[Jazziswaswillbe]

Opinions on both. Mac 8 was set up by BEASON 7 years ago. Viking was worked with, maybe a little, when new, 8 years ago. Both horns have original pads. I’ve owned both - both back about 8 years ago. Sold them when I found something I liked better at the time. Now. I’d like to get a Viking back. But the BEASON mac 8’s are wonderful things. I’m just looking for quick feedback/opinions.
I appreciate anyone who doesn’t mind commenting on this kind of thing.

 

[LostConn]

Do the benefits of a setup by Ken Beason, or by anyone for that matter, last for seven years or more? Does it depend on how much the horn has been played in the interim?

 

[Jazziswaswillbe]

Do the benefits of a setup by Ken Beason, or by anyone for that matter, last for seven years or more? Does it depend on how much the horn has been played in the interim?

I just meant - they both got set up well to begin with. Other than my comments on the original set up, any comments or impressions of the one vs the other.

 

[KeithL]

Yeah, my comment was going to be along a similar line as LC's - it sounds like what you really like is a horn setup by Ken Beason and I can't blame you there but I wouldn't expect horns to maintain that sort of setup for that length of time. Horns freshly setup by techs who really know what they are doing are a delight to play pretty much regardless of manufacturer or model. I haven't played a MacSax but I have played a Viking M40 which for me was my favorite of the Viking horns but still middle-o-the-pack for me in general. If you've owned both previously you're in a better position to judge than any of us would likely be.

 

[Jazziswaswillbe]

Yeah, my comment was going to be along a similar line as LC's - it sounds like what you really like is a horn setup by Ken Beason and I can't blame you there but I wouldn't expect horns to maintain that sort of setup for that length of time. Horns freshly setup by techs who really know what they are doing are a delight to play pretty much regardless of manufacturer or model. I haven't played a MacSax but I have played a Viking M40 which for me was my favorite of the Viking horns but still middle-o-the-pack for me in general. If you've owned both previously you're in a better position to judge than any of us would likely be.

Thanks. I know. It's a memory thing. I liked them both a lot. But. I had them both almost a decade ago. Been playing a 10M for a while now, and I miss the 'newer' horns sometimes and these two popped up at good prices in different places in the last couple weeks. I remember thinking 'I could play this M40 forever'. Later getting the Mac 8 and thinking the same thing. Then I went back to a Zephyr and then a 10 M. Can't remember the differences between the Vikings and Macsaxes (other than the huge bottom on the Mac 8.) But I know I liked them for different reasons.
Thanks for your comments.

 

[dextor]

I have owned the M40CB for around 4 years. Great looks, solid player. 2 necks, 2 sounds. it does have a strong tone and is well put together. It can resemble an SBA sound. I have used a PHILTONE piece which gives it a Coltrane vibe. I like it but have been considering an older horn, if you have something to trade or want to purchase. let me know. Stay safe.