[saxalex]

Ok, I have been researching for a few days now, and I have narrowed down all the saxes I want down to Martin (probably Imperial) and Conn 6M. What I am mainly looking for is good tone, response, and intonation... I don't need to worry about looks cause they both look good.

Please vote on which one you like more, and then tell me why in a response to this thread. Thank you!

 

[saxalex]

heh... the 6m is winning 2-0 so far... could someone please tell me what they like the most about the m6?

 

[littlemanbighorn]

Go with whatever feels better to you. Have you played both of them?
....and it's a 6M not an M6

 

[saxalex]

oh.. i said 6m before but then i changed it because i saw m6 on a few websites so i thought it was wrong... and no i havent played both, i have however played a conn 10m before, and she played beautifully... i dont know how a martin sounds though..

 

[littlemanbighorn]

oh.. i said 6m before but then i changed it because i saw m6 on a few websites so i thought it was wrong... and no i havent played both, i have however played a conn 10m before, and she played beautifully... i dont know how a martin sounds though..

Playing them both is the only way to figure out whether they're right for you.

 

[saxalex]

I don't know where to go to play them though... I don't have any friends who own them..

 

[DanPerezSax]

I'd only get a horn I've tried. Also, from what I know, the 60-61 vintage Martin "The Martin" Committee horns are the best Martins... so I've heard. I've got a good one, anyway. Still, I personally rely on the modern keywork on newer horns, I'm quite dependant on it. The Martin doesn't kill me, but even after a couple years on it, I'm still not too quick with the pinky keys. I've liked the sound on the Conns I've tried, but they have by far the worst G# I've ever played, and that prevents me from buying it. Everyone's different, though, so try it for yourself!

 

[saxalex]

thanks dan ill take a look at it.

 

[MartinMusicMan]

This is my 1st post, but I had to comment. My bias should be evident from my name. But I mainly want to strongly second what DanPerez just said: NEVER buy a horn you haven't played. Unless it's complete junk and you're planning on rebuilding it anyway. Or turning it into a lamp. Or, like someone on this forum, you saw a Martin Music Man tenor and stole it from some unknowing couple for $200.

 

[saxalex]

Haha i just read a review on martins and they look good but Conn is still winning in the poll so it makes me wonder... Also, how is the response on martins? Thanks.

 

[saxalex]

By the way, Dan, I'm looking at a '37 Martin Committee... are '61 and '62 the only good years for that particular sax or something?

 

[SAXISMYAXE]

Sorry, but I had to edit the "M6" to the proper model number "6M" in the original post/poll.

Cheers.

 

[bfoster64]

Do you want dark, lush, and smooth or big, popping, and bright? If the former, you're better off with the Martin. The latter? get the Conn.

 

[saxalex]

Hmm.. thanks bfoster. I'll be going to a store to try out the Conn and Martin both, and I'll be able to compare them there. I'll tell you all how it goes after I get back... I'm not going today and probably not tomorrow though.

 

[Swingtone]

Do you want dark, lush, and smooth or big, popping, and bright? If the former, you're better off with the Martin. The latter? get the Conn.

That's funny, I never thought of Naked Lady's as being bright...in fact, some have described the late 30's RTH (that's rolled tone holes, alex) models as being some of the darkest horns ever made. I would say both would be on the dark side compared to modern horns.

 

[saxalex]

So, which one out of the Conn 6M, Martin, and Buescher 400 has the best response then? I want a sax where I don't have to strain as much to play low notes as I do right now with the one I have. I can't even play low notes (C# and under) below forte..

 

[coolsax2k7]

So, which one out of the Conn 6M, Martin, and Buescher 400 has the best response then? I want a sax where I don't have to strain as much to play low notes as I do right now with the one I have. I can't even play low notes (C# and under) below forte..

My guess is avoid the Conn and stay more with the Buescher, or maybe the Martin, for the easy low note response. The Buescher Aristocrat Big B (like the 400) has a wide bore and bow for a great, easy-blowing low end.

 

[bfoster64]

I agree with that. If you want to play a lot of big low notes on alto get a Martin, Buescher, Keilwerth, or Buffet SDA. The Conn 6m has a killer middle and high end though. And don't overlook some of the older Keilwerths, if you ever get a chance to play one.

 

[pc1234]

By the way, Dan, I'm looking at a '37 Martin Committee... are '61 and '62 the only good years for that particular sax or something?

If it's a '37 vintage, it's not a Martin Committee (also known as "The Martin"), but more likely a Martin Handcraft Committee. These have the engraving of a city skyline and a searchlight on the bell (sometimes cutely referred to as the "Mars Attacks!" engraving). I have one of these altos and I love it. It's suited to any style of music, IMO. 6Ms are legendary horns, however, so it's really up to you to try them both.
By the way, the best resource on the net for Martins is www.themartinstory.net - you can get info. on the vintage you are looking at there. Good luck.

 

[pc1234]

Whoops! Wrote too soon and got thrown a little by your last message. Your initial one refers to a Martin Imperial, not a Committee. I haven't played an Imperial, but my impressions (based on reading a number of other people's comments) is that the Martins made throughout the '30s and '40s have a similar sound. It's probably more a question of feel across the different models. You said you're going to be trying them out, and that is definitely the best course.