Do Modele 26s really suck?

[amiri]

So I know that no one will ever blow into a modele 26 and think they're holding a Mark VI, but I wonder is it really fair to say that the '26 is "barely passable" in terms of modern horn quality.

I'm about to buy one from a dealer who's giving me a pretty good price on it, though the cost of the necc overhaul puts it a little above what saxgourmet says it's worth. But something about the fat tone I get out of that horn is calling my name, making me inclined to forgive it's, uh, less-than-innovative design.

I like to think that in this game you gotta go with the tone you like, regardless of how crappy the horn is supposed to be. But am I being naive, or maybe hopelessly afflicted with Selmer Fever? Am I jumping up onto the bandstand with my trusty C-melody thinking I'm about to bring down the house with my rendition of Giant Steps?

:?:

[baritone]

no.....i think 26s are nice....i have one........98xx..forgot...........

nice tone......havent tried a mark 6..............I still think 26 is a nice one..........if 26 has a tone significantly different from the modern ones....i will go for 26................

nice nice......

[jim70]

I'll second that to 'Baritone".
I've got a one owner '26' that is brilliant.
75 years old and really nice.What phenominal workmanship in that era of time!
Jim

[BobD]

I haven't played one but I recently saw one up close and I really like the simplicity of it's design. Seemed very minimal. Also, it has to be a decent horn. Bergonzi plays a Jimmy Dorsey model which I think is just a 26 with nicer engraving.