Unknown SML stencil

[silver-sax]

Vedette - Unknown SML stencil? :shock:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3704173321&category=10 184

[aanz]

Mmmm, sn could make it a SML Standard, no rolled tone holes, the engraving looks about right, the amount of wear looks right for a 30 year old horn that's been fairly abused.

Are you feeling lucky?

Figuring $500. for a good rebuild, maybe it's not a great deal. You can buy a nice non-stencil in good condition for a grand. This one you put you close to that for a stencil.

[HonestLiar]

The answer may be no, it's a known stencil. Look here:

Steve Goodsons extensive stencil list (http://saxgourmet.myforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=322)

But I have to thank you to point me to the auction. I confess I am the lucky winner :lol:

From my understanding of the serial number and pictures it is a Gold Medal Mk II stencil, which should be exactly like the King Marigaux and the original SML's except for the engraving. I can come back to that later, when I have the horn in my hands. Then I can compare it to the SN:22xxx alto that I already have.

[HonestLiar]

With respect to price:

There have been recently two SML altos on eBay Germany one Rev. D and one Gold Medal Mk I both recently professionally overhauled. They went for 1200 Euros which is about 1500 US$.

[stitch]

But are all Vedettes by SML?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3706638023&category=16 232

[HonestLiar]

No this one doesn't look like an SML to me:
It's hard to see anything on these pictures but for sure the C# tonehole is not where you would expect it on SML's (on the inside of the bow). And one thing is always true: if they don't look like SML's they are no SML's.

[stitch]

Thought not - those bell key arms are at the wrong angle too.

[HonestLiar]

My Vedette alto just returned from the saxshop. It got a a dent removed, a complete overhaul with new pads, cork, felt and everything.

It has all the features of the Gold Medal Model and is every bit as good as my Gold Medal Mk II. To my ears the sound is just as full and complex may be just a little bit brighter than my Mk II.

Now I am facing the tough decision which one to keep. Or maybe I keep them both :lol: