SML Rev. D

[Bodhi]

I'm picking up a SML Rev. D after some work gets done to it.......as it is it converted me to getting off the Selmeritis syndrome. I've looked around but can't figure what the Rev. means. Do you know? Thanks......this one was made in 1954 according to the serial numbers.

[Fred]

Have you tried here:

http://www.saxpics.com/sml/index.htm

[Bodhi]

Thanks Fred, yeah I did, maybe I'm missing something. Anyway, just curious, it doesn't make me squeak not knowing :shock:

[DD]

Rev. simply refers to the fact that the model is a "revision" of the original design, ie A,B,C,or D.

Although I was a member of a Quartet sponsored by King-Marigaux in the 70's (Pittsburgh) I never played one of the older horns but understand they are outstanding in terms of both tone and response.

[Bodhi]

DD, thanks, I figured it was something as simple or could have been complex like a French word. The horn came out of the shop today and I'm hooked. It reminds me a bit of a Mark VI I had five years ago but I'm digg'n it much more. A that's with a stock metal Link, I've got five different mouthpieces coming from a friend so this weekend should be a real blast.

[danodownunder]

Rev D is the best tenor I have ever played for tone is yours an alto or tenor, did some serious alterations to the left hand [earlier thread] and it still kills me how good this horn is,,,,,,peace.....at last

[danodownunder]

Rev D is the best tenor I have ever played for tone is yours an alto or tenor, did some serious alterations to the left hand [earlier thread] and it still kills me how good this horn is,,,,,,peace.....at last

[Bodhi]

danz, its a tenor. Although I've been tracking these horn off and on for five years I've never experienced one. Funny, just looking at it before I picked it up, I knew that this was going to be a great one. After spending the first day with it, I'm convienced I was right. I'm using an Otto Link 7* STM NY right now. The mouthpiece is ok but looking to check out more open pieces with it. Thanks for asking.

[danodownunder]

I use an 8* NY link and it does the whole 9 yards somtimes i miss the more ergo action of my selmer and i drag it out and play it and the sound is so small compared i slide it back in the cupboard, still i have not sold it must be some emotional attachment.

[The Martin]

I played a SS Berg 115/s sms on it (a friend of mine plays a Rev.D) and really liked the tone. Contempory but warm.
Also on my GM2 it worked like a dream.

[Bodhi]

Since that last post of mine I have moved of the Link. A modified Barone Hollywood .107 has been working much better. Occasionally with a Vintage Dukoff Hollywood # 6 but its a little to closed. After last Saturdays gig where we got a 1 1/2 hour live recording, the Barone is the ticket....hey right we'll see in four months. 8-)

[danodownunder]

There is something about that tone that other manufacturers should be looking at ....if yamaha could get that sound with there ergonomics we would all buy one or three, i repair and nothing has the voice these horns have. :Rant:

[pth]

Danz, you are a repair person, so I am interested in your opinion about a rev d. alto that I have been trying out. It has intonation problems. In particular, open C#, Bflat and A play 20% flat unless I tighten up quite a bit. And E2 and F2 play relatively sharp so I have to loosen up quite a bit on E2 and F2. Here is what I see as potential problems. 1. All of the pads are old and have conical (pointy) plastic resonators. Not only do the resonators stick out quite a bit, but the pads seem to be set too close to the tone holes in general. 2. The neck receiver on the body tube has been resoldered. I am not sure if it was resoldered at the proper distance. It may not have been pushed on quite far enough. It is this second problem that I am most concerned with. How do you go about establishing the proper distance? There is about a 3/16" gap between the bottom of the receiver and the first key rib.

Other than that, this horn is in very good condition and I love the tone. So I was considering buying it and having it rebuilt. But I am concerned that the intonation may not be able to be brought into focus, i.e. that the horn may have some inherent intonation problems. What do you think about investing in this horn? Do you think that the odds are that it can be made to play closer to pitch?

I am so taken with the tone that I am much inclined to keep the horn. Do you notice much variance in the rev. d models or do they all, uniformly, have that great tone? If that is the case, do you know of anyone that might sell me another one, if this one doesn't work out?

Thanks in advance.

[danodownunder]

Hy didn't see this any sooner, SML sax's have excellent intonation so it sounds like a setup problem to me, key heights are important and pads that stick up into the tone hole are bad. as far as the neck receiver goes it should be soldered in as far as it goes and would effect intonation over the whole horn. NOTHING sounds as good as these horns and a good repair tech can fix all those prolems............peace :shock:

[Bodhi]

Almost 6 months since I got my SML D Tenor. Its been to the shop twice just for an inpection. Actually my friend works there and he usually ask's if I've got the horn in the car and wants to look at it. I haven't even looked at another horn since until last Saturday while I was getting reeds. I checked out a 1943 Conn 10M in bare brass and Two Selmer Mark VI's. 8-) Nope....it was just a curious check and as I thought, the answer was D.) none of the above (or D as in Rev D :) ). I did change to a Lost Wax Ackerman Hollywood and I'm really dig'n it. Especially since I don't have that Linkish sound with this combination.