I have the opportunity to purchase a (Henri) Selmer alto, model E40. It's not within driving distance for me to try it, but the owner has kindly offered to buy it back if I purchase it and then find it doesn't meet my needs.

Before I pull the trigger on that and put the owner and myself through some possible inconvenience, I'd like to see if anyone has any experience with and commentary on the Selmer alto specifically. Generally, the forum speaks highly of the French Selmer horns and I have a Bolero and a Largo (both straight horns) but I got them more as collector's items than for actual use. I just think there is a cool mystique about them that I find intriguing. The alto would actually be put to use. Some of the less favorable comments that stand out to me from other posts about Selmer horns is difficulty with blending in a section and some quirky intonation, though that seems to be the norm for several makes/models. :lol:

It would be great to hear from anyone who has played a Selmer alto with some regularity, most especially in an ensemble of any type. Any other info above and beyond that about them would be welcome also. There is at least one thread (somewhat) dedicated to a similar horn, but it devolved into something less than useful. :roll:

Thanks in advance!

I have one but I don't know the model. Silverplated, friction fit and no slide lock. Needed patches on red rot areas of tbe end crook. Needed a leadpipe.

In spite of having a smsll bell it's not a bright sound, and it plays really well.

I haven't actually used it yet - no gigs or ensembles, but I'm looking forward to playing it more. So I don't know about blend.

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The Selmer E40 has a locking bell and a slide lock. It has a pretty large bell (7.5”) for an alto.

Thanks Doug and Stustang for the info.