Selmer Modele 26 Tenor Mouthpieces
- Grey Stone
- Jan 13
- 3 min read
The Selmer Modèle 26 is a vintage tenor saxophone from the late 1920s (part of Selmer's early Paris series, pre-Balanced Action era, often with a smaller bore and more resistant feel compared to later models like the Mark VI). It was originally supplied with specific vintage mouthpieces, such as the "Rudy Wiedoeft" model (a hard rubber piece from around 1927–1928, made in the USA for Selmer's early line).
For modern recommendations, players of vintage Selmers (including early models like the Modèle 26) often pair them with mouthpieces that complement the horn's darker, more focused vintage character—avoiding overly bright or large-chamber pieces that might exaggerate resistance or intonation quirks.
Recommendations vary by style (classical, jazz, etc.), but here are some commonly suggested and well-regarded options based on player experiences with similar vintage Selmer tenors:
Classical/Concert Band Style (Focused, Centered Tone)
Selmer Paris Concept (tenor version, tip opening ~2.10 mm / equivalent to a Selmer D): Praised for high acoustic precision, ease of response, rich/even tone, and control. It's darker and more refined than older Selmer S80 models, with good projection and versatility beyond strict classical (some use it for lighter jazz). Many find it enhances vintage horns with clean definition.
Selmer S80 (e.g., D or E facing): A classic reference for classical tenor, offering broad/full tone and comfort in all registers.
Selmer S90 or Soloist (modern reissue): Warm, homogeneous sound; the Soloist draws from vintage 1940s/1950s designs that pair historically well with Selmers.
Jazz/Versatile Style (Warmer, More Expressive)
Otto Link Super Tone Master (metal, e.g., 5* to 7* tip): Frequently called a "classic combination" with vintage Selmers for its versatile, edgy-yet-warm tone—great for bebop or swing.
Selmer Soloist (modern or vintage short-shank): Rich and centered; vintage scroll-shank Soloist C* models were stock on many early Selmers.
Selmer Jazz Tribute (metal, e.g., 7*): Newer release inspired by golden-era jazz legends—versatile, with vintage warmth, projection, and flexibility across styles.
Other popular trials: Vandoren V5 or Profile series, Meyer (for a balanced medium chamber), or Theo Wanne pieces for modern takes on vintage vibes.
The Modèle 26 can be somewhat resistant with a smaller sound, so many players prefer medium-to-medium-open facings (avoid super-closed for ease, or super-open if you want control).
Famous Players
Tenor production was very limited — only about 10–15% of total Modèle 26 output, or roughly 300–400 tenors made in total — making them quite rare today compared to later models like Radio Improved, Balanced Action, or Mark VI.No major jazz legends are definitively documented as primary users of the Modèle 26 tenor specifically.
This era (late 1920s) saw early jazz tenor pioneers like Coleman Hawkins (who later switched to Selmer Balanced Action by the late 1930s), Bud Freeman, or Eddie Miller mostly still on Conn or Buescher horns. Selmer was gaining traction in Europe and among classical players, but American jazz tenors didn't widely adopt Selmer until the Super (Cigar Cutter) around 1930–1934 and especially the Balanced Action (1935+).
The Modèle 26 tenor is more of a collector's and vintage enthusiast's horn today — loved for its dark, compact, intimate tone (some describe early small-bore ones as resistant or "small-toned," while the later large-bore/Cigar Cutter variants are powerful and surprisingly modern-playing). Players today who seek them out often compare the sound favorably to a focused pre-Balanced Action Selmer or even a dark Conn.
Mouthpiece choice is highly personal—tip opening, chamber size, and reed strength (often starting with Vandoren 3–3.5) interact with the horn's setup. Try before buying if possible (e.g., via a shop with trials), as vintage horns like this reward experimentation.
If you're aiming for a specific style (e.g., classical vs. jazz), your experience level, or current setup (reeds/ligature), share more details for tailored suggestions!
