They're still valuable, but you're unlikely to get above $3500 for most modern Selmer altos, unless they are pristine or overhauled or both. If you have a Series II alto from the 90's that needs an overhaul, it's going to sell for quite a bit less than that.

Certainly, not everyone can afford one of these, but Selmer has to make profit to stay in business and they are going to sell their saxophones at the price people are willing to pay. Keep in mind that France is perhaps the most expensive country in the world to employ skilled labor and run a company.

First, look for the color of the felts used on the key guards (Figure H). The Henri Selmer Paris Company only uses black or green felts, not red. Therefore, if you see a new Selmer Paris saxophone with red felts, you can be sure that it is counterfeit.

Selmer saxophones are world renowned for their quality both in manufacture and in musical tone. Not only is a Selmer saxophone the clear choice of most professionals, but it is one of the most commonly played saxophone for students as well.