1956 SML Gold Medal alto

[jellybean]

I have an SML Gold Medal alto saxophone with the serial number 15066. From looking at the serial number listings I believe it was made in 1956. I originally bought it for my son when he first started playing from a second hand dealer in Sydney Australia. We had it completely serviced/overhauled and he used it for about two years before we bought him a new saxophone more appropriate for a beginner.
We're thinking about selling it and I'm wondering if anyone can tell me its approximate value and the best way to go about selling it.

[mnash]

Welcome to the forums, jellybean!

I've been watching these horns sell over the last couple of years. For a pristine gold-plated example with original finish, recently repadded by a well-known repairman, and with no dents, serious dings, or other problems, you could get as much as $2500 for it, give or take. For a more typical example of a 50 year old horn, with somewhat worn but original standard lacquer finish, a few dings and scratches, etc, maybe around $1600 or so would be a reasonable asking price.

You might have luck selling it by listing it in the horns for sale section here on the forums. Be sure to read the posting rules first - you have to list a price, where it is shipping from, and include an email address.

These are great horns, but unfortunately (for sellers) or fortunately (for buyers), they don't fetch what they are worth in my opinion.

Good luck!
mnash

[BeyondSax]

If the horn is in good shape, I would keep it. As your son improves, he may well migrate back to the SML. I collect saxes and I think my SMLs are by far the best horns I have. They are equivalent in quality and tone to anything Selmer has ever produced and the intonation is remarkable.

[JazzGospel]

Upon on eBay right now a Gold Plated alto:
http://i11.ebayimg.com/08/i/000/d9/fc/5f2d_3.JPG


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150216032633&indexURL=0&photoDisplayType=2#ebayphotohosting

This could be interesting or very boring.

[SteveS]

The seller opened the bidding at over $6400? I wish him luck, but even the finest SMLs don't command that kind of coin. One could ask why, since the SML is a well made horn with a nice sound, and they didn't make many of them compared with Selmers. If it were up to me, SMLs would go for a lot more money.

But as of now, the market doesn't see it that way. The demand isn't there. Oh, people who like and seek SMLs are very passionate about those horns, but there just are not enough SML enthusiasts to push the prices that high. That's my guess.

I'll watch this auction. It'll be interesting, no doubt!

Steve

[BeyondSax]

Just checked and it showed there were "0" bids.... Probably could have gotten USD 2,500-3,000 easy enough..

[SteveS]

Yeah, that opening price set by the seller was rather optimistic. Who knows why a marginal Mark VI can easily command $4000 but a near mint SML struggles to get $3000 (let alone $6000++).

I agree with the $2500-$3000 valuation, but that's just me!

[HornForHire]

I have an SML Gold Medal alto saxophone with the serial number 15066. From looking at the serial number listings I believe it was made in 1956. I originally bought it for my son when he first started playing from a second hand dealer in Sydney Australia. We had it completely serviced/overhauled and he used it for about two years before we bought him a new saxophone more appropriate for a beginner.
We're thinking about selling it and I'm wondering if anyone can tell me its approximate value and the best way to go about selling it.
I wouldn't sell it, if I were you.
I've got one just like it, also a 15,0xx serial number and recently overhauled, and it plays like a dream.

In a few years time you're son may appreciate it more.

[Pete Thomas]

Be sure to read the posting rules first - you have to list a price, where it is shipping from, and include an email address.


Not quite accurate - please don't include an email address, the spammers will get you. Give as much detail as possible and ideally some good close up pics.