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Sax on the Web Forum Archive / Selmer saxes / Mk VI Soprano question

bariman1226
User ID: 9600383 Dec 11th 7:35 PM
Currently I'm playing on a Mark VI soprano in my quartet. It has it's share of mechanical problems, including some things that are slightly puzzling.

The Serial # is in the 263xxx range, and I haven't taken the time to date it yet - correct me if I am wrong, but didn't the Mark VI introduce the floating left pinky table into the Selmer line? This soprano has what is possibly the most funky left pinky tables ever. The action is stiff and unforgiving, and the key placement is nothing short of bizarre.

There is also an issue with the High E key on the right palm - the key is not adjustable whatsoever, and the High E refuses to speak because the pad does not raise high enough.

This is baffling for what is said to be a $5000 horn.

The Mark VI is heralded, but all the experiences I have had with these horns have disenchanted me with them. I get the feeling that I'm always going to be a Keilwerth guy.

Spanky
User ID: 0645514 Dec 11th 8:56 PM
I think you mean a $2000 horn.....

rollen
User ID: 9154853 Dec 11th 10:16 PM
bariman1226,

Make sure your left palm E key activates the D key. There should be a felt between the two keys. When the E is depressed both the E and D should open. My right side E key barely moves also. As far as the left hand pinky keys, they seem to be left over from the early models. My left pinky keys move freely. You might have a bent rod, or it possibly needs to be oiled. I started on a Buescher tenor which has the same layout, so for me it was easy to get used to. I had more of an adjustment going to the floating spatula. Mark VI sopranos, you either love-em or hate-em.

Lenny
User ID: 0665994 Dec 12th 12:31 AM
Bariman, The Mark VI sopranos don't have all the heralded modern keywork of the other Mark VI horns. That's one reason they aren't as popular. They vary alot as well - there are great ones and dogs. A good tech should be able to fix your palm key problem though.

stevew
User ID: 8868883 Dec 12th 4:09 AM
Though many pros play the VI soprano, the keywork is undoubtedly not as smooth as the Mk VI altos and tenors, and the intonation is a bit of a challenge. Look at a VI sop by the side of say a Serie II or any other modern sop and you will see it is a bit too short. I also feel the lack of the front F is a bit of a pain. Take all of this and I would rather have a Selmer II or III or a Yanagisawa soprano.

rollen
User ID: 1704034 Dec 12th 9:56 AM
stevew,

The action on my Mark VI soprano is as smooth as any sax I have had in my hands, Mark VI altos and tenors included.

stevew
User ID: 8868883 Dec 12th 10:15 AM
Glad you like it, as you say 'love or hate em'.

Steve Cars
User ID: 2386864 Dec 12th 11:05 PM
rollen,
Agreed, though the palm keys do take a littel getting used to...
Steve

bariman1226 User ID: 9600383	Dec 11th 7:35 PM Currently I'm playing on a Mark VI soprano in my quartet. It has it's share of mechanical problems, including some things that are slightly puzzling. The Serial # is in the 263xxx range, and I haven't taken the time to date it yet - correct me if I am wrong, but didn't the Mark VI introduce the floating left pinky table into the Selmer line? This soprano has what is possibly the most funky left pinky tables ever. The action is stiff and unforgiving, and the key placement is nothing short of bizarre. There is also an issue with the High E key on the right palm - the key is not adjustable whatsoever, and the High E refuses to speak because the pad does not raise high enough. This is baffling for what is said to be a $5000 horn. The Mark VI is heralded, but all the experiences I have had with these horns have disenchanted me with them. I get the feeling that I'm always going to be a Keilwerth guy.
Spanky User ID: 0645514	Dec 11th 8:56 PM I think you mean a $2000 horn.....
rollen User ID: 9154853	Dec 11th 10:16 PM bariman1226, Make sure your left palm E key activates the D key. There should be a felt between the two keys. When the E is depressed both the E and D should open. My right side E key barely moves also. As far as the left hand pinky keys, they seem to be left over from the early models. My left pinky keys move freely. You might have a bent rod, or it possibly needs to be oiled. I started on a Buescher tenor which has the same layout, so for me it was easy to get used to. I had more of an adjustment going to the floating spatula. Mark VI sopranos, you either love-em or hate-em.
Lenny User ID: 0665994	Dec 12th 12:31 AM Bariman, The Mark VI sopranos don't have all the heralded modern keywork of the other Mark VI horns. That's one reason they aren't as popular. They vary alot as well - there are great ones and dogs. A good tech should be able to fix your palm key problem though.
stevew User ID: 8868883	Dec 12th 4:09 AM Though many pros play the VI soprano, the keywork is undoubtedly not as smooth as the Mk VI altos and tenors, and the intonation is a bit of a challenge. Look at a VI sop by the side of say a Serie II or any other modern sop and you will see it is a bit too short. I also feel the lack of the front F is a bit of a pain. Take all of this and I would rather have a Selmer II or III or a Yanagisawa soprano.
rollen User ID: 1704034	Dec 12th 9:56 AM stevew, The action on my Mark VI soprano is as smooth as any sax I have had in my hands, Mark VI altos and tenors included.
stevew User ID: 8868883	Dec 12th 10:15 AM Glad you like it, as you say 'love or hate em'.
Steve Cars User ID: 2386864	Dec 12th 11:05 PM rollen, Agreed, though the palm keys do take a littel getting used to... Steve