Gold Metal that needs overhaul

[kjack48230]

Working with a gentleman that has a Gold Metal late series 1 that needs an overhaul (new pads, set up). Wondering how much I should offer. I think he's looking for something around $1500 to $1800. What are your thoughts. These are a few of the pics he sent.

[DixieSax]

Looks in decent shape, but remember, if you are going to do a full overhaul, you're going to be spending another 700-1000 above what you pay for the horn to do it right. SML gold medals are great playing horns though, so if you don't want to shell out for a Selmer, this one might do the job quite well for you. Still, I think I'd start with a bit lower offer - maybe 1,000-1,200 with the caveat that you want to overhaul it to get it into top condition, but you don't want to put more than $2K total into it to get there and see what happens. You can always negotiate up, and who knows, he just might take it.

Never know what might happen. See my thread in the SML general discussion board with pics of a Gold Medal tenor that I picked up this week for $525 that is on its way to my tech for a full overhaul. I expect to soon have a world class tenor for well south of $1500.

Good luck, and keep us posted if you get the horn.

[kjack48230]

Yup, that's was what I was thinking. If I don't get it, it's not going to break my heart. I have a Buffet Dynaction alto on it's way that looks to be in mint condition. Probably has the original pads in it still but it would be nice to get this one too.

[MJ]

If I were you, I'd do some EBay searches on completed SML sales before making an offer. Maybe the seller would allow you to get a technician's estimate on work needed on the sax to get it repaired. The tech might be better at finding damage on the instrument, like damaged toneholes, broken solders, and so on. Depending on what the tech says, you might adjust your offer. In general, I think the seller's price works for a sax that needs nothing.

I have an early silver Rev D from EBay I BIN for 1K (not my smartest deal). A Kearney technician did the overhaul for $500 and I am so happy. I like this sax better than other saxes I've ever had, like Conn Chu, Martin HC Imperial, and Cannonball 98.

Mary Jo