fair asking price of Mark I Gold Medal tenor

[ving]

Hello,

Wondering if someone can give me a ballpark figure for what these horns are going for today. I don't have a serial number handy, but I can get one by later today but I am quite certain it falls into the early period of the Mark I horns. (With the nickle keywork as well, but an identical match to the horn shown on saxpics site). Anyhow, the horn I have contact with is in really nice shape, pads in good shape although i doubt they are original. If anyone can give me a range of $ that would be great. (I have yet to play the horn, though...)

[max]

I haven't looked at eBay lately, but they seem to get anywhere from $1400-$2000 from dealer sites, depending on condition and whether or not it's a stencil. (a real beater will get less, but it doesn't sound like that's what you're looking at...)

I'm very interested to hear your opinion of it when you play it... let us know!

[ving]

Max--

i haven't been as up on the SML horns, but i came across this one recently and am curious to play it. My first impression upon checking it out was that it was very solid, although I was suprised it didn't have more modern left pinky key cluster. nice engraving, though, and I am anxious to try it out. have you found these horns to play on what end of the spectrum...? (as in dark/bright, etc.).

Also, you're in Minneapolis, correct? I seem to remember you posted a while back that you used to teach up in the Anoka area...



ving

[max]

I was suprised it didn't have more modern left pinky key cluster
I've actually grown to prefer the SML arrangement! It took me some time to get it down, but now I wish I had it on all my non-SML horns.

have you found these horns to play on what end of the spectrum...? (as in dark/bright, etc.).
I don't know if everyone here will totally agree, but I think my SML tenor is a blend of the vintage American sound with just a touch of the French "refinement" (or whatever)...

I play a Link on it, and just use that setup for everything I play on tenor (jazz, rock). I've heard that SML's don't like smaller chamber mouthpieces as well - I think it was Dr G who had a King Marigaux, but ended up selling it because the intonation was a little wonky with the mouthpiece he wanted to use with it. I don't have any trouble cutting through on rock gigs with my Link, but I'm usually mic'ed.

The main reason I'm interested to see how you like it is because I'm wondering where you'll see it in reference to your Buescher and your Selmer...

Also, you're in Minneapolis, correct? I seem to remember you posted a while back that you used to teach up in the Anoka area...
Yeah... if you'd like to compare my tenor to this one, I'd be happy to get together sometime.

[Perfect Pitch]

Hi I recently purchased a Gold Medal tenor and found the sound bigger and brighter than on my Mk VI blowing a Link 7*.
I paid $2000 from a dealer (New Zealand) but it has had a bit of blowing :wink: and the original neck is gone :cry: tho I did get a new HR Link piece, reeds, stand and tuner thrown in :)

[tsaxy]

Hi,
I recently purchased a SML tenor Gold Medal I( 16,xxx), lacquered, in mint condition. I paid $1400. plus another $100. I put into it for small repairs and adjusting. I purchased it from a good friend ,who did not add any profit . He just wanted what he had in the horn that he puchased several years ago.
As to playing and sound. It is tops. I put away my Selmer Serie III and will more than likely sell it. I use a open Dukoff mpc. with a modified baffle.
My friend also had a Gold Medal I alto with the nickle keys. It is mint,also. He gave me a The Martin Tenor (202,xxx) and the SML alto for a '67 MKVI alto I had, but used infrequently. He may have come out ahead money wise , but I think I got the better in playability and sound.

Hope this helps.

[ving]

Thanks for the comments--I'll let everyone know of the outcome of this horn after I get a chance to try it out today...

[ABrit]

Hello Ving,

This could give you an idea of the SML price.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2556747413#ebayphotoho sting

This is a SML Tenor Gold Medal 2 that I am selling, Only selling because I have a SML Rev D and I'm happier with that. The Rev D plays darker than the Gold Medal 2, I would think that the Gold Medal 1 would be very similar to the Rev D. Could go into the sales pitch now but I'll save that for ebay. Good luck, buy an SML you'll never regret it, any model.

Regards,

ABrit.

[ving]

Well, I tried the horn in question today. I have never played an SML before, and my perception previously was that it would play and sound more like a Selmer than it actually did. I didn't overly like nor dislike this horn. I thought the action was quite good, which was the draw for me. Although I could do without the goofy left hand thumb rest, but I digress. I was surprised at how dark the horn was, kind of reminded me in a way of a Conn or something. The horn also seemed quite heavy to me, but felt quite solid. THis particular horn would definitely need some adjusting to get it in its best form, but I think a gleaned a fair idea of its overall vibe. (Specifically, I would want to replace some of the pads on the lower stack that at present do not have resonators, also raise the key height a little overall, and especially on the palm keys and of course eliminate some of the leaks which were present today).

