CONSTRUCTION: SML Tenor Gold Medal- Articulated G#??

[tsaxy]

I am trying out a Gold medal SML tenor .This is my first encounter with this horn and have heard nothing good reports on them. I play a Selmer serie III and am used to the left pinky articulated G# and bell key action. This SML does not have the G# feature. Is it supposed to? The serial # is 16,719 and it states "Gold Medal" on the bell. It has the engraving on the lip of the bell,also. It does not have a adjustable RH thumb rest,either.
On the back of the G# key there is a post with nothing attached to it. It is to the outside of the key. It does not come close to the body of the horn and there is no felt or cork on it to act as a bumper.
It looks like your pinky would have to overlap the G# and low B and Bb key to use it as a articulated key. Very awkward. Other than that it plays well and has a good tone.

Any comments?

Thanks,

Bob

[tsaxy]

Duuh! I figured it out .. It is an optional feature to use or not use the articulated G#. All I had to do was read the 22 features. the horn is as good as advertised.

Sorry to trouble any one,

Bob

[max]

I usually leave the switch off - the spring tension can really add up.

I've learned to do exactly what you describe (hit both keys at once) when I want to use it. I generally want it with the C# key, which really isn't that bad at all.

(BTW, my SML Rev D replaced a serie II...)

[tsaxy]

Max,
Thanks for your input. I am looking for a back up horn to my Serie III and a good friend has had this horn for years and finally agreed to sell it to me if I liked it. I have not played on it that long ,buy my first impression is a good one. it needs some tweaking and adjusting just from not being used , but is a beauty to look at. About 95% original lacquer and no repairs or dents. I may end up doing what you did visa vi the Selmer.

Bob

[Dr G]

Make sure that you get acceptable intonation results with your preferred mouthpiece - either that, or get a good mouthpiece that works with the horn. Not everything works with the SML's, in my experience, but when you get a good setup, you're there.

I loved the sound of the King-Marigaux that I played - very rich sonic pallette, a very rewarding horn to work with.

Go for the tone.

[tsaxy]

Dr. G,
I agree,if you don't have good tone on a sax..why play.
The intonation is good with my mpcs. The tone is what I would expect for me. I have been using Dukoffs for the past 7 years. I have three.:- a S9,A D9(early model), and a modified modified M series with a built up baffle and a tip somewhere between 9 and 10. The D9 seems the best overall on this SML for me ( not too edgy). The modified one gives you that Boots Randolph sound, as close as one can get .
I have recorded all mpcs. on the Serie III Selmer Matte and the SML
and they are close to the same soumd. The Selmer III is a tiny bit brighter than the SML. I can hear it, but my wife says she can't tell the difference. Oh well.

Thanks,
Bob