Super 20 silverbell vs. Silversonic?

[jazzstarr]

Is there a difference between the Super 20 with silver neck and bell and the Silversonic model?

[Mike Ruhl]

They are one and the same. The silver bell is what distinguishes the SilverSonic from the regular Super 20. Check www.saxpics.com for some history and pics.

[Rev. D]

Silversonics have a sterling neck and bell. Then there are Super 20s with a sterling silver neck and a brass bell: many think these sound the best. Finally, there are some Super 20s with a sterling silver neck and brass bell that are silver plated throughout. This is a different creature from a silversonic. I have such a tenor, and love it to death.

[Mike Ruhl]

I'm not sure that the silver-plating was an original option, although I wouldn't be surprised. I do know that full gold-plating was an option for Super 20s, so silver plating was probably also done.

I keep toying with the idea of having my silver-neck/brass bell Super 20 tenor black nickel-plated, and having all the engraving re-cut...

[alsdiego]

Mehrul, I thought about having my '64 alto (silver neck, brass bell) silver plated on the bell, with that beautiful gold wash inside the bell. Sort of a homemade Silversonic, since I could care less about resale value. They'll have to pry it out of my cold dead fingers anyway :D

Al

[Rev. D]

I can't say for sure whether or not silver-plating was an option. What makes me suspect that it may have been is that my silver plated tenor has lacquer over the plating. Lacquering over silver seems to have been a King thing, judging by the silversonics. But of course there's no reason why it couldn't have been done as part of a larger refinishing project.

[yaucante]

Hey Rev D, just in passing, if you love your super 20 to death, which I can understand, it's probably time to switch pseudo and if you have a Rev D for sale, I'm your man. Just kiddin...

Cheers.

Y

[saxmanglen]

I'm sitting on the street curb watching a parade last Saturday and as one of the high school marching bands goes by I see a kid playing a beautiful Silversonic tenor. I had to pick my chin up out of the gutter!

Who the he#@ would would use a Silversonic for marching?!

[Mike Ruhl]

I marched my Super 20 while in high school (nearly 30 years ago :shock: ) and got similar reactions. It didn't hurt it at all. Matter of fact, it still has some of the same pads, and they still seal fine.

[JL]

I don't know much about marching bands, but I'd say that kid is lucky as he#* to have such a fine horn!

[NotPortlyNJ]

Ah, but I have a SilverSonic w/ no silver neck but a silver bell. SN 484xxx.

[Mike Ruhl]

Ah, but I have a SilverSonic w/ no silver neck but a silver bell. SN 484xxx.Veeeerrry interesting....do you have any digital pictures of it? Does it have the double- or single-socket neck?

[Keith]

is it possible that the neck is not original?

[Pete]

* The Silver-Sonic was sometimes advertised as a "King Silver-Bell". See the ad (http://www.saxpics.com/the_gallery/king/misc/adsnsuch/silversonic%20ad.jpg) on my website. I've never seen any S20 or Silver-Sonic labelled "Silver-Bell", though.

* Finish options I've seen:
- Lacquer
- Lacquer with nickel keywork and/or rods
- Gold plate
- Silver plate -- but I've never seen this plating choice. I have seen a silver plate Zephyr (http://www.saxpics.com/the_gallery/king/zephyr/alto/silver/269xxx_sterling_necknbell/) with a sterling neck and bell, though, so I'm assuming they're out there, somewhere.

[Mike Ruhl]

Likewise, I've heard of the silver-plate option, but have never actually seen one. As I've said before, I'm very tempted to someday send my 364xxx Super 20 up to Sarge at World Wide Sax to have it "Randall-ized".

[Pete]

It's an idea, but probably something I'd do if I had a bunch of extra cash lying around, needed additional work on the horn and was really disgusted with the way the lacquer looked.

I wonder if I could start a poll to force Andersen's Replating to have a website :).

[smusax]

I have an Alto King Super 20 Silversonic 437,XXX that I have been tossing around the idea to sell. It had a full mechanical rebuild by Ken Beason done on it the past year and is in very good shape, normal lac. wear. I have been a Selmer/Yamaha player and the King for me is too different an instrument .....please no lectures.... Basically its been sitting in the closet not being played...it needs to be put back into circulation and performed on.Before I post in F/S Clue me in on the market value.
Your input is appreciated
Smusax

[Mike Ruhl]

You could probably get $2500-3000 on ebay, depending on how the lacquer looks, and how good a photographer you are.

[tenormadness321]

I am seriously persuing the purhcase of both a tenor and an alto Silver Sonic. My preferences are Cleveland, socket neck, engraved bell keys, gold inlay engraving with a serial number under 400,000 in A+++ condition. Original case would be nice too. Does anybody know of any out there?

[Mike Ruhl]

A very worthy goal, but is there any reason why you're looking for that serial number range? 400,000 and above puts you into the 1960s. Drop it down by 100,000, and you're into the more desireable early 1950s horns, with pearls on the side keys, and better workmanship.

[tenormadness321]

I don't want to go any higher than 400. That's close to where the factory moved to Eastlake and everything went south. I've seen a couple of good examples in the 385 range. I also own a Zephyr from around 1946 that I just love.

[Mike Ruhl]

I don't want to go any higher than 400. That's close to where the factory moved to Eastlake and everything went south. I've seen a couple of good examples in the 385 range. I also own a Zephyr from around 1946 that I just love.
Doh! You said "under 400". My bad! :oops:

[tenormadness321]

One around 414 went on ebay for $4200 yesterday. It lacked the double socket neck. Other than that, it was a real beauty. The guy selling it got all indignant that I didn't even bid on it after grilling him on the details. Most the horns on ebay are being sold by non-players. Odd.

[King Bee]

Can't find the one you mentioned that just closed on eBay!! 8)