My hope with this horn was that it would be able to take the place of a Buuscher Aristocrat in terms of ballsiness, but upgrading the action so I could actually play some more refined linear lines on it (!). Actually though I think the SML is a little too dark and not open enough and were I to swap them out I would actually miss the Buescher for that reason. Also, and this may have to do with the set up of the horn right now, I was surpised at the weakness of the altissimo. But, I did think it had a nice tone in the lower register, and a nice evenness. But I was surprised it didn't have more of a core like a Selmer.

As a side note, I also tried out a Mark 7 with a series III neck that just about meets the requirements, so that may be a route I pursue in the future...

(By the way, if anyone is interested in the SML and is in the Minneapolis area, email me at cpufahl@yahoo.com and I can give you some info on it...)

And as a disclaimer to any Selmer followers out there, neither of the aforementioned horns would replace the Mark VI for me--thats still got the leg up for overall utility in my book

[ABrit]

Hello Ving,

Did you enter the SML thread by mistake? The Selmer thread is the one before!!

Hope you are not trying to generalize here, Suggest you get the Horn setup correctly first and then try it (Leaks!!!!!)

The horn also seemed quite heavy to me, but felt quite solid. THis particular horn would definitely need some adjusting to get it in its best form, but I think a gleaned a fair idea of its overall vibe. (Specifically, I would want to replace some of the pads on the lower stack that at present do not have resonators, also raise the key height a little overall, and especially on the palm keys and of course eliminate some of the leaks which were present today). :shock:

How can you play a horn for a short time, that leaks and is not even playing or set up properly, then make a statement of how lacking the instrument is compared to a Selmer MKVI/MKVII(Series III Neck) or Buescher Aristocrat! SML's are renowned for being loud and having the ballsiness you talk about, the only way you keep one of these babies quite, is to suck through it instead of blowing through it. Intonation is normally spot on, when set up correctly, as always. :D

As for the sound, well, if you want a Selmer sound you buy a Selmer, which is why you may have had the preference to the MKVII. Hmmm, that's right, the great Selmer MKVII with a series III neck, that now sounds closer to the MKVI that you liked in the first place!! :roll:

Goofy left thumb rest, "you" know after playing it for such along time. I have one of each and prefer the rocking thumb rest

I have 2 SML Tenors at the moment, both are cracking players, Rich and Powerful. The Rev D is probably the nearest to the MKVI sound or should I say the MKVI is nearer to the sound of the Rev D!! But the sound on the SML is just has something else(My preference). The SML Gold Medal 2 is a brighter cleaner sound, with a little more projection than the Rev D, Altissimo is great on both Saxophones!

I use an Old Dukoff BD Hollywood 8 mouthpiece.

I've played a few MKVI's and never been that impressed by them, but then everyone to their own, the Selmer has it's own core sound which is very individual.

Yes the SML is heavy, but then this is where the richness and tonal qualities come into it. The Selmer MKVI is a light Saxophone in comparison to the SML, this probably is how the Selmer sound is achieved, light weight Brass!

Regards,

ABrit.

[ving]

Didn't mean to offend with my impressions...

As to how I can even get an idea of the horn when it is not set up, I am aware of that--as far as the leaks, I had to overcompensate on some keys to get them sealing but I could do that and it played--the leaks weren't bad enough to the point of not allowing notes to speak. It comes down to whether or not I want to pony up the money to buy this horn and stick some money into it to see how I like it. Ultimately, that probably won't happen as the mortgage payment comes first I'm afraid...

Again, I would repeat that I wasn't dissapointed or unhappy with the horn, I was surprised at how it was different than what I thought it would be. Had I not already purchased an Aristocrat as a secondary horn, this would be a worthwhile choice. (The biggest plus for me with this horn is the action--thats the biggest strike against the Buescher...but I'm sure the SML-ites would prefer not to hear mention of other horn brands here, so I shall keep my comparisons to a minimum....!)

(Also, I am trying to be honest about the horns--I 'm not a big cheerleader of any horn just because of its brand--there are things I don't like about the horns I already own as well...)

[ABrit]

Hello Ving,

Many people love Selmers, I understand that. My preference is SML's and I will defend their corner, but I wouldn't go on the Selmer thread and start blurting on about how badly a Selmer played, when up against 'X' brand of saxophone. Then I thought "would I make this statement against 'X' if I had only tried one Saxophone of that particular brand, especially as it had leaks and wasn't set up correctly, I don't think so, even if you could compensate!!

