“Modèle 2022”: a limited edition to celebrate 100 years of SELMER saxophones
100 years of SELMER saxophones
The Supreme "Modèle 2022" alto celebrates the hundredth anniversary of the first saxophone to be manufactured by the Henri SELMER Paris workshops in 1922. Produced in a limited series of 641 pieces -in reference to the number of parts needed to assemble it- this new version of the Supreme alto benefits from the same acoustic, mechanical and ergonomic qualities, but is distinguished by a specific, innovative and creative design.
This instrument pays tribute to the generations of craftspeople who have perpetuated a unique and precious know-how in our workshops in Mantes-la-Ville, where during the last hundred years, all the saxophone models have been designed and manufactured. Some of these models have become iconic and have been brought to life by the hands of genius musicians, helping to transform the music of this rich century. The saxophone has flourished through all its different repertoires, and in particular through jazz, of which the saxophone has become the most emblematic voice.
An innovative and creative design
The Supreme "Modèle 2022" embodies and celebrates the creative and festive spirit of Paris in the 1920s. Its design draws its graphic inspiration from the Art Déco era, which saw the birth of the first SELMER saxophone.
The body and the keywork are lacquered in matte dark gold, an exclusive finish that creates a unique light and reflections. They contrast with the matte black chromed guards and octave key. The design of the gold-plated body-to-bell is reminiscent of the microphones of the 1920s. A black grenadilla wood medallion with the golden "S" of SELMER is inserted in its center. The mother-of-pearl are also black, echoing the black of the medallion and guards.
The pads are made of black leather and the resonators are brushed lacquered with a wavy shape. For maximum durability, the two thumb rests are gold plated.
Each instrument is unique, with a limited edition number on the neck-to-body connection. Like the thumb rests, the nickel silver clamping ring is gold plated.
An engraving in tribute to the Paris of the Roaring Twenties
The Supreme "Modèle 2022" has a specific engraving that goes all the way up the body.
This engraving illustrates and celebrates the joy of the Paris of the 1920s, the Roaring Twenties, an euphoric interlude between the two world wars, when the desire for artistic creation and celebration in all its forms was intense.
Paris and its monuments The city of Paris is illustrated by its monuments, its river and especially the Eiffel Tower, a marvelous symbol of avant-garde that became a symbol of an era. Montmartre, where Henri SELMER Paris was founded, was its most festive and bubbling epicenter, crossroads of all artistic currents. Musicians and the party The engraving of the “Modèle 2022” pays tribute to past and contemporary musicians, for whom the pleasure of playing and creating is intact. From that time on, the Radio was the main means of broadcasting music, especially Jazz, which helped the saxophone become so popular. The graphic arts The Paris of the Roaring Twenties is the meeting point between Art Nouveau, whose sinuous lines are inspired by the plant world, to which the shape of the saxophone itself is related, and the elegance of the Art Déco movement, whose refined architecture is more geometric. |
Accessories
The Supreme "Modèle 2022" alto saxophone comes with a Concept mouthpiece, a Supreme neck strap and a set of accessories designed specifically for this limited edition.
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Specific “Modèle 2022” case signed BAM. Compact in size, it has a large storage space and two detachable interior pockets. The shoulder straps offer great comfort.
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Concept mouthpiece, a model of high acoustic precision. It comes with a matte black chromed cap and ligature.
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Supreme neck strap with a gold metal slider in the shape of the black marked Henri SELMER Paris logo.
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Bi-material cloth made to the shape of the case: the front is in microfiber marked with the “Modèle 2022” engraving pattern and the back is in silk. It is placed on the instrument in the case to ensure maximum protection of your saxophone.
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Body and neck swabs, with the engraving pattern.
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Grenadilla plug with a brass ring engraved “Modèle 2022”.
The Supreme "Modèle 2022" will be available in stores from April. You can find the list of authorized dealers here.
► See the “Modèle 2022” product page
► The Supreme "Modèle 2022": a wink to the History of the Saxophone
Photo credit : David Meignan