SML Gold Medal tenor on its way

[hakan]

Hi!
I know nothing about these horns except from what I've read on this forum and on some other websources. I am waiting on an SML Gold Medal tenor with serialnr: 17XXX which is being sent to me from a musicstore. I can have it on trial. I dont know anything about the condition of this instrument, but I would like to know if there is anything special with these horns I should look out for. Some problems with this model?

Thanks!

[tsaxy]

Hi,
I went from a Selmer Serie III to a SML GM, #16,7xx tenor. At first I did not like the left pinky low notes spatula set up. but now like it better than the angled Selmer style. I was also dumb about the articulated G# set up on the SML. There is a on ,off switch on the backside of the G# key that moves up and down to activate or deactivate the key. When I recieved my horn it was deactivated, but thanks to SOTW, I found out what that thing on the key was for. The other thing I don't like is the left hand thumb rest below the octave key. On extended playing my thumb becomes sore. I have to figure out something to make that thumb rest more comfortable. Maybe other users have an answer for that. My thumb rest is not the movable style. The only other thing is the weight of the horn. It is heavier than most tenors. On gigs I use a harness instead of a neck strap.
The above things I mention are small. The sound, intonation and playabilty suits my style of playing just fine.
The SML's are a secret to most young players . I have asked two young pro players in my area if they were familiar with SML's. They never heard of them. Also, the tech I use (he is in his 40s) never heard of SML. He was very impressed with my SMLs and did a fine job setting them up.

[hakan]

Thanks for the quick reply! Sounds quite interesting, although I'm not very keen on a horn that is too heavy. If I get you right you prefer the SML over the Selmer serieIII?
The horn I'm waiting for has been sent to a repair/tech first, so I guess it is not in mint condition...And I guess it will take at least a week before I get it. The price is 12900 Swedish crowns (about 1600 USD).
About the thumb rest: I'm sure that can be fixed if you want to pay what it costs to let a qualified technician modify it.

[tsaxy]

Yes, I prefer the SML over the Serie III. The III horn, to me, does not have the big, dark, vibrant sound that the vintage horn has. I am an older guy and like the sound I get with the SML. The next guy would like the modern III horn. It's all a matter of personal taste.
The SML is heavier, but the workmanship and material , again , to me are superior to the modern day horn.
The $1600. price you mention is in the ball park for that horn, if it is average or above average condition. I believe you would have a comparible, good quality sax for less than half of what you would pay for a MKVI.