Selmer Super Action 80 Series II: Profile – Musik-Ebert Gmbh

Anyone who gets serious about the alto saxophone eventually runs into one name: the Selmer Super Action 80 Series II. Built since the mid-1980s, it is one of the longest-running models from the Henri Selmer Paris workshop and, for many professional players, the instrument where the search ends.

This profile explains where the reputation comes from, how the instrument sounds, what defines the mechanism and who the purchase makes sense for. It is a considered decision in the price range around 5,000 euros, so we keep it factual.

01Origins: a French workshop across generations

Henri Selmer Paris has been building saxophones since the early twentieth century and is among the makers who shaped the tone of modern saxophone playing. The Super Action 80 line started around 1980; the revised Series II followed in the mid-1980s and is still built today.

That long production life is a quality statement in itself: an instrument that stays in the catalogue largely unchanged for decades has found its form. French manufacture, hand work on the keys and pads, and a bore refined across generations are the core of what the name stands for.

02Tonal character: warm, focused, projecting

The Series II is known for a warm, somewhat dark yet focused core. The tone carries in the room without turning harsh and stays balanced across all registers. It is exactly this blend that makes the instrument so versatile: it works in jazz as readily as in classical repertoire and in ensemble.

Tone arises from the interplay of instrument, mouthpiece and reed. To shape the Series II character on purpose, players often pair it with a Selmer mouthpiece such as the Selmer Altsaxophonmundstück S80 C* or the more direct Altsaxophon Mundstück Selmer S90.

Selmer Altsaxophonmundstück S80 - Musik-Ebert Gmbh

Selmer Altsaxophonmundstück S80 C*

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Altsaxophon Mundstück Selmer S90

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03Mechanism and ergonomics: the detail you feel while playing

The name Super Action points to a carefully considered key mechanism. Key placement, adjustable thumb rests and the overall fluid feel under the fingers are designed for long, low-fatigue playing. Mother-of-pearl key inlays and leather pads with metal resonators are part of the build.

For advanced players who practise or perform daily, this ergonomics is not a luxury but a practical advantage. Fast passages and clean intonation come more easily when the mechanism stays out of the way.

04Who the Series II is for

The Super Action 80 Series II is not a beginner instrument. It is aimed at advanced players and professionals looking for an instrument for the decades ahead and prepared to invest accordingly.

Someone still starting out is better served by a solid entry-level alto saxophone and can move up later. The Series II is the step for those who have found their sound and no longer want to change the tool.

Selmer Super Action 80 II Altsaxophon mit Gravur

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05Value retention and an honest framing

Professional-class Selmer saxophones hold their value well over time, because demand and reputation stay stable. A well-kept Series II remains a sought-after instrument even after years of use.

To be honest: the purchase sits in the price range around 5,000 euros and is a significant investment. We occasionally carry used Series II instruments on request. Buying new means choosing an instrument that will accompany you for decades.

Bearings in the professional alto segment (indicative)
Instrument	Character
Selmer Super Action 80 Series II	warm, focused, versatile
Selmer mouthpiece S80 C*	balanced, classical attack
Selmer mouthpiece S90	more direct, clearly defined

The Selmer Super Action 80 Series II is a choice for the long run: a French classic with a warm tone, a considered mechanism and stable value. For advanced players seeking their definitive alto saxophone, it is one of the most obvious places to look.

Frequently asked questions

How long has the Selmer Super Action 80 Series II been around?

The Super Action 80 line started around 1980, the revised Series II followed in the mid-1980s, and it is still built today at the Henri Selmer Paris workshop.

How does the Series II sound?

It is characterised by a warm, somewhat dark yet focused core that carries in the room. This balance makes it usable in jazz as well as classical settings.

Is the Series II suitable for beginners?

No. It is a professional instrument for advanced and professional players. Beginners are better served by a solid entry-level alto saxophone and can move up later.

Which mouthpiece suits the Series II?

Players often pair Selmer mouthpieces such as the S80 C* for a balanced, classical attack, or the S90 for a slightly more direct response.

Does Musik Ebert also carry used Series II saxophones?

Occasionally, on request. Stock varies; let us know about a specific used model you are looking for.