Sax on the Web

Sax on the Web Forum Archive / Selmer saxes / Mk VI vs SA80 II bari

MusicMan
User ID: 0464054 Jan 15th 12:16 PM
It's been a little over 15 years since I've had my Mk IV low A bari. No regrets on parting with it at the time, needed money to pay bills and wasn't playing it much at the time. It was a 110xxx horn (if I remember correctly).

I remember it was a great playing horn, but had some intonation tendencies that had to be watched.

My question is: How do the current SA80 II baris compare. I am considering purchasing a modern bari or good low A vintage. I am aware of the arguements of the other top 3, but would like feedback concerning the vintage mk VI compared to the SA80 II's.

Also, there is a lot of talk concerning the QC at Selmer now. The mk VI had several acid bleeds, but the lacquer at least stayed on for the most part. Now there are lots of stories about the current line-up.

Isaac Armstrong
User ID: 0519814 Jan 16th 9:25 PM
Well, back in 1993 I played an SA80II (1993-1994) Low A Bari. At the time, I tought it was God's gift to the Bari sax world! It plays great, action is very balanced (though the Low A thumb key is stiffer than it should be), and is very rugged (it was the school Bari!). Then in 1995-1996, I changed schools, and they had a Low Bb Mark VI (can't remember serial number). Well, in tone production, and projection, it blew the SA80II outta the water! I missed the low A ofthe SA80II though. I don't know, for me, they're a toss up. They both have their merits.

Cashsax
User ID: 9014973 Jan 17th 1:17 PM
Hey'Man, My silver 80II is a great horn. When i searched for a new Bari The VI's I saw were either not lo A or beat to death. I looked for 6 mos, the(only)one good A VI I saw was a very Late model no engraving and TOO expensive.I have owned two Lo A VI's in the distant past and the current version feels cut from the same cloth. Solid as a rock and ballsy as hell.I'm still dialing mpc's for it. I wouldn't trade it for any other Bari on the market.It's got a bottomless depth to the tone like all good Selmer's. And the action, although a little stiff out of the box, rips like an Alto. I sometimes wish they hadn't changed the A key,as this one does feel a little stiffer than I remember.It's a minor point as the new design works perfectly and takes very little effort to get used to.And there are some trill possibilities with the new key that I never noticed with the old design.All in all I give the 80 a good review I'm lovin' it. And in Silver-plate..man it's a LOOKER, good luck in your search..Cash

MusicMan User ID: 0464054	Jan 15th 12:16 PM It's been a little over 15 years since I've had my Mk IV low A bari. No regrets on parting with it at the time, needed money to pay bills and wasn't playing it much at the time. It was a 110xxx horn (if I remember correctly). I remember it was a great playing horn, but had some intonation tendencies that had to be watched. My question is: How do the current SA80 II baris compare. I am considering purchasing a modern bari or good low A vintage. I am aware of the arguements of the other top 3, but would like feedback concerning the vintage mk VI compared to the SA80 II's. Also, there is a lot of talk concerning the QC at Selmer now. The mk VI had several acid bleeds, but the lacquer at least stayed on for the most part. Now there are lots of stories about the current line-up.
Isaac Armstrong User ID: 0519814	Jan 16th 9:25 PM Well, back in 1993 I played an SA80II (1993-1994) Low A Bari. At the time, I tought it was God's gift to the Bari sax world! It plays great, action is very balanced (though the Low A thumb key is stiffer than it should be), and is very rugged (it was the school Bari!). Then in 1995-1996, I changed schools, and they had a Low Bb Mark VI (can't remember serial number). Well, in tone production, and projection, it blew the SA80II outta the water! I missed the low A ofthe SA80II though. I don't know, for me, they're a toss up. They both have their merits.
Cashsax User ID: 9014973	Jan 17th 1:17 PM Hey'Man, My silver 80II is a great horn. When i searched for a new Bari The VI's I saw were either not lo A or beat to death. I looked for 6 mos, the(only)one good A VI I saw was a very Late model no engraving and TOO expensive.I have owned two Lo A VI's in the distant past and the current version feels cut from the same cloth. Solid as a rock and ballsy as hell.I'm still dialing mpc's for it. I wouldn't trade it for any other Bari on the market.It's got a bottomless depth to the tone like all good Selmer's. And the action, although a little stiff out of the box, rips like an Alto. I sometimes wish they hadn't changed the A key,as this one does feel a little stiffer than I remember.It's a minor point as the new design works perfectly and takes very little effort to get used to.And there are some trill possibilities with the new key that I never noticed with the old design.All in all I give the 80 a good review I'm lovin' it. And in Silver-plate..man it's a LOOKER, good luck in your search..Cash