Sax on the Web Forum

Next 20 Messages

Andrew D
User ID: 1076954 Aug 14th 2:27 PM
I played a gig last night and used my black nickle sx90 sop for at least 7 tunes, & this horn sounds so good it goes on to surprise me time & time again, I've had doubts after a short period with this sax as it is not the easiest horn to articulate, with changing the mps (thanks to bootman for runyon tip) and getting to grips with the large keywork I truly believe this freeblowing horn will pass the test of time unlike many selmers that have come and gone. Just needed to air my opinon :)

Andrew D
User ID: 1076954 Aug 14th 3:32 PM
Sorry re: spelling..
One more thing I would like to obtain a metal mp I've tried a link and also yani but they did not do the sound any justice, anyone had any good results with metal on a sx90? looking to cover both jazz & r&b!!!

Randall
User ID: 0178794 Aug 14th 4:27 PM
Andrew,
Actually I have been on the mp search too for my SX90II (black).
If you are looking for metal pieces, you might try an older Berg Larsen. It has given me the best sound and ease of playing of all the metal pieces I have tried thus far. Down side is I can't seem to get the intonation right. Admittedly, I am NOT a soprano player! You may well have no problems in this area!
The other piece that I really favor in the Runyon Quantum Spoiler in plastic. If you like the plastic, maybe you should give the metal version a try?
One other piece I liked (metal) was the Beechler. If you haven't tried one yet, you might look into an old Meyer hard rubber piece. I have found that rubber Meyer pieces (for me) sound very much like metal pieces and they are extremely easy to blow.

Andrew D
User ID: 1076954 Aug 15th 6:31 AM
Thanks for the info Randall, I do not really consider myself a sop player either however I seem want to play this sax the more I practice. Ditto with tuning although I feel this is my insecurity with mpc reed ect, if I can hear myself this is not a problem. What are the differences with runyon custom & quantom? Played this mpc on a series2 silver sop and was impressed although I did not have my sx90 to hand.

One more question I believe you have a millenium horn, there are two serial numbers on the brace connecting the body & bell, do you have any info as to what these serial numbers signify? as I cannot get any info from selmer.

Lenny
User ID: 0561484 Aug 15th 12:46 PM
I tried an old metal selmer soloist once that sounded great on my SX90. I preferred my rubber Vandoran cause it was darker but it was a great sweeet rich sound I should have bought it.

Andrew D
User ID: 1076954 Aug 19th 10:36 AM
Ok now for the bashing.....I decided to give my horn a clean and in the process noticed that my palm key's have worn ie: laquer around the edges has come off on all the palm keys, there is no difference to the sound, however this horn is a year old and is virtually new. I play alto as my primary horn so sop does not see the day to day use as my selmer alto. Anyone got an e-mail address for keilwerth.

Subtone Sam
User ID: 1432154 Aug 19th 11:23 AM
Andrew D,unfortunately this is nothing new with JKs; the laquering on the keys comes off very fast.I have a one month old JK tenor and its already giving signs that laquering on the keys is coming off (little black spots etc.)

Chris S.
User ID: 0923684 Aug 26th 9:47 PM
Anyone know where I can find a curved neck for my SX90 II sop? Mine only has the strait neck(curved one stolen before my ownership)and I would like to locate a curved neck for different playing scenarios i.e. gigs. Thanks

Randall
User ID: 0178794 Aug 27th 6:38 PM
Andrew,
MP question: I like the Quantum much better than the Custom..the Custom for me gives a harsh biting sound that is not at all pleasant to my ears. Kinda like a duck on it it's period- if that gives you any mental/aural picture... The Quantum, on the other hand, is a free blowing, much more manageable piece that gives me the subtleness I desire yet still can honk.
On the Millenium, no info about those numbers yet, but I'll ask.

