Gianni Basso’s Selmer Super Action Tenor Sax Arrives at the Museo del

New acquisition at the Museo del Saxofono

The Museo del Saxofono in Fiumicino has expanded its collection with a notable historic instrument: the Selmer Super Action tenor sax that belonged to Gianni Basso. Dated 1951 and bearing serial number 45332, the saxophone is now part of the museum’s display dedicated to the evolution of Italian jazz.

This high-quality example features gold-plated body and keys and a bell engraved with floral motifs. The Super Action model—often referred to today as the Super Balanced Action to distinguish it from later variants—marked an important phase in Selmer’s postwar sax development.

Significance

The instrument is more than a technical artifact: it was Basso’s principal voice for much of his artistic life. Its inclusion in the museum highlights the role of musical instruments as cultural witnesses to the development of jazz in Italy.

• Year: 1951
• Serial number: 45332
• Model: Selmer Super Action (Super Balanced Action)
• Features: gold-plated body and keys; engraved bell; range from B♭ to high F
• Provenance: personal instrument of Gianni Basso

The acquisition was supported by the Lazio Region through the 2025 Annual Plan, reflecting institutional commitment to preserving and promoting the area’s musical heritage. The museum, under the direction of Attilio Berni, has recently been recognized as an Institute of local cultural relevance.

What visitors will find

Visitors to the Museo del Saxofono can view the saxophone up close and learn about its technical details and historical context: the exhibition frames the instrument within Gianni Basso’s career and the broader story of saxophone use in Italian jazz.

For practical information on opening hours and guided visits, please refer to the museum’s official channels or local tourist information.