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View Full Version : My new Ref. 54 alto with Greece wooden neck



xuanvu
10-02-2004, 01:18 AM
I've been playing for about almost 5 hours now and taking a break, so decided to come here and post about my new sax... It's a brand new Selmer Reference 54 alto, dark honey finish... This sax is BEAUTIFUL! I got it from Matthew Music in Holland for a much cheaper price than anywhere on the internet (and I've done LOTS - h mean lots - of research for the best price.)

I've previously owned a wonderful sax, the B&S Medusa in sandblasted finish (which beat the Series III Limited Edition, Cannonball Big Bell, Yamaha Custom, etc... that I've tried against), but I have had some financial problem and I had to let it go! Now I'm recovered, and decided to buy a new sax, which I ended up with the Ref. 54.

Ok, the Ref. 54 is a little bit lighter than the Medusa as far as I can recall from memory. It feel smaller, too... The key action is super, super fast compare to the Medusa, which is good for me... The keys are a little bit different, but after about 1 hour, I got adjusted to them. The neck is also different, less curve than the neck from the Medusa and many other necks, so I have had a little of hard time, but again, after awhile, I got adjusted to it. Here come the most important part: The sound!

Man, it's huge, edgy and spreads much more than the Medusa. With the Lamberson 5M + Alexander Superior 2.5 + Eddie Rovner lig, it screams... I put on a David Sanborn CD and I felt that they are the same sound! With the stock Super Session E, it have a lush, dark and warm, very sweet sound.

Then I put on the Wooden neck, the reponse frees up! Very easy blowing, so easy that I feel like the sax is playing by its self. The core sound sounds similiar to the stock neck, the only difference is the feeling from the player, I don't think people who are listen can tell the difference in sound. I can't decide with neck to go now since they're all great, I might just toggle between them.

I DON'T have the gurgle problem that was mentioned in this forum, not at all, with both necks... From fff to ppp, the low notes (C, B, Bb) just pops out easily and fully.

Well, it's now time for me to play the sax again! Matthew Music in Holland must have set up the sax very well, I got it out of the box and start playing without any problems... Great place to buy and a great service from them, very fast shipping too.

Kenny.

Dave Dolson
10-02-2004, 03:08 AM
Kenny: Congrats. The horn IS gorgeous to look at - and to play. DAVE

xuanvu
10-02-2004, 06:33 PM
Dave, thanks, I have a gig today and will see how the sax goes...

xuanvu
10-04-2004, 09:00 PM
Hey all,
After trying out various combination of reed/mpc/neck/lig, here is my *ultimate* setups:

1. For a bright, powerful, spread sound, I have: Original ref. 54 neck + Lamberson 5M + 2.5 Alexander Superior reed + BG Lig.

2. For a warm, sweet, lush sound, I have: Wooden neck + SS E + 2.5 Superior reed + Eddie lig...

The best setups ever!!!

BigDaddyJ
10-06-2004, 02:18 AM
Hey xuanvu,

I live in the Denver area. I would like to hear you play. When's/where's your next gig.

thanks

Joel

xuanvu
10-06-2004, 03:22 PM
Hi BD, I only play gigs for the Vietnamese community since our band is a Vietnamese band, I usually play for concerts/party, and they usually take place at a Vietnamese church on Harlan and 44th street...

Michael Ward
10-06-2004, 09:09 PM
Kenny great to hear you're burning on your new horn. The Superials really are knockout with the Lamberson 5M. If you get a chance to try a Bay ligature Gold or Silver you won't be dissapointed. The large size fits the Lamberson best . They are amazing and look incredible. If you try one put a patch on top first because they can scratch.
best wishes Mike

xuanvu
10-07-2004, 12:59 AM
Hi Mike,
I tried to find a Bay Lig. before I bought the Eddie, but I couldn't find any for sax, only for clarinet... So I settled with an Eddie, so far so good... Have you got a chance to try the Lamberson for Soprano?? That is on my list for the next purchase...

Thanks,
Kenny.

Michael Ward
10-07-2004, 10:55 AM
Kenny I got my Bays from Weiner Music , they really are good. You'll also need a cap , Runyon plastic I believe. I haven't got a sop piece yet I'm waiting for a 7SB bari piece from Fred.
Cheers Mike

Dweekie
10-07-2004, 02:21 PM
Hey xuanvu, I might know somebody who'd be willing to sell a bay lig. It's the rhodium uncovered model for alto hard rubber mouthpieces. Let me know if you want to save a few bucks verus a new one.

xuanvu
10-07-2004, 05:02 PM
Dweekie, sounds good... Would you please ask that person how much it would cost...

Thank you,
Kenny.

Michael Ward
10-07-2004, 08:56 PM
Kenny make sure it's large bacause the medium is a little small for the 5M
Mike