Description

Owned by one of the pioneers in “NEW” music or the “Avant Gard”.  This horn has beautiful tone and in good mechanical condition.

• Henri Selmer Paris
• K-Modified
• Serial 32548
• Made in France
• The model marking visible in your second photo appears to read 24B, not clearly 24BX.
• The horn has the characteristic solid nickel-silver leadpipe associated with the K-Modified.
• It has the first-valve trigger.
• It has the adjustable third-valve finger ring.
• It is the standard-weight version rather than the lightweight version.
• Good overall condition substantial original finish remaining.  Re furbished at some point in this horns life

I would not call this a 1965 horn with certainty yet—I would call it circa 1964–65. The available evidence supports that range rather than an exact year.

The important 24B vs. 24BX question

This horn does have the “X” on the underside of the receiver it has been worn, or buffed or both to where it is hard to see but it is there.

This is worth getting right because the X matters to collectors and players.

The standard 24B is a .458” medium-large bore. The 24BX is generally described as having the larger/open X leadpipe, giving it a freer, broader response. A vintage Selmer listing specifically describes the BX as .458” with the larger leadpipe and a more open, big, dark sound.

There is also an old-school alternative explanation that the X was used to identify particularly successful factory play-test instruments. That theory appears in discussions from players who owned these horns, so I wouldn’t state categorically that the X only means a larger pipe.

The 24B engraving you’re showing is important, but I would like to see the underside of the mouthpiece receiver.

Very nice original configuration.

The nickel-silver leadpipe is particularly important. It is not simply cosmetic: period examples with this pipe are known for being responsive and durable, and vintage Selmer specialists specifically note the strength of the nickel pipe.

And this is not a lightweight 24B. The valve section and bracing look like the conventional standard-weight construction. That’s desirable if you’re looking for the classic big, dark Selmer K-Mod sound.

The bell Crook has been damaged and repaired. The horn plays with an open sound.  Comes with a generic Case, no Mouthpiece.