FreshSax
User ID: 2686314 Aug 27th 6:57 PM
I also have a 90II black nickel. I have a Quantum#8 metal and plays very well on this horn but I don't like its duck bill type. So, it's for sale. I also have a refaced Yani. This is a killer piece. But also for sale. Reason? I have a Selmer supersession "I" and Theo's custom sop piece. Theo's and refaced Yani are about same. I think Yani is easier to sell. ychls@yahoo.com

Andrew D
User ID: 1696934 Aug 27th 7:09 PM
Randall: It took me a while to get into the custom & I kept switching back to link/vandoran, however I have learned to work with this mp and I get a nice balanced sound throughout the range. The only reservation I have is that I like to push a lot of air through a mpc as with my alto but with the runyon, it's as if I have to hold back and not try to force the sound otherwise I get the effect you discribe. Ideally I would like a mpc that would provide a way for me to push the air through to achieve a natural edge as and when I need it. I was thinking of buying a JJ but I think it will be more of the same. I can hear a killer sound on this sop. just not quite there.

Maybe the quantum will give me the best of both worlds. what lay/reed setup are you using?

Randall
User ID: 0178794 Aug 27th 7:54 PM
I use a #12 plastic Quantum on my tenor with the spoiler in and usually use 2 1/2 Alexanders and a Rovner lig.
I think the Quantum spoiler may be what you are looking for.
As for the soprano, I am using a #10 plastic Quantum Spoiler with the same set up as the tenor....am thinking of going to a #3 Alexander though to try to get the upper notes a little easier. Most likely the baffle is to high for me and this is why I can't get the upper notes out well on soprano.
For me it is always a trade off on soprano..mid/low range is superb with my piece/set up..upper range sucks and vice-versa.

Randall
User ID: 0178794 Aug 28th 9:47 AM
Andrew, the numbers on the bell brace of the Selmer Millenium are as follows:
The official Selmer line was that there were to be 500 produced, however, orders were taken prior to production.
The higher of the two numbers is the number of horns produced at any given point in the production. The lower number on the brace is the actual number of your horn in the line of production. My brace numbers are 474 and 349- thus mine is the 349th of the production run of 474 horns. There could be more than 474 horns made already though. Might be interesting to run a thread as to such to compare. What are your numbers?

Andrew D
User ID: 1696934 Aug 28th 10:03 AM
Randall: You are obvously talking to the right people, I have been trying to find out exactly what these two numbers mean with no success.

I too have the number 474 with the other side being 31 so I presume mine is the 31st in production cycle.

I use an old metal link on this horn and it ain't working out, seems to be too fat a sound although when I record it sounds great. What setup reed/mpc you using?

Just to recap on wear on palm keys, I e-mailed kielwerth and it seems (though no confimation yet) they may send me some palm keys...will keep you posted.

Randall
User ID: 0178794 Aug 28th 7:27 PM
Jk laq is notoriously bad. If they send you palm keys, I'm gonna hit them up too!
My bari's palm keys are flakin' off too.
I bought some Yamaha laq polish, which if applied regularly, seems to be good on the JK finishes.
I am wondering about Bootman's JK straight tenor and how the laq is holding up?

Subtone Sam
User ID: 1432154 Aug 29th 7:30 AM
Randall,I fully agree with you on that JK laquer thing.I´m a bit depressed over the fact that my 2 months old NS tenor is getting those little black spots and actual laquer wear all over the keys and on goldlaq. bodyparts too (NS finish is in good condition,though).It IS a major manufacturing fault,no doubt about that.JK factory offered to relaquer the keys but I really doubt they will do any better job this time.I have the same experience with my 10 yrs. old black-nickel JK Ponzol,too.The laquering on the keys has worn off almost completely,lots of that brown/green stuff on the keys.I hear that best laquer JK has is the vintage laq.,that should last a little longer.I think they should really put some effort to improve their laquering techniques;if they continue like this they will have major problems trying to sell these horns,as great as they sound.Anyone who purchases a prolevel horn as expensive as these wants the laquering to be at least on the same level than on student level Yamahas (!) but as it is now,the student Yamaha horn has actually BETTER laquering than prolevel JK.How about that?!

Randall
User ID: 0178794 Aug 29th 8:00 AM
Agreed- the Yamaha laq is probably the best on the market and the most beautiful color. Similarly, the Selmer people could take a few lessons from Yamaha on laq tint I think.
Generally, I go for plated horns, but even those have a clear laq these days.
I have a satin silver straight JK tenor coming in the next month. I am assuming it will not have a clear coat of laq as it will be bead blasted.
Sam, If JK will redo your keys, why not let them do it and then try the laq polish? I was surprised at how good it seems to work. Only prob is that it is a labor intensive. As you said, JK should bring it's laq up to snuff. The horns are bloody fantastic though, aren't they?
I too had a Ponzol; black tenor (Bootman's old one)...of course Boot played it tons, but the black nickle plating was even coming off in places.
Does your NS have the visible seam down the bell, or did you get one of the more recent ones with the improved brazing compound?

