This exceptional saxophone is the result of custom development. It took no less than three years for the Selmer Paris R&D unit, in collaboration with Pierrick Pedron, to develop the new Reference Alto and put it into production: "We began working on the project in 2000, in the wake of the Reference tenor" the saxophonist told us. "We first concentrated our tests on the tubes, then the neck, using as the yardstick the exceptional Selmer Mark VI that I bought in New York in 1999 Our first objective was clearly defined from the very beginning o f the project: THE SOUND.

We repeated the tests so as to succeed in finding a sound texture, a depth, and a breadth that is currently not to be found in any other instrument! This acoustic quality is the first asset of the Reference Alto, which does even better than the Mark VI in terms o f power, for we also enlarged the diameter of the bell. We must also mention the great reliability of pitch thanks to the neck length, which was especially studied."

Once the pre-condition of SOUND was taken care of, the Selmer Paris team, still in collaboration with Pierrick Pedron, concentrated on the mechanics: "these ensue directly from those of the Mark VI ,was conceived by Marcel Mule and known for their ergonomics .Ofcourse, current production techniques enable us to conceive mechanics not only quite easy to play but,again,with great reliability.The final stage was the finish; the looks had to match the instrument's mucical quality. We opted for a single finish with a warm tint,which gives depth tp the lacquer. Further more,this lacquer is really quite quite resistant. I have a fairly acidic pH and can assure you that my Reference Alto is absolutely unmarked, despite the long Club sessions
.Finally we looked through the old plans in the Selmer factory to rediscover the superb flower whose finesse and beauty of design enhance the instruement.