SX90r vs Series III vs Mark VI - a little help?

[disgruntleddave]

I currently own '71 mark 6 alto sax. Its a great sax, but it doesnt give me as big of a tone as I want.

I will always be in the market for another sax that gives me more of that I want, although I am not planning to change saxes any time soon.

I want to know how these three saxes compare, especially in terms of tone (brightness/darkness), playability, intonnation, etc.

(btw, i am looking into the black nickel plated sx90(r)

[freerdr88]

The SX90R has an incredibly large sound and the mark IV has an extremely centered tone, so its all preferance.

[synchro]

I've never played a Mark VI but I did compare the Keilwerth SX90R I bought (gold laquered) to a Selmer series III. For me there was no contest. The Keilwerth won hands down in terms of projection, action and sound. I really used to be a Selmerite too until I played the Keilwerth. I used to own a Selmer SA 80 series I back in high school. (I sold it after high school to get a car)

[colibri]

I currently own '71 mark 6 alto sax. Its a great sax, but it doesnt give me as big of a tone as I want.
Big sound comes from the player. Why is that so hard to understand?

[Diaspora]

I used to think that the player was the one that made all the difference, but now that I just bought a SX90R (my other horn is a MKVI), I can hear a world of a difference.

Same player, different horn, different sound. And I like both.

Oh yeah, and I'm convinced mouthpieces/reeds/ligatures make some difference too. The trap is only when you start thinking equipment makes ALL the difference.

Colibri, wanna trade me your horn for the cheapest Jupiter?

:wink:

[colibri]

Nah, I don't like the black G# key. It probably makes my sound too compact.

[gary]

Well, I played all three yesterday with the same mouthpiece and reed. There was most certainly a difference. Not saying that the same player with different mouthpiece/reed setups couldn't get all three to sound the same over time, but all things being the same, there was definitely a difference in the sounds and here's what I heard:

There was no doubt the Keilwerth had the "biggest" as well as darkest sound. I took along my Conn Lady Face and the Keilwerth's sound was the closest to it of the three saxes.

The series III was a bit brighter but not greatly so. It had a nice sound, but just different. The Keilwerth was just a deeper sound. This is not good or bad. It's just what kind of sound you're looking for-

The Mark VI was somewhere in the middle with, for me, a bit too restricted a sound. Some might call it "compact". Personally, I liked it the least of these three.

Regarding intonation, they all had their characteristics, nothing particularly better or worse, one to another. In terms of response, again, they all responded well but differently. It seemed that, whatever characteristics that affected the tone, were related to response.

If I were you and can do it, I would definitely check out the Yamaha Custom, it had great ergonomics, a bit darker tone than the Selmers, and played very easily. The Yanigasawa's ergonomics and playability was even a bit better, although a little uncomfortable for me, probably I could get used to it with extended play.

And play the Reference 54. IMO a sound not unlike the Mark VI but with more comfortable ergonomics. I should add that all the Selmers were a little uncomfortable for me on the left hand. But if you have a Mark VI and are considering a Series III, you owe it to yourself to play the 54 and series II as well. It will only add to your confusion :lol:

[singlereed]

Whatever you do, have your VI adjusted before you make up your mind. I am always amazed at how much bigger the sound is when I get my horns back from the technician, and yes, my VI is my choice of tenor. I also have a III and a SX90R alto, and neither is 'bigger' sounding, especially after getting the III serviced, whereupon it was as if it had acquired a turbo boost. Maybe the JK will be the sound you want, it is a bit more gruff sounding but like all good pro horns gives a good range of tone colours and dynamics too.

[Morry]

Well, having moved to JK horns after 30 years of playing Yamahas, I can tell you that there is certainly a difference in the size of the sound. I couldn't be happier than I am with my SX90Rs.