models #820k-#823k, somewhere in the ~#824,xxx these changes appeared.(LINK) There is also a plausible case for a change in lacquer hue on the non-silver models.

Discrepancies for needed research: a fellow claims to have had a pearl F# on his #821K bought in 1984 (LINK). Perhaps the original Model 162 Omega was only a brief set of numbers - or perhaps there was some overlap! How long did the Omega/AS110 run go?... the chatter suggests about #829K(I've seen 0,830K) and thus until about 1993.  The oldest serial number that I have seen anyone claim a #0,830K sax from this run; it was a tenor - AND note that it had a "0" placed before the numbers! = "0830307" (also seen listed/sold through CEWinds). (All of this should be expected to apply to the tenor versions, Model 164 and TS100)

REBUILD: The specifics are yet to be decided. I would love to plan a Full Rebuild on this one with special pads and/or resonators. I'll shine up all the silver, and help her sing the doors down!

CASE: Comes with a great Selmer hard case (like the Series I, II, III have) without the leather wrap, although the handles were repaired. Ask me about those.

Cosmetic Rating: 9.0

This sax will be a super cool sax!

Sound files of actual sax:

Item #: WWS11.2E5.77.1131.5-C0