This is a Selmer Paris Soloist for tenor saxophone, facing F, in hard rubber, and appears to be a modern production Soloist (not vintage short- or long-shank Mark VI era) based on the modern Selmer wreath logo, crisp gold print, and body profile. The modern Soloist line is Selmer’s recreation of the classic vintage Soloist design, featuring the distinctive horseshoe chamber and rollover baffle that helped define countless classical and jazz tenor sounds.

The F facing is moderately open by Soloist standards – more open than a C*, D, or E, but still well within the controlled, focused Selmer family. On tenor, an F typically offers a very appealing balance of projection, flexibility, and resistance, making it suitable for players who want enough openness for jazz phrasing without losing the centered tone and precise articulation that Soloists are known for. Compared to Otto Link-style large chamber pieces, the Soloist tends to sound more focused, more compact, and more harmonically dense, with excellent front-of-note clarity.

Condition appears excellent used condition. The body retains strong gloss and sharp stamping with minimal cosmetic wear. The beak shows only light tooth wear / superficial scuffing and no visible chips, cracks, or bite-through. Rails and tip appear clean from the photos, suggesting a well-cared-for and fully playable example.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Selmer Paris
• Model: Soloist
• Instrument: Tenor Saxophone
• Material: Hard Rubber
• Facing: F
• Chamber: Horseshoe chamber
• Origin: France
• Condition: Excellent Used Condition
• Includes: Mouthpiece only

Because this carries the modern gold Selmer Paris wreath logo rather than older scroll-shank markings, this is likely late 1990s to present production, most likely 2000s-2020s.

Vintage Soloists are usually categorized as:

Short shank (1950s-early 1960s) – highly collectible
Long shank / scroll shank (mid-1960s-1970s)
Modern reissue (1990s-present) – this example

The modern Soloist was intentionally designed to preserve much of the original voicing.

The F facing is where the Soloist line really starts to open up and become exciting for modern players. Smaller facings (C*, D, E) often appeal more to classical or straight-ahead players seeking maximum control, while the F adds noticeably more air capacity and expressive headroom. We’d expect this piece to deliver a tone that is centered and focused, yet capable of real punch and color when pushed – think strong core, fast response, and excellent altissimo stability.

For a player who loves the Selmer sound but finds a smaller Soloist too restrictive, the F is a sweet spot. It offers enough room to shape the sound while still retaining that unmistakable Soloist “ring” and compact power.