SDA w/Buescher neck?

[goodsax]

How much would it affect the tone of a B-C SDA tenor if a vintage Buescher neck were used? There's one on eBay now for a very reasonable price is why I ask.
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[MBushaw]

That's not a real SDA, it is a very early S-1!
No rollers on the RH pinky table, split low Bb key, curved body-to-bell brace, offset RH stack. I suspect the brass is heavier than the later S-1's.
I really wish I had the $$ to do a buy it now, but I'm tapped until after NAMM.
This should be a killer horn, even with the Buescher neck (no high F# key). At that price you could get a custom neck and still be ahead.
Oh, the springs are not solid gold.

[goodsax]

Thanks, mBushaw. I noticed the absence of rollers in the right pinky table and wondered about that. It's the first time I've seen a sax without the rollers. I also noticed the absence of the classic BC medallion in the middle of the bell brace. It seems the seller may not be aware that it's not an SDA. None of the photos show clearly the engraving on the bell or a serial number, which doesn't help. But S-1's usually are a lot more pricey than what he's asking, don't you agree?
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[goodsax]

I couldn't stand it any longer. I bought the SDA/S1/Buescher-necked hybrid tenor. The seller responded to my puestions with the following:

"Hi Rob. Yes it has Super Dynaction in block kind of type below the strap ring as I am used to seeing on these model. Yes it soes have the S1 type right pinkie keys and does not have the Buffet emblem and the bell brace is semicircular??? I do not know whay. It may be experimental or earlier than we think, but serial number puts it in the 70s. The pads are used, but our sax players say it is a great sounding horn and plays well. It has mostly metal resonator pads with a couple of plastic resonators mixed in. Other than the neck being a Buescher neck...it looks original and in pretty good shape. I still do think the springs are gold. THey have none of the tell tale darkening associated with other metal...but who knows :-) Thanks for your inquiry. Rick"

So, I went for it. Got it for $895 plus $20 insured UPS shipping. Now, the interminable waiting with fingers crossed for the day it arrives at my front door and I get my first chance to put some air through it.

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[MBushaw]

Good Buy!
Yes, S-1 is generally considered more desirable because of the offset RH stack and improved pinky keys. Many don't like the S-1 as the brass is much thinner than the SDA, causing the tone to be much brighter. If you have an old horn from any manufacturer, say pre-1970, and compare to a new horn you will know what I mean. The old horns could take a lot of banging without showing a dent but the new horns dent if you set them down wrong!
Since this is such an early S-1 (they continued to engrave Super Dynaction after the model change), it may be one of the rare 'transitional' horns with the thicker brass, the lack of a high F# key makes me think it is. Even if it is the thinner brass you still got a great horn.
I put Jim Schmidt pads on my S-1 alto, and it is so smooth and fast.... If you need a re-pad, give some thought to using his pads, well worth the extra $.

[goodsax]

Thanks for the info and the pads tip. Now I'm looking for a more compatible neck to replace the Buescher neck. The seller didn't know the story behind that little gllitch, but swears that it plays very nicely anyway. I'll keep looking for either an S-1 or SBA tenor neck, just in case.

Thanks again,

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[TheChristianSax]

I have purchase a horn from that same seller and used it for several years until I acquired my SDA. He was really helpful. I think the answer to the neck question is on the case. There are letters spray painted on the case leading me to believe it was an old school horn. I remember how school horns were treated! The neck was probably damaged by some careless mistake and the Buescher neck was added. Sounds like a pretty good buy. Let us know what you think of it when you get it.

Sincerely,

Matt

[goodsax]

I think you may be right, christiansax. The seller, Rick, said the Buescher neck was with it when he bought it and didn't know any more about it. As you suggest, he's been very helpful, both before and after the sale. He says his sax repair guy play tested it after some adjustments and deemed it a good player.

When I get it, I'll be sure to share my playing experience with it hoping it will be all positive.

Thanks for your input.

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[T.J]

Goodsax, if you see the 'SuperDynaction' name engraved on the middle of the horn, then that really IS a SDA tenor with transitional S-1 keys. I also saw the same model on eBay few days ago, and certainly seemed like the tranny SDA but didn't have articulated high F# and adjustable thumb rest like mine. If I'm right, I think there were about couple thousands of these 'tranny' models produced from 1973 to 1975 according to the serial.

I have both of these models in alto and tenor, and yes they're the same as the good ol' SDA but with S-1 key layout. I had a thorough comparison against a 1966 SDA (which I used to own) and a 1979 S-1 and the tranny model shares the equal bore size, neck, and tonal character as the old SDA. The S-1 had thinner metal (much lighter in weight), smaller bore, and more acute neck angle. In fact, it sounded more resonant and bigger than the original SDA, very compatible with contemporary music. I ran into a pro player at a shop who plays Warren Hill kind of smooth jazz and he wanted my SDA for his 70,xxx MKVI. The volume and stability on these tranny's are enormous.

MBush, you'll be amazed when you see this baby in real but too bad I'm living way out in the Far East. Good God I have sell the alto tranny because I can no longer support for it (hey, I gotta eat and do other things too). It's on marketplace now at a very reasonable price. The horn is mint so go check out the pics. :)

[goodsax]

T.J. -

I received the SDA/S-1 yesterday. Although cosmetically it's in need of some serious help, indeed the words Super Dynaction are clearly stamped/engraved along the body just below the neckstrap ring. Also, the key arrangment is like no other I've seen, I suppose because this is my first S-1 key-configured SDA. There are many intricate details, but the individual screw adjustments for the low C and Eb keys are one example of its uniqueness.

I've had only a short time playing it since I had to rush off to a meeting after looking it over and playing it for only 20 minutes, but that was enough time to know it is potentially a good player. When I get more time to try out different mpc/reed combo's, I'm sure it will realize that potential.

But, it's never going to look good. I suspect it's going to be an ugly horn with a million dollar sound. At least that seems like a plausible Ugly Duckling scenario in my dreams.

Thanks for the input, T.J., it's always comforting to get reinforcement that one's purchase is what it is purported to be.

Happy Holidays!

[MBushaw]

You can always get it silver plated!

TJ - please, I can't buy anything until January!! Don't tempt me with your tranny alto!!!!