Subtone Sam
User ID: 1432154 Aug 29th 8:20 AM
Randall,its possible to JK to redo the keys altough I would want them to do it with different laquer (vintage) and I´m not sure if they will.The problem is that they would have to relaq. some brushed qoldlaq. bodyparts too and relaquering the body or part of it is always a risk.Plus I have put quite large amount of money into this horn (replacing all the felts,corks etc.) and I would have to do this all over again,way too expensive.My NS is a recent one with no visible seam on the bell but there is a visible seam on the bow.I like the sound&playability of this horn very much,its not actually brighter than other JKs I´ve tried,its more resonant with less resistance than some other JK finishes.NS has that silver horn sound to it.About BN Ponzol finish,it does come off in certain places,especially around the strap ring but I think thats quite normal wear.Actually,I´m thinking of having the Ponzol keys relaquered with vintage laq. instead as they are in much worse condition (JK will do this free of charge,ofcource.Randall,why did you sell the Ponzol,its a great sounding tenor,IMO ?

Randall
User ID: 0178794 Aug 29th 8:27 AM
The vintage laq from Jk is over nickle plating, so I think that may have some bearing on things.
Why not just go with silver plate on your keys? The black and silver combo is really quite nice too.
The Ponzol is a great horn and I liked the sound, but I didn't like it better than the SX90RC (solid copper) horn I had. Also I got a flat trade for a Selmer Millenium for the Ponzol. Couldn't say no, as I am sure you can understand. Thirdly, I am awash in killer tenors. Like Boot and Cashsax, I have GAS in the most extreme way when it comes to tenors.

Subtone Sam
User ID: 1432154 Aug 29th 9:33 AM
Silverplate would be nice too but I have one Yamaha Custom sop. silverplated and it tarnishes very easily.Anyway,Ponzol engraving&bell flare is goldlaq. so it wouldn´t really fit cosmetically.

