SML Soprano experience

[aanz]

What are your experiences with SML sops? Are they as good as their other horns? How's the intonation, sound and ergonomics? How do they compare to other vintage and modern sops?
I play a '25 Martin now and like it but am thinking of checking out a more modern horn and already own SML Rev.D alto and tenor.

Does anyone have one for sale?
Thanks!

aanz@mindspring.com

[max]

Are you ready? :D

I can't say enough good things about 'em, which seems odd since I'm going to sell mine, but still... it was a much tougher decision than I expected. (see my post at: http://saxontheweb.myforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=2463)

I'll send you some e-mail...

[max]

Oh - and for anyone else that might be interested in the answers (as always, my experience only, YMMV):

- Are they as good as their other horns?
I think so. I'd gladly put my Rev D tenor against anything out there, and I feel the same about the sop. It lost to the Buescher TT by just a whisker, and not without some serious time and thinking...

- How's the intonation, sound and ergonomics?
Intonation is great, up to the palm keys. They were really really flat until I sent it to Sarge at worldwidesax.com for a rebuild. They can still go a little flat if I'm really tired, but no worse than any other sop.

Sound is out of this world. Very rich and vocal, but with plenty of projection and power.

Ergonomics are typically SML. If you like your other SMLs, you'll be right at home with the sops.

- How do they compare to other vintage and modern sops?
It runs circles around my Serie III, which is one of the nicer IIIs I've played.
It's neck and neck with the TT soundwise. Ergonomically, the SML wins hands down. Intonationally, the TT might be a touch easier in the palm keys, but it's pretty close.
I prefer it to every Mark VI sop I've ever played, but it's been a while since I played one.
I far prefer it to every Yamaha sop I've ever played, but it's been even longer since I played one of those!
I've never played a Martin sop, so I can't answer the most important question... :?

So, despite the fact that I'm selling it, I really do love it. It's just that the TT is a hair more inline with my soprano sound concept, and those minor things do become significant. If I had never played the TT, I would have been as happy as all get out with the SML...

[Paul Coats]

Unlike modern sopranos, the SML's and King-Marigaux sopranos lack the front F key and high F#key. But I find the SML far superior to the Mk VI, with better side keys, left pinky keys, and far, far better palm keys.

Tone and intonation are very good!

[aanz]

As an update, the more I play my King/SML sop. the more I like it. The intonation is very good and it's quite mouthpiece friendly. The pinky keys took some getting used to after playing my old Martin/Wurlitzer stencil and it doesn't have the richness of tone of the Martin but it's so much more playable for me. I just might sell the Martin.