They say to never bring your home work with you, but no one ever said anything , we had the pleasure of sitting down with Florent Milhaud, the saxophone product manager for Henri SELMER Paris. In this insightful interview, Florent shares his journey from being a passionate saxophone player to leading the product management team at one of the most prestigious saxophone manufacturers in the world. With over 15 years of experience, Florent gives us a glimpse into the meticulous process of research and development at the historical SELMER factory in Montville, near Paris.

From Player to Product Manager

Florent Milhaud’s journey began as a saxophone player, where his love for the instrument eventually led him to his current role. He speaks about the immense privilege and responsibility he feels in managing the saxophone product line at Henri Selmer Paris, a brand synonymous with quality and innovation in the world of wind instruments.

Innovation at SELMER’s Historical Factory

The SELMER factory in Mantes-la-Ville, located about 50 kilometers from Paris, has been the birthplace of SELMER saxophones since the 1920s. Florent explains the importance of this historical site, where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly. The factory is home to a dedicated research and development team that has worked tirelessly on the latest generation of saxophones, including the “Supreme” alto and tenor models, as well as the newly released “Signature” Models.

These new models, launched in 2021 and 2023 respectively, represent the pinnacle of saxophone design and craftsmanship. Florent and his team are proud of these instruments, which they believe will set the standard for the next 30 years.

Embracing the Secondhand Market

Florent also highlights SELMER’s initiatives in the secondhand market. Recognizing the value and demand for vintage SELMER instruments, the company has started “REWIND”, a project to restore and resell these historical pieces. From clarinets to trumpets, and even guitars, SELMER’s secondhand program ensures that their legacy instruments continue to be cherished and played by new generations of musicians.

An Invitation to Visit SELMER in Paris

For those visiting Paris, Florent extends a warm invitation to the SELMER showroom located in the picturesque Montmartre district. This showroom is a testament to the brand’s rich heritage and commitment to excellence. Visitors can explore the latest models and see firsthand the craftsmanship that goes into each SELMER instrument.

Florent Milhaud’s dedication to advancing the art of saxophone making is truly inspiring. His insights into the development process, the importance of preserving historical instruments, and the future of SELMER saxophones offer a fascinating look into the world of high-quality musical instrument manufacturing.

If you’re ever in Paris, don’t miss the chance to visit the SELMER showroom. For more information, visit their website and plan your visit. Stay tuned to our blog for more interviews and updates from the world of music!

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of two exceptional Selmer Paris Alto Saxophones: the Selmer Paris “Axos” and the Selmer Paris “Signature”. These instruments offer superior quality and performance for musicians of all levels. Read on to learn more about what makes these models stand out and how you can experience them firsthand.

The Selmer Paris “Axos”: The Accessible Professional Choice
The Seles Axos saxophone is made in the Henri Selmer Paris factory located in Mantes-la-Ville, France, the same factory where all other Selmer models have been crafted since 1922. Like all top-of-the-range Henri Selmer Paris instruments, the Axos continues the tradition of craftsmanship while integrating new industrial techniques.

Features:

• The “Axos” is made with the same quality metals as other Henri Selmer Paris saxophones.
• The treatment of the strategic part of the saxophone, the bore, in Selmer’s metal workshops is as rigorous as the treatment of their professional models.
• This ensures that the Henri Selmer Paris sound identity—a delicate balance between rich harmonics and roundness of sound—is found in the “Axos”.

Despite its affordability, the “Axos” doesn’t compromise on quality. Known for its rich, dark tonal quality, this saxophone suits a wide range of musical styles and skill levels. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a “forever” instrument that grows with them over time.

The Selmer Paris “Signature”: A Legacy Reimagined
The “Signature” alto embodies the evolution of the Super Action 80 Series II model, which has made a significant impact on the history of the saxophone since its release in 1986. While retaining the sound characteristics of the Series II, the Selmer Paris “Signature” offers improved accuracy, especially in the high register, and enhances the resonance of the low register.

