Mike Phillips Unboxes the Selmer Supreme 140th Anniversary Saxophone!

Few musicians can match the energy, passion, and artistry of Mike Phillips. A saxophonist known for seamlessly blending jazz, R&B, and hip-hop, Phillips has performed alongside legends like Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson, carving out a space as one of the most electrifying instrumentalists of his generation.

So when a saxophone of historical significance hits the market, you know Mike Phillips is going to be one of the first artists to put it to the test.

Recently, he tracked down the ultra-rare Selmer Supreme 140th Anniversary Edition Saxophone, a horn that celebrates 140 years of Selmer Paris craftsmanship, and he found it at right here at Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center.

What followed? An unboxing experience that felt like unwrapping a piece of music history.

The Hunt for the Selmer Supreme

Limited to only 500 pieces worldwide, the Selmer Supreme 140th Anniversary Edition Alto is a unicorn in the saxophone world. With its matte black finish, custom engraving, and refined ergonomics, it’s a horn designed for both collectors and serious players.

For Mike Phillips, finding this sax wasn’t just about owning a rare instrument—it was about discovering an extension of his musical voice. After searching across the country, he found serial number 97/500 at Chuck Levin’s. And instead of waiting for it to be shipped, he picked it up in person.

“I said no shipping. We’re taking this home today,” Phillips said with excitement.

First Impressions: A Case Fit for a King

Before even laying eyes on the horn, the case itself made a statement. Sleek and custom-designed, it featured the same level of craftsmanship and detail that Selmer put into the instrument itself.

“This is absolutely amazing,” Phillips said as he took in the presentation.

And then, the moment of truth.

The Unveiling: A Masterpiece of Sound and Design

The reaction was instant.

“Wow.”

Mike Phillips had seen pictures and videos of the Selmer Supreme 140th Anniversary Edition, but seeing it in person was something else entirely.

“This is not just a saxophone. This is a piece of art.”

With a legacy built on models like the Mark VI and Reference 54, Selmer has always been synonymous with high-end saxophones. But according to Phillips, this horn is on an entirely new level.

A Sound That Speaks

As soon as Phillips played the Supreme, he knew it was different.

• Effortless Altissimo – “I’m not even in the Altissimo yet, and I can feel that I can just dance in it.”
• Even Intonation – “With older Selmers, you get that funky intonation around G to D. Not here. This horn is smooth everywhere.”
• Ergonomic Perfection – “You don’t have to fight to get around the keys. You just have to relearn the easy.”
• Power and Warmth – “When I step on the gas, I don’t lose the warmth. That’s rare.”

Mike Phillips has played some of the most iconic saxophones ever made, but this one? It’s different.

More Than a Horn – A Legacy

Beyond the craftsmanship and innovation, the Selmer Supreme 140th Anniversary Edition represents something deeper—the power of music to transcend time.

“When they dropped this horn, I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was. And at this particular time, as artists, we should all get to a place where we have nothing to prove, but everything to share.”

For Mike Phillips, this saxophone isn’t just an instrument. It’s a tool to create, inspire, and continue pushing the boundaries of music.

And for those lucky enough to get their hands on one? It’s a piece of history.

Final Thoughts

Mike Phillips has played for royalty, presidents, and some of the biggest names in music—and when he calls a saxophone a masterpiece, you know it’s the real deal.

The Selmer Supreme 140th Anniversary Edition is a testament to 140 years of craftsmanship, and for those searching for the ultimate saxophone, the search stops here.

And where did Mike Phillips find his? Right at Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center—a shop that’s been connecting musicians with the gear of their dreams for over 65 years.

Want to get your hands on one? Better move fast.

Because just like the legends who play them, horns like this don’t come around often.