A non-VI neck on a VI?

[axemanblue]

I have a VI that needs a new neck (BADLY) but I don't currently have the dough for a custom job like a Barone or Oleg or for what VI necks seem to go for here. Can anyone recommend a less pricey neck for a VI that won't cause major tenon size issues?

[Tryptykon]

I have a VI that needs a new neck (BADLY) but I don't currently have the dough for a custom job like a Barone or Oleg or for what VI necks seem to go for here. Can anyone recommend a less pricey neck for a VI that won't cause major tenon size issues?

What's your budget ?

Try a P.Mauriat Super JazzVI neck .
I think they're around $250.00 if you can swing that(pun intended..)

Someone on the forum tried one in their MKVI [Rispoli] and it fit, fine

[Lenny]

A B&S neck may work and it may be better than alot of more expensive ones. There's also always the Selmer after market necks for the Series III. Those might work.

What's wrong with your neck - can't it be fixed?

[rispoli]

While not the cheapest around, I'd suggest you go for a Ref.36 or serie III neck (on ebay you can get those for about 200$, brand new for 310$ at Music123). The P.Mauriat necks alter the sound of a Mark VI considerably and I doubt that's what you want.... On the other hand, the others I mentioned work great, the serie III a bit better in tune, the Ref.36 a bit darker and the typical Selmer sound remains there.
I think B&S necks are really hard to find right now.

[jvsax]

This one will work well:
http://www.saxquest.com/productDetails.asp?productcode=PonzolTenor331

[axemanblue]

thanks boys--looking into it.

Lenny--the existing neck is technically playable, but it's been peirced and patched and looks as if it was partially crushed and then had most (not all) of the dents beaten out of it. So it's better than no neck, sure, but not ideal.

Budgetwise, I was looking to stay under $200 if possible, which may not be from what I've seen thus far. But I'm still open to the possibility! ;)

[SplitTony]

Which neck has the same angle or best matches up with a VI neck?
SIII
Ref. 36
Ref. 54

[saxymanzach]

I think there is a neck for sale (marketplace) right now that is said to fit and work well on a VI.

[baritone]

I got a copper Barone neck...if you are interested...in

[bruce bailey]

If I could get new ref 54 Alto necks for about $300 would there be any takers?

[ving]

I am trying to find another neck for my VI tenor right now also, and I have tried the Ref 36 and found the angle to be not exact, I didn't like it or how it played on the horn either. I did tryt he series III neck a while back, and thought that was pretty good but a bit sterile sounding. I am trying out a yamaha G1 neck gold plated and its very even and open, fits the horn well (183,xxx) too. But I think it doesn't have the character/ centerednes I am looking for. I think its hard to tell sometimes if resistance is good or bad, I am so used to the original neck I've learned to play it, it does have more core than the Yamaha and maybe thats the resistance. But it isn't as even or open, I will keep looking I suppose...

[Lenny]

That Ponzol is a good bet. I used to play one on my Mark VI and it was a very good neck. Finally replaced it with an old Mk VI neck but they are good and full sounding.

[saxymanzach]

The best bet is either a Ponzol or an Oleg (I prefer the Oleg on any sax). having met Mr. Oleg, I know that he is not the nicest guy (unless you wear your money on your sleeve), but nonetheless, he knows what he is doing. I don;t know if every neck is hand made but it sure does sound like it!

[axemanblue]

ving--I have a 183xxx VI also, so I'd love to hear how much that G1 neck set you back since we're in the same boat.

saxymanzach--haha, you made me laugh with your comment about good mr. oleg. but his stuff is waaaaaaaay out of my price range at the moment. (to hear him I'd also assume he makes everything by hand--I get this picture of him down in the basement over the open pit with hot brass and the whole nine. Of course it'll come out later that he buys them from Asia or something...)

[ving]

I got together with a player who has a silver Yamaha 62 today, and checked out that neck as well--liked that a lot better than the gold actually. But it still lost some of its "selmerness", which I didn't like. So I am going to check out another MArk VI neck later this week hopefully and I can see how that goes. Axeman, cool that you have a 183,xxx--my horn is really open and free blowing, but I have always felt it is too spread; I always notice this the most in biger rooms or louder envirnments, the sound just doesn't hold together or stay centered or something. I am hoping a different neck can zone in on that, I have been through every kind of mouthpiece, it seems, and I am thinking its more the neck....anyhow, the gold g1 neck is around $400 I think, I am sending this one back...



ving

[hornimprovement]

Axemanblue, I did not see you specify alto or tenor, but someone suggested a tenor neck and no comment to the contrary was made so I am assuming that your VI is a tenor. If so, I have a few within your budget that might serve you well:
http://hornimprovement.com/cart/ProProducts.php?inc_subcat=1&sort=2d&categories_id=107
I also have a lightly used Ref 54 neck that is not yet on the website that only needs $225 to go. If you have questions about any of these, it is best to e-mail me at the shop: jeff@hornimprovement.com Good luck on your neck search!

[brasscane]

I have one of these for sale, which you can have for $225 shipping in the continental US included. It is in mint condition and I can send pictures upon request. As far as the tenon size for a MK VI goes, I gather all bets are off, so I can't promise you that you won't need to have the neck adjusted. I bought it for my SA80-I tenor but the Oleg neck is angled like a Series III or Ref. tenor neck, and I prefer the higher arched Series I/II necks.