Neck on different SML revisions

[HonestLiar]

Does anyone know if the necks on an Revision C alto and a Gold Medal MKII would be interchangeable?

[danodownunder]

not in my experience

[BeyondSax]

You need to ask someone who physically has possession of both horns. I had read elsewhere in this forum that Rev. D and Gold Medal tenor necks were not interchangeable, but I have both types and they most definitely are interchangeable........

[danodownunder]

Just have a brand new gold medal tenor on my work bench.... as in NEVER been played ...and the neckl is identical to my late Rev D 15.xxxx.... sounds the same as well

[hafuch]

While leaving room for variation occasionally found in hand-made products of any sort (SML saxophones included), I know for certain that at least among the SML tenors I have seen, Rev D and Gold Medal I necks are generally interchangeable. I would also add Gold Medal II/King Marigaux too, but I should confirm this first, as I'm going on memory here; I will say that I don't remember it NOT fitting, and I distinctly remember switching necks between all of them - Rev D through KM/GMII.

I would be reluctant, however, to say the same of Rev C necks. The data seem to indicate that SML made distinct changes to the body tubes and neck dimensions in their transition to Rev Ds/GMs.

On this topic, I wrote a thorough study about a year or so ago comparing features as well as body tube and neck measurements at critical points for Rev D (12XXX) through King Marigaux (24XXX) tenors. The conclusion was that, aside from a few non-sound-producing features (e.g. rolled tone holes (though the jury is still out on whether this affects sound), engraving, etc.), Rev D through KM/GMII SML tenors were IDENTICAL in their CRITICAL measurements. That said, bell flares did occasionally show variation in diameter by as much as 0.5 cm. Again, I'm going from memory on this last point about bell flares, so don't quote me on this claim until I can consult the data from the study.

As soon as I get the chance, I'll dig through my files to see if I can find that study, at which point I'll share it with you all by posting it on this forum. I'm sure it would be of considerable interest to forum members, SML fans and those who simply seek objective data on these fine instruments.

[DaddyRabbit]

Just have a brand new gold medal tenor on my work bench.... as in NEVER been played ...and the neckl is identical to my late Rev D 15.xxxx.... sounds the same as well
Yikes!!! How did you come across that? :shock:

[max]

If it helps, the SML alto in this chart (http://doctorsax.biz/musical%20instruments/Saxophones/sax_meas.htm) is my early Rev C. Perhaps someone with a GMII can provide measurements.

[danodownunder]

well Big Daddy a 75 y old gent has owned it from new and only played it a few times ? he has an alto the same and a siver new king tenor that he favours [ pristine also] very odd fellow.. he had asked me to sell it on ebay ... then his family stepped in and said they wanted it to learn on .... groan

[max]

then his family stepped in and said they wanted it to learn on .... groan
Tell them I have a Series II they can learn on, and have them send me that GM! :twisted:

[DaddyRabbit]

Wow. You should find a nice "learner horn" and trade.

[BeyondSax]

[QUOTE=hafuch;1009512]While leaving room for variation occasionally found in hand-made products of any sort (SML saxophones included), I know for certain that at least among the SML tenors I have seen, Rev D and Gold Medal I necks are generally interchangeable.....

I would be reluctant, however, to say the same of Rev C necks. The data seem to indicate that SML made distinct changes to the body tubes and neck dimensions in their transition to Rev Ds/GMs.

On this topic, I wrote a thorough study about a year or so ago comparing features as well as body tube and neck measurements at critical points for Rev D (12XXX) through King Marigaux (24XXX) tenors. The conclusion was that, aside from a few non-sound-producing features (e.g. rolled tone holes (though the jury is still out on whether this affects sound), engraving, etc.), Rev D through KM/GMII SML tenors were IDENTICAL in their CRITICAL measurements. That said, bell flares did occasionally show variation in diameter by as much as 0.5 cm. Again, I'm going from memory on this last point about bell flares, so don't quote me on this claim until I can consult the data from the study........QUOTE]


I agree with just about everything you have noted in your post hafuch. The only disparity is that I have a Gold Medal tenor with an undersized bell, being 15.5 cm whereas my Rev. D tenor has a bell measuring about 16.5 cm. The bodies and necks are exactly the same otherwise. I am beginning to wonder if my Gold Medal is not a military model or something unique. I originally thought it was a silver plate, but on closer inspection it may be nickel. It also has very little engraving, being only the SML Gold Medal logo.