There has been a discussion regarding the weight of soprano saxophones. Let's clear up the matter once and for all.
Here are the rules:
1) Weight should be in both pounds and grams (if possible)
2) Include Make, Model, Finish, and Serial Number (23,xxx)
3) Include year of manufacter (if known)
NO MOUTHPIECES - Just the saxophone.
I'll go first.
1977 Mark VI Selmer 169,XXX Lacquer Finish 2 Pounds 10.5oz 1205Grams
The evidence seems to be developing alright. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to provide accurate data (other than rounded numbers from my bathroom scale - recall that all of my sops (modern and vintage, curved and straight) came in at 3lbs.
I wish someone out there who has the ability to properly weigh a soprano ALSO had enough variety in horns to put this subject to rest, once and for all. One person weighing one horn in Oshkosh and another weighing a different horn in Keokuk isn't the solid proof we all need, but I'll admit those numbers are better than nothing.
I apologize for the "myth" crack, too. The additional ounces don't make a difference for me. I can hold my TT or my S992 and not feel the difference, but I'll recognize that to others, an ounce here and an ounce there may mean something. I STILL can't tell the difference when I heft my various sopranos. DAVE
I apologize for the "myth" crack, too. The additional ounces don't make a difference for me. I can hold my TT or my S992 and not feel the difference, but I'll recognize that to others, an ounce here and an ounce there may mean something. I STILL can't tell the difference when I heft my various sopranos. DAVE
[...]I wish someone out there who has the ability to properly weigh a soprano ALSO had enough variety in horns to put this subject to rest, once and for all. One person weighing one horn in Oshkosh and another weighing a different horn in Keokuk isn't the solid proof we all need, but I'll admit those numbers are better than nothing.[...]
Selmer SA80II (Lacquer)
S/N 474xxx (1992)
3 lbs 0.4 oz
I wasn't able to weigh my S-6 as I keep it out-of-state. I didn't bother weighing my Conn C-Sop as I didn't see that horn as being relevant.
One other thing to mention about the straight TT is that it has a strap hook. I don't think these horns ever left the factory with strap hooks, but mine has one. If it isn't original, then the addition was done flawlessly. I mention it because I'm sure it adds some minuscule amount to the over-all weight of that horn.
Very interesting, Little Sax. I wonder why the slight difference (and all were slight, in my view) between the two TT's? Maybe the roller G# keying? That is hard for me to believe. Why would a curved TT weigh less than the straight if they both have hi-F keying?
At any rate, it looks like most sops regardless of era weigh about the same. Like I wrote before, I don't find six ounces +/- to be a difference heavy enough to accurately feel by merely holding the things in our hands. Even if felt, I think those differences are insignificant.
But then again, maybe someone with a physical impairment may be sensitive to those increase/decreases in weight. DAVE
Very interesting, Little Sax. I wonder why the slight difference (and all were slight, in my view) between the two TT's? Maybe the roller G# keying? That is hard for me to believe. Why would a curved TT weigh less than the straight if they both have hi-F keying?
At any rate, it looks like most sops regardless of era weigh about the same. Like I wrote before, I don't find six ounces +/- to be a difference heavy enough to accurately feel by merely holding the things in our hands. Even if felt, I think those differences are insignificant.
But then again, maybe someone with a physical impairment may be sensitive to those increase/decreases in weight. DAVE
My curved TT is a bit of an anomaly as well since it is keyed to High F yet retains the older-style "button" G# key. I was surprised myself that the straight TT weighed more. Perhaps next week I'll get over to my S-6. I am curious how it fairs among the group.
The first sop I ever played was a school owned Yamaha 62. When I graduated I purchased my SA80II and I perceived a difference in weight. I also tested a few Yamaha Customs (which were the rage at the time) and found them to feel similar in weight to the Selmers I tried. Whatever the difference in weight was, it took more than a week of playing for my hand (specifically my right thumb) to adjust to the Selmer, and I believe I found the Selmer's thumb-rest more comfortable than that of the Yamaha.
Very possible that the combination of the much larger half-moon G# key, and the strap hook (with backing plate) on the 'straight' TT could add a couple of ounces each, making up the extra four ounces ? Maybe just one also has a lyre holder ?
Very possible that the combination of the much larger half-moon G# key, and the strap hook (with backing plate) on the 'straight' TT could add a couple of ounces each, making up the extra four ounces ? Maybe just one also has a lyre holder ?
Well they were both equipped with lyre holders at the factory, but the curvy is the only one that still retains its screw. Both have all their snaps in place as well. Also, the curvy has a factory installed strap-ring as well.
Only one thing for it then, take all the keys (etc.) off both, and just compare the body weights - if they're the same, then add the same keys back, bit by bit, until you find the point where they suddenly get heavier....
I was, naturally, joking, couldn't resist - back to soprano weights !
P.S. As an afterthought, if anything, I'd have thought it would be the curvy TT that was slightly heavier, with the extra weight of the neck socket/tenon/screw etc. - assuming it does have a detachable neck ?
Only one thing for it then, take all the keys (etc.) off both, and just compare the body weights - if they're the same, then add the same keys back, bit by bit, until you find the point where they suddenly get heavier....
I was, naturally, joking, couldn't resist - back to soprano weights !
P.S. As an afterthought, if anything, I'd have thought it would be the curvy TT that was slightly heavier, with the extra weight of the neck socket/tenon/screw etc. - assuming it does have a detachable neck ?
As far as I know, the only vintage sopranos (curved or otherwise) that had detachable necks were the very early Conns (ended sometime before 1920). Every other vintage sop that I've owned, considered owning, have seen, or have heard of (specifically Kings, Bueschers, Conns, and Martins) have had a fixed neck. Even the "semi-curved" models like the King Saxello and the Buescher Tipped-Bell models were one-piece saxophones.
My experience is definitely limited, but other than those very early curved Conns, having a detachable neck on any soprano seems to be a modern accoutrement.
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