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A closer look INSTRUMENTS continued from page 19 FIGURE E FIGURE G FIGURE B FIGURE F FIGURE C FIGURE D larger font, the laurel leaves are changed, and the trademark symbol is significantly larger than the original. In addition, on the fake model, in the "Reference" engraving, there is an additional loop added to the "R." In this next example (Figure D), in the brand mark, "Henri" and "Paris" are missing. The trademark symbol is significantly larger than the original, and in the "Reference" engraving, there is an additional loop added to the "R." The laurel leaves are also different. In general, the proportions for the engraving are different than the ones on the original. One additional problem with this counterfeit is in regards to the finish – while Selmer Paris does produce a silver saxophone, this instrument appears to have a matte silver finish similar to the Antiqued Lacquer. A matte silver finish is not offered by the Henri Selmer Paris Company and indicates a fake. In this example (Figure E), the counterfeiters changed the brand mark significantly. The fonts are larger and completely different, the laurel leaves are open in the middle, and the trademark symbol is missing. There is an addition of the words, "Selmer" and "Made in France" on the fake model. The model number is missing from the counterfeit as well, and the lacquer color is darker on the fake. 20 On this example (Figure F), the fake model is missing "Henri" and "Paris." Under the laurel leaves instead of a trademark symbol, there is the word "Selmer." The laurel leaves are different on the fake than the authentic model, and the model name and number are missing. All of the fonts on the fake instrument are incorrect as well. Some counterfeits are better than others. With those, you need to look at all of the details in order to spot the fake. In this example (Figure G), the finish utilized by the counterfeiters was one used by Selmer Paris, and if without a photo of a real Selmer Paris saxophone to compare the logo against, upon first glance, the logo might pass inspection. However, the big mistake is in the "Reference" engraving, because there is an additional loop added to the "R." When purchasing a new Selmer Paris saxophone, there are two more areas to check for authenticity. 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. However, it must be noted, that if you are looking to purchase a used Selmer Paris saxophone, you cannot determine the authenticity of the instrument solely based on the color of the felts. Occasionally, band instrument repair technicians do replace guard felts on instruments with different colored felts, so if you are purchasing a previously owned instrument, it is possible that you are purchasing an authentic instrument with red felts. In that case, you need to check the other authenticity indicators such as the finish type and engraving to determine whether it is real or fake. The final item to check is on the neck of PAN PIPES SUMMER 2011 sai-national.org FIGURE H the saxophone. On the octave key, there is the distinctive "Selmer S" design. If that is missing, you have a counterfeit. Whether you are looking to purchase a Selmer Paris saxophone or another musical instrument, it's important to verify that you are purchasing something authentic. You can apply the lessons learned from this article to any situation: 1. Check the finish of the instrument. If the company did not manufacture an instrument with that type of lacquer or plating, it is counterfeit. 2. Compare the engraving against photos of authentic instruments on the manufacturers' corporate website. If the engraving is wrong, it is also counterfeit. 3. Verify that the felts on the new instrument are the correct color. If a new instrument has the wrong color felts, it is counterfeit. 4. Check the instrument for other distinctive brand marks. If there are supposed to be some, but they are missing, then the instrument is counterfeit. Join the fight against counterfeit musical instruments! Help us eliminate them from the marketplace, and refrain from purchasing them. Finally, thank you for supporting our major musical instrument manufacturers, both in the United States and abroad. — Heather Davis, Editor

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