silver plated MK VI

[sorn]

I am trying a '64 silver plated MK VI. It is about 75% plate intact. I think all are original. It has been overhauled couple months ago.

Would anyone tell me the sound character of silver plated ?
Also i heard that silver plated is hard to maintain and MK VI needs to be tuned very often, is that true ?

Thanks for your time :D

[scale_master]

I have a silver plated MKVI Alto (150xxx) and I have the impression that it sounds darker than the laquer ones. I often get comments about "Wow nice BA/SBA Alto...." from the Sax-knowledgeable audience at gigs.

B.

[sorn]

I also wonder that should i pay higher price than i will pay for lacqure horn. I am so sure about new horn that silver plated horn cost more, but i am not sure about the vintage one.

[Brice B.]

No, I don't think the cost should be more than a normal laquer VI. My fovorite horn I owned was a '69 silver VI. These altos kill! The responce is very quick, and more full than normal to me. I'd get another one without any hesitation.

[CashSax]

In my experience Silverplate will generally always bring a higher price than a comparable condition lacquered example..check SaxGourmets price guide to confirm this. :mrgreen:

[sorn]

I checked the website. It said about 20% more money. I just don't want to overprice it.

Does anyone have recommend for mouthpiece for this horn ? This horn sounds bright to my ear but it is very project very well and very good intonation.

thanks

[Joe]

Sorn, many knowledgeable people will put a higher price tag on a silver plated VI. As someone that's owned and had to sell a couple, though, I can tell you that trying to find a buyer for a silver VI isn't always easy. Almost everyone wants a lacquered VI, so there's not nearly as large a market for silver. The silver tends to be brighter, especially on the later tenors. There are players that are looking for that sound and maybe it's a lot easier to get in touch with them now that there are places like eBay and SOTW. You can always start out asking top dollar and drop your price later if that elusive silver VI buyer doesn't surface right away.

[Andrew]

I've got a Silver VI (1960) alto as well, and I too think it's a bit darker than the other regular lacquered sixes I've played. It could just be the pads or something else...I tend to lean over to the brighter side when I play and this horn is a PERFECT match.

As for keeping the horn looking good....hahaha....I stopped that nonsense a LONG time ago...it looks like CRAP now! But, it sure can play...

[sorn]

Thanks for your quick reponse.

Now i come to the point that i have to identify the origin of the plate. I can't tell the difference between silver vs nickel, original vs replate. A repair person told me that he questions about the plate. It should not be original and not silver. He said about 80-85% confidence that this is not original and not silver. He looks at the wear and tone holes which i can't tell by my stupid eyes. Also there are some dent repair on the neck and bow.

Does anyone have any suggestion about this issue ?

Anyway, the seller insists strongly that the horn is original plate.

Thanks

[Andrew]

I say take it to another tech. It's never bad to have a second opinion from another experienced person.

[Lenny]

Ditto on take it to another tech. I have a silver plate 5 digit VI that a supposed "expert" told me was "nickel and an inferior lightweight European VI that is not worth much" My regular tech laughed his head off and said this person was nuts.

[sorn]

I visited another repairmen today. They said the plate may be original but have lacquer on. This horn needs some adjustment and repairs and can expect lots of maintenance for years to come.

At this moment, i decide to let the horn go. I hope this would not be the wrong decision.

Thanks for your advices

p.s. I find another VI from 71 and may try it soon. This time is original lacquer.