SML Gold Medal 1 vs Gold Medal 2 bore differences?

[hafuch]

Dear All,

Does anyone know how the SML GM1 and GM2 models differ (other than cosmetics)?

Are there differences in the bore? Does a GM1 neck fit on a GM2 body, and vice versa?

Thickness of the brass? etc.

Much appreciated,

Hafuch

[hafuch]

Just to elaborate a bit, discussion could focus on both physical as well as aesthetic attributes?

For example, in terms of aesthetics, does the GM1 have a larger, bigger sound than the GM2, or vice versa? Or perhaps they are the same?

Other differences that you care to share or have noticed?

Just curious ... and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Thanks,

Hafuch

[Pete]

You realize, of course, that I essentially invented the idea behind "Gold Medal 1" and "Gold Medal 2".

The only major structural difference between the two is the lack of rolled tone holes. There doesn't appear to be any bell/bow/bore difference, as there is between a "Rev. D" and a Gold Medal.

Of course, I'm also making a sweeping generalization for about 25 years worth of horns -- handmade ones, at that -- and that's never a really great idea.

I think it's better to say that the earlier the Gold Medal it is, the more features it has, so therefore the better it is.

[hafuch]

Hi Saxpics,

I knew that the Gold Medal model designations "1" and "2" were artificial, and that SML never actually used these terms, but I didn't know that these terms originated with YOU! Its rare that one can trace the coining of a term to its exact origin!

Anyway, if I understand correctly, they are essentially the same horns sans the rolled tone holes and the felt bumper adjustments on the bell keys?

Good to know. It seems one could save a lot of money by purchasing a good SML/King Marigaux, eh?

Thanks for the info,

Hafuch

[Enthusiast65]

Is Mk 1 neccessarily 'better' than a Mark 2? Feature set OK, but do these aspects actually make it sound better?

I've had a quite raw-sounding lacquered Mk 2 whose intonation was rather wayward , and a silver Mk 2 that is much more accurate, and sings very sweetly like a warm SBA..

Never tried a Mk 1, so am at a definite disadvantage I guess.

[saxyben]

Hi,
I have just bought a GM1 Tenor (clearly engraved with the words Gold Medal 169XX & with the flower engraving like the Rev Ds):) , but was surprised to find that the bell was slightly smaller than on a King Marigaux 264XX (GM2 stencil) that I compared it too.
My GM1 Bell is 16 cm (6 1/4 inches) diameter whereas the KM is 16.5cm (6 1/2 inches). The bore on the necks are also slightly different. The GM1 goes in easily into the KM , but the KM one will not go in the GM1.
I have looked for old posts about the bells / dimensions but couldn't find the one I needed. I assume the bells changed when the GM2 version was introduced?
Also can anyone tell me what is the bell size on the Rev D Tenor to see if that was smaller still?
All measurements welcomed.
Thanks
Ben

[mnash]

I play a King Marigaux tenor, SN 24,xxx. I used to have a Rev D around 14K, and had the opportunity to get with another guy who had a GM1, but I don't know the SN on it. Anyway, all the bell sizes were identical. I don't know about the GM, but just for kicks I switched the necks between the Rev D and the Marigaux and they appeared interchangeable. I thought the Rev D sounded better (brighter, bolder, more gutsy) with the KM neck, for what it's worth.

Man, I love my horn. It sounds great to my ears and feels great to my chops. I couldn't imagine finding a better playing sax.

[AhCheung]

Man, I love my horn. It sounds great to my ears and feels great to my chops.

... especially when sailing on Puget Sound.
I am picturing you out there (such a gorgeous place).

[Smooth Sop Berator]

Hi,
I have just bought a GM1 Tenor (clearly engraved with the words Gold Medal 169XX & with the flower engraving like the Rev Ds):) , but was surprised to find that the bell was slightly smaller than on a King Marigaux 264XX (GM2 stencil) that I compared it too.
My GM1 Bell is 16 cm (6 1/4 inches) diameter whereas the KM is 16.5cm (6 1/2 inches). The bore on the necks are also slightly different. The GM1 goes in easily into the KM , but the KM one will not go in the GM1.
I have looked for old posts about the bells / dimensions but couldn't find the one I needed. I assume the bells changed when the GM2 version was introduced?
Also can anyone tell me what is the bell size on the Rev D Tenor to see if that was smaller still?
All measurements welcomed.
Thanks
Ben

My Rev D tenor's bell is just a 32nd or so over 6 3/8" , or 16.3 cm, so they seem to have gone smaller with the GM1, then larger with the GM2. 8-)

[saxyben]

Hi, Just a quick reply to say that maybe my GM1 measurement is a little small and that at a push you could call it 16.3cm.( iwas never any good at that stuff:? ).
Look at the pics temporarily at at http://www.mcelhone.co.uk/sml.htm & judge for yourself. However it is definitely not as big as the KM / GM2 bell and the GM2 neck does not fit into the GM1.
Does this mean that the GM1 & Rev D are the same size or are there any GM1s with the bigger bell & bore?
Thanks
Ben

[hafuch]

Sorry. I accidentally posted my message here first when I really wanted to post it here: http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?p=683794#post683794).

Didn't mean to double post. Sorry about that!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Hafuch