I know everyone is entitled to their opinion, also people do look for certain things they like.

Keeping down the mention of other horn brands on this thread is a bit late now, don't think most people on this thread would be worried about an honest comparison, not up against a Buescher Aristocrat or a Selmer MKVI/MKII(Series III Neck).


tsaxy Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2003 1:24 pm Post subject:


Hi,
I recently purchased a SML tenor Gold Medal I( 16,xxx), lacquered, in mint condition. I paid $1400. plus another $100. I put into it for small repairs and adjusting. I purchased it from a good friend ,who did not add any profit . He just wanted what he had in the horn that he puchased several years ago.
As to playing and sound. It is tops. I put away my Selmer Serie III and will more than likely sell it. I use a open Dukoff mpc. with a modified baffle.
My friend also had a Gold Medal I alto with the nickle keys. It is mint,also. He gave me a The Martin Tenor (202,xxx) and the SML alto for a '67 MKVI alto I had, but used infrequently. He may have come out ahead money wise , but I think I got the better in playability and sound.

Hope this helps.


I find the above quote interesting, we are talking MKVI Alto here,
from what I can make out MKVI tenors are perceived not to be as good as the Alto. But what do I know.

And as a disclaimer to any Selmer followers out there, neither of the aforementioned horns would replace the Mark VI for me--thats still got the leg up for overall utility in my book

Ving, as the resident Selmer expert on the SML thread, could you give us your opinion on this?!!

Don't mean to offend with my impressions.

Regards,

ABrit

[ving]

A Brit,

My original comparisons were in answer to Max's comment that he'd be interested to hear my impressions of this SML in comparison to my Buescher and my Selmer (see above).

I really don't feel the need to go into specifics of these horns with you, it would seem from your posts we would perhaps disagree on some fundamental things anyhow so I don't believe it would serve any purpose to get into a Selmer vs. anything else debate.

Ultimately, I really wanted to find out if getting one of these horns in for under $1000 was a reasonable deal or not, and from what I have gleaned it is...

[max]

I was surpised at the weakness of the altissimo.
It took me a while to get there with mine - it definitely needs different fingerings than any other horn I've ever played (although when I got my SML alto, I was pleased to find that the fingerings I'd worked out on tenor carried over...).

But now that I've spent the time with it, I feel that I have better altissimo with the SML than I do with my Selmer.

But, as with everything else, what I like won't necessarily be what you like. I like dark, but I guess I don't think of my horns as being all that dark... then again, I tend to play bright, so I have to work to overcome that - maybe SMLs are very dark for others, and they're just "normal" for me.

I do think it's possible that this particular horn isn't showing its best side at the moment. But even in perfect condition it won't give you that core Selmer sound - for me, that's a plus.

Thanks for your honest impressions - I did ask, and I do appreciate them.

[morgan]

They're very different from Mark VIs. Which you prefer is your own choice.

[Voiceman]

I've played a Selmer Mark VII tenor for 25 years now, and I've also got a SML Gold Medal Mark I which I've "only" had for about 6 1/2 years now, and wow, how do you even compare 'em? They're totally different instruments! 2 completely different tones, set-ups, actions....

I love 'em both! For entirely different reasons... And use 'em both! For entirely different reasons....

My opinion is 2-fold here (and remember, folks, you're getting what you paid for here! LOL!): 1. The Mark VII's about the best "band beater" for ensemble/dance/swing band work you can own, in my opinion, great playability and versatility, superlative intonation (they BOTH do, for that matter, but I"m talking in terms of any OTHER horns!) and that classic, very "centered"/core Selmer tonal quality that's neither too dark nor too bright nor too big or small that will always be heard, and clean/clear, while never over-powering... 2. But if it's a SOLO horn, or a small ensemble (trio/quartet/quintet) gig playing coffee houses and the occaisional crowded, noisy pub scene, then HANDS DOWN I wouldn't take ANY horn over my SML.... (In fact, I routinely carry with me a metal (silver) mpc on ensemble gigs with the MkVII for solo breaks, as I need the extra projection OOMPH, which I wouldn't need with the SML and don't want to carry 2 horns!)

One last add'l note: I must say, it was a HUGE adjustment for me when I first bought the SML 6+ years ago, because the darned thing plays so LOUD!!! LOL! I mean, just HUGE sound, with little to no blowing effort, and much deeper, richer, "fuller-bodied" tone than the Mark VII (which I LOVE and will be buried with, by the way, along WITH my SML!!! ;-)

So, my advice (if feasible): Do what I DID, and keep 'em BOTH!!! LOL!

In any event, take care, God bless and enjoy your SML!