Next 20 Messages

Andrew D User ID: 1076954	Aug 14th 2:27 PM I played a gig last night and used my black nickle sx90 sop for at least 7 tunes, & this horn sounds so good it goes on to surprise me time & time again, I've had doubts after a short period with this sax as it is not the easiest horn to articulate, with changing the mps (thanks to bootman for runyon tip) and getting to grips with the large keywork I truly believe this freeblowing horn will pass the test of time unlike many selmers that have come and gone. Just needed to air my opinon :)
Andrew D User ID: 1076954	Aug 14th 3:32 PM Sorry re: spelling.. One more thing I would like to obtain a metal mp I've tried a link and also yani but they did not do the sound any justice, anyone had any good results with metal on a sx90? looking to cover both jazz & r&b!!!
Randall User ID: 0178794	Aug 14th 4:27 PM Andrew, Actually I have been on the mp search too for my SX90II (black). If you are looking for metal pieces, you might try an older Berg Larsen. It has given me the best sound and ease of playing of all the metal pieces I have tried thus far. Down side is I can't seem to get the intonation right. Admittedly, I am NOT a soprano player! You may well have no problems in this area! The other piece that I really favor in the Runyon Quantum Spoiler in plastic. If you like the plastic, maybe you should give the metal version a try? One other piece I liked (metal) was the Beechler. If you haven't tried one yet, you might look into an old Meyer hard rubber piece. I have found that rubber Meyer pieces (for me) sound very much like metal pieces and they are extremely easy to blow.
Andrew D User ID: 1076954	Aug 15th 6:31 AM Thanks for the info Randall, I do not really consider myself a sop player either however I seem want to play this sax the more I practice. Ditto with tuning although I feel this is my insecurity with mpc reed ect, if I can hear myself this is not a problem. What are the differences with runyon custom & quantom? Played this mpc on a series2 silver sop and was impressed although I did not have my sx90 to hand. One more question I believe you have a millenium horn, there are two serial numbers on the brace connecting the body & bell, do you have any info as to what these serial numbers signify? as I cannot get any info from selmer.
Lenny User ID: 0561484	Aug 15th 12:46 PM I tried an old metal selmer soloist once that sounded great on my SX90. I preferred my rubber Vandoran cause it was darker but it was a great sweeet rich sound I should have bought it.
Andrew D User ID: 1076954	Aug 19th 10:36 AM Ok now for the bashing.....I decided to give my horn a clean and in the process noticed that my palm key's have worn ie: laquer around the edges has come off on all the palm keys, there is no difference to the sound, however this horn is a year old and is virtually new. I play alto as my primary horn so sop does not see the day to day use as my selmer alto. Anyone got an e-mail address for keilwerth.
Subtone Sam User ID: 1432154	Aug 19th 11:23 AM Andrew D,unfortunately this is nothing new with JKs; the laquering on the keys comes off very fast.I have a one month old JK tenor and its already giving signs that laquering on the keys is coming off (little black spots etc.)
Chris S. User ID: 0923684	Aug 26th 9:47 PM Anyone know where I can find a curved neck for my SX90 II sop? Mine only has the strait neck(curved one stolen before my ownership)and I would like to locate a curved neck for different playing scenarios i.e. gigs. Thanks
Randall User ID: 0178794	Aug 27th 6:38 PM Andrew, MP question: I like the Quantum much better than the Custom..the Custom for me gives a harsh biting sound that is not at all pleasant to my ears. Kinda like a duck on it it's period- if that gives you any mental/aural picture... The Quantum, on the other hand, is a free blowing, much more manageable piece that gives me the subtleness I desire yet still can honk. On the Millenium, no info about those numbers yet, but I'll ask.
FreshSax User ID: 2686314	Aug 27th 6:57 PM I also have a 90II black nickel. I have a Quantum#8 metal and plays very well on this horn but I don't like its duck bill type. So, it's for sale. I also have a refaced Yani. This is a killer piece. But also for sale. Reason? I have a Selmer supersession "I" and Theo's custom sop piece. Theo's and refaced Yani are about same. I think Yani is easier to sell. ychls@yahoo.com
Andrew D User ID: 1696934	Aug 27th 7:09 PM Randall: It took me a while to get into the custom & I kept switching back to link/vandoran, however I have learned to work with this mp and I get a nice balanced sound throughout the range. The only reservation I have is that I like to push a lot of air through a mpc as with my alto but with the runyon, it's as if I have to hold back and not try to force the sound otherwise I get the effect you discribe. Ideally I would like a mpc that would provide a way for me to push the air through to achieve a natural edge as and when I need it. I was thinking of buying a JJ but I think it will be more of the same. I can hear a killer sound on this sop. just not quite there. Maybe the quantum will give me the best of both worlds. what lay/reed setup are you using?
Randall User ID: 0178794	Aug 27th 7:54 PM I use a #12 plastic Quantum on my tenor with the spoiler in and usually use 2 1/2 Alexanders and a Rovner lig. I think the Quantum spoiler may be what you are looking for. As for the soprano, I am using a #10 plastic Quantum Spoiler with the same set up as the tenor....am thinking of going to a #3 Alexander though to try to get the upper notes a little easier. Most likely the baffle is to high for me and this is why I can't get the upper notes out well on soprano. For me it is always a trade off on soprano..mid/low range is superb with my piece/set up..upper range sucks and vice-versa.
