Do metal resonators make your sound brighter? My mark vi seems to play a lot brighter than any other sax that I've tried out, and I was wondering if it was just me or the horn. :?
I've found that the size of the resonator seems to effect the tone more than the material it's made of. That being said, some horns are inherently "bright" while others are inherently "dark'. Changing resonators won't change the inherent nature of a horn. Many, many years ago I got to try out six brand new Mk IV's (all lacquered) at the same time. With the same mouthpiece they all sounded different. From bright to dark. I bought one of the ones in the middle. That totally convinced me that "Try it before you BUY it" is the only way to go with any musical instruments or their accessories.sh1k4i said:Do metal resonators make your sound brighter? My mark vi seems to play a lot brighter than any other sax that I've tried out, and I was wondering if it was just me or the horn. :?
I agree with you especially for what concerns vintage saxophones.tdeane said:I always suggest that people go with the type of resonator that was in the horn originally.
This is where I'd disagree. Many vintage saxes came with either just rivets or plain leather pads. On those horns I like to use a generously sized riveted flat metal resonator. Not filling the whole tone hole but close to two thirds of it. I've never had a complaint on a vintage instrument with this setup. But, hey, we all have our own ways of doing things.Stan said:I agree with you especially for what concerns vintage saxophones.
Stan
I have to agree - the vintage horns sound great with the newer pads and resos. If you want original then you have to fool with poor quality leather, mildew prone felts, sometimes those godawful conn resopads, and no decent resonator to speak of. Don't forget to use the 0.01 facing mouthpiece to give a mournful 1920's sound.tbone said:This is where I'd disagree. Many vintage saxes came with either just rivets or plain leather pads. On those horns I like to use a generously sized riveted flat metal resonator. Not filling the whole tone hole but close to two thirds of it. I've never had a complaint on a vintage instrument with this setup. But, hey, we all have our own ways of doing things.![]()