Features:

• Ergonomics inspired by the Series II to meet the needs of all musicians, benefiting from the latest innovations developed for the Supreme.
• A new 3-point neck receiver system for better sound homogeneity.
• A nickel-silver tightening ring for greater density in the sensitive neck zone.
• An octave key with Teflon supports for more mechanical fluidity.
• Adorned with an original Art Deco-style engraving paying homage to the age-old techniques passed down from generation to generation within the Selmer Paris factory since 1919.

The “Signature” alto is both a traditional saxophone and a beacon of modernity. This saxophone excels in both classical and jazz settings, making it a top pick for those who demand the best in sound customization.

Experience Them Yourself: Schedule Your Appointment
We invite you to experience the distinct qualities of the Selmer Paris “Axos” and “Signature” models firsthand at Paige’s Music. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you in exploring these magnificent saxophones and finding the perfect match for your musical journey. To ensure you get personalized attention and a dedicated session, we encourage you to schedule an appointment in advance.

Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your music with Selmer’s latest offerings. Whether you’re performing in a concert hall or jazz club, these saxophones will help you deliver outstanding performances. Visit Paige’s Music and discover why Selmer Paris remains a top choice for musicians around the world!

If you’ve been playing the cello for a while, you might have encountered an unusual sound when playing an F# on the G or D strings, coupled with excessive vibration. This phenomenon is known as a wolf tone. It occurs when the note you’re playing is close to the natural resonance frequency of the cello, typically between F and G. The resulting sound is an artificial overtone that amplifies the frequency of the note, leading to a wolf tone. So, what can you do about it?

Identifying the Wolf Tone The first step in addressing a wolf tone is to understand its cause. A wolf tone arises when the resonance of the string clashes with the resonance of the cello body. While it’s challenging to eliminate a wolf tone completely, there are effective ways to manage it.

Consult a Luthier Taking your cello to a luthier should be your first course of action. They can check for set-up issues that might contribute to the wolf tone, such as a tight sound post, a high bridge, or high-tension strings. A professional assessment can pinpoint the exact cause and suggest appropriate adjustments.

Wolf Mitigating Options Several products on the market can help mitigate wolf tones. These include:

• Wolf Eliminators: These are weights attached to the string between the bridge and the tailpiece. They help reduce the intensity of the wolf tone.
• Wolf Modulators: This option involves a magnetic weight. The heavier side is placed behind the top, and the smaller side goes on the front, held in place by the magnet.

Playing Techniques For mild wolf tones, altering your playing technique can also help. You can try:

• Applying less bow weight.
• Applying more weight on the fingerboard.
• Squeezing the cello between your knees when playing the problematic note.

Remember, these techniques might affect the overall sound, so be prepared for some trial and error to find what works best for you.

Other Instruments While wolf tones are most commonly found in cellos, they can sometimes occur in basses and, rarely, in violins and violas. It’s important to be aware of this if you play or are considering playing these instruments.

Paige’s Music Can Help At Paige’s Music, our full-service repair shop is equipped to help you address wolf tones. Our trained specialist staff can guide you in installing wolf eliminators and modulators. If you rent or purchase an instrument from us and discover a wolf tone, we’ll fix it before you leave the store.

Managing wolf tones is crucial for maintaining the quality of your cello’s sound. Whether through professional adjustments or playing techniques, there are ways to reduce their impact. For expert assistance, visit Paige’s Music. We’re here to ensure your instrument sounds its best. Ready to address your cello’s wolf tone? Visit Paige’s Music today for professional help and advice. Let us help you make your cello or bass sing!

Are you ready to elevate your musical journey? This June, Paige’s Music is excited to help you upgrade your instrument with our exclusive Premier June Sale. Whether you’re an aspiring musician or an experienced player looking to enhance your sound, we have an incredible offer just for you.