Randall User ID: 0178794	Aug 28th 9:47 AM Andrew, the numbers on the bell brace of the Selmer Millenium are as follows: The official Selmer line was that there were to be 500 produced, however, orders were taken prior to production. The higher of the two numbers is the number of horns produced at any given point in the production. The lower number on the brace is the actual number of your horn in the line of production. My brace numbers are 474 and 349- thus mine is the 349th of the production run of 474 horns. There could be more than 474 horns made already though. Might be interesting to run a thread as to such to compare. What are your numbers?
Andrew D User ID: 1696934	Aug 28th 10:03 AM Randall: You are obvously talking to the right people, I have been trying to find out exactly what these two numbers mean with no success. I too have the number 474 with the other side being 31 so I presume mine is the 31st in production cycle. I use an old metal link on this horn and it ain't working out, seems to be too fat a sound although when I record it sounds great. What setup reed/mpc you using? Just to recap on wear on palm keys, I e-mailed kielwerth and it seems (though no confimation yet) they may send me some palm keys...will keep you posted.
Randall User ID: 0178794	Aug 28th 7:27 PM Jk laq is notoriously bad. If they send you palm keys, I'm gonna hit them up too! My bari's palm keys are flakin' off too. I bought some Yamaha laq polish, which if applied regularly, seems to be good on the JK finishes. I am wondering about Bootman's JK straight tenor and how the laq is holding up?
Subtone Sam User ID: 1432154	Aug 29th 7:30 AM Randall,I fully agree with you on that JK laquer thing.I´m a bit depressed over the fact that my 2 months old NS tenor is getting those little black spots and actual laquer wear all over the keys and on goldlaq. bodyparts too (NS finish is in good condition,though).It IS a major manufacturing fault,no doubt about that.JK factory offered to relaquer the keys but I really doubt they will do any better job this time.I have the same experience with my 10 yrs. old black-nickel JK Ponzol,too.The laquering on the keys has worn off almost completely,lots of that brown/green stuff on the keys.I hear that best laquer JK has is the vintage laq.,that should last a little longer.I think they should really put some effort to improve their laquering techniques;if they continue like this they will have major problems trying to sell these horns,as great as they sound.Anyone who purchases a prolevel horn as expensive as these wants the laquering to be at least on the same level than on student level Yamahas (!) but as it is now,the student Yamaha horn has actually BETTER laquering than prolevel JK.How about that?!
Randall User ID: 0178794	Aug 29th 8:00 AM Agreed- the Yamaha laq is probably the best on the market and the most beautiful color. Similarly, the Selmer people could take a few lessons from Yamaha on laq tint I think. Generally, I go for plated horns, but even those have a clear laq these days. I have a satin silver straight JK tenor coming in the next month. I am assuming it will not have a clear coat of laq as it will be bead blasted. Sam, If JK will redo your keys, why not let them do it and then try the laq polish? I was surprised at how good it seems to work. Only prob is that it is a labor intensive. As you said, JK should bring it's laq up to snuff. The horns are bloody fantastic though, aren't they? I too had a Ponzol; black tenor (Bootman's old one)...of course Boot played it tons, but the black nickle plating was even coming off in places. Does your NS have the visible seam down the bell, or did you get one of the more recent ones with the improved brazing compound?
Subtone Sam User ID: 1432154	Aug 29th 8:20 AM Randall,its possible to JK to redo the keys altough I would want them to do it with different laquer (vintage) and I´m not sure if they will.The problem is that they would have to relaq. some brushed qoldlaq. bodyparts too and relaquering the body or part of it is always a risk.Plus I have put quite large amount of money into this horn (replacing all the felts,corks etc.) and I would have to do this all over again,way too expensive.My NS is a recent one with no visible seam on the bell but there is a visible seam on the bow.I like the sound&playability of this horn very much,its not actually brighter than other JKs I´ve tried,its more resonant with less resistance than some other JK finishes.NS has that silver horn sound to it.About BN Ponzol finish,it does come off in certain places,especially around the strap ring but I think thats quite normal wear.Actually,I´m thinking of having the Ponzol keys relaquered with vintage laq. instead as they are in much worse condition (JK will do this free of charge,ofcource.Randall,why did you sell the Ponzol,its a great sounding tenor,IMO ?
Randall User ID: 0178794	Aug 29th 8:27 AM The vintage laq from Jk is over nickle plating, so I think that may have some bearing on things. Why not just go with silver plate on your keys? The black and silver combo is really quite nice too. The Ponzol is a great horn and I liked the sound, but I didn't like it better than the SX90RC (solid copper) horn I had. Also I got a flat trade for a Selmer Millenium for the Ponzol. Couldn't say no, as I am sure you can understand. Thirdly, I am awash in killer tenors. Like Boot and Cashsax, I have GAS in the most extreme way when it comes to tenors.
Subtone Sam User ID: 1432154	Aug 29th 9:33 AM Silverplate would be nice too but I have one Yamaha Custom sop. silverplated and it tarnishes very easily.Anyway,Ponzol engraving&bell flare is goldlaq. so it wouldn´t really fit cosmetically.