Solid Silver Series3 Soprano

[Michael Ward]

Does anybody who has had the opportunity to try the Sterling Silver body version of the 3 Series soprano have any comments regarding comparison to the silver plate and regular versions particularly the weight? thanks

[DaveR]

Hi Michael

IMO, there's virtually no difference in weight between the Sterling Siver Sop and the Silver plated.

The sound is different - perhaps more 'elegant' shall we say? Not a huge difference objectively, but quite a lot subjectively.

[Michael Ward]

Thanks Dave.. I'm guessing the solid silver is more elegant sounding. Do you play the silver plate model?

[DaveR]

I have a silver plated instrument with a solid silver straight neck. I resisted the solid silver necks for quite a while until I had the opportunity to try a load of them at Selmer's and found one that suited me. The solid silver seems to me - at it's best - to increase many areas with in the tonal spectrum, a little like using a good quality pre-amp! Solid silver changes the resistance of the instrument and can make sound emission easier; this is ok so long as the top Eb to G don't loose their stability - somthing of a problem on the Ser3 IMO - this, and the basic tonal characteristics of the ss necks available to me in the UK, made me wary of changing from the original plated neck. I still swap around, but the solid neck seems to have better projection (!) (or perhaps it just makes it easier for me to hear myself in amplified surroundings) so I tend to use it most at present.

[Michael Ward]

Thanks for the information Dave.

[Paul B]

Finally getting rid of your Mk. VI, Michael? ;-)

[Stacey]

I love my Serie III soprano, but it's a humble lacquer finish, so I'd be interested to know what "elegant" sounds like.

Always knows which fork to use? Never flatulates in mixed company? Uses words like "fora" rather than "forums"?

[Michael Ward]

Hello Paul ..no I think I'll keep it but I get frustrated with the long E ( for me) so I'm investigating the 3 again. I will stay with Selmer though.

[Paul B]

Michael, glad you're keeping your Mk. VI. for now. I just had mine totally overhauled by a great repairman in NYC, and it plays like a dream. Tight, in tune, and just overall fantasic. It was in the shop for about a month, and in the interim I was back on my Serie II, which is a fine horn as well, and which briefly made me think the modern set-up was better. But in the end the only thing the Serie II has going for it over a VI is the left hand pinky stack (the VI palm keys are, in my opinion, easier to play than "modern" versions). With all new pads, custom-made bronze resonators, and everything tight and in place, I'm all the more convinced of the VI's greatness. This is the horn I'll be playing until they plant me.

Still, I do think I will consider upgrading from the Serie II to the Serie III as my backup horn. By all accounts the III is the better horn, and like you, I'm a Selmer man and won't consider another soprano.