[LeonTwix]

This weekend I attended a master class at the University of Florida and the professor talked to us about how necks produce a different tone. I never really thought about investing in a new neck, but after he told me they can affect the tone I am considering it. I don't know where to start for new necks, so I figured I would ask you guys.

My current set up is:
Roussseau NC4
Vandoren Optimum
Cannonball Sceptyr Series.

Any help on a new neck would be appreciated!

 

[Dave Dolson]

True, necks can make a difference, but I think it needs to be explored only if there is something about your instrument that you want to improve.

For instance, I'm thinking about new neck on my Ref 54 alto after reading some posts in another thread. I'd like to improve the focus of my tone with this horn - to make it more focused than it is now. So, I'm probably going to buy a new Ref 54 neck (which has been changed by Selmer to enhance those issues and some other problems seemingly inherent in the Ref 54).

That thread also mentioned a Texas-based company, Macsax (you can Google it) that makes necks to fit the Ref 54. I have been in e-mail contact with them. Now all I have to do is decide which way to go, if at all.

There are also other neck providers (I recall Oleg used to offer them - not sure currently) and maybe Cannonball has some available. You'd have to check that, too.

Lastly, if you want to change your tone, maybe a mouthpiece change would be a cheaper way to go. DAVE

 

[Pete Thomas]

Lastly, if you want to change your tone, maybe a mouthpiece change would be a cheaper way to go. DAVE

That's exactly what I thought when I saw this. Why change your neck unless there is a need to? Sure, changing a neck will alter the sound, but so will changing saxophones altogether or just mouthpieces.

 

[chinux79]

Couple of months ago I purchased 2 new necks for my alto. Turns out there weren't any significant differences between the 2 new necks and my stock neck so I ended up returning them. I guess results may vary.

 

[differencetone]

I was interested in getting a new neck but a few of the good players here said it doesn't make much difference and they are expensive.

 

[sirspinbad]

everything changes the tone doesnt it??!!!!

 

[Kelly Bucheger]

I wouldn't start messing around with necks unless your neck has been pulled down or otherwise damaged -- however, necks CAN make a huge difference. I described my experiences mixing and matching Mark VI alto necks a while back; you can find it here:

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showth...ing-for-them&p=1144710&viewfull=1#post1144710

 

[Grumps]

If you're otherwise happy with your equipment, don't let folks that constantly experiment with their own equipment influence you. Even if it's a professor.

 

[ving]

Ha, read that old thread---I would add that I now have had the chance to play another VI neck on my alto, and it does make all the difference. This particular one is totally beat up and pulled down but still outplays my stock neck. So I agree, a lot depends on the neck, for me can make or break the horn actually.

 

[ving]

Also, I agree that you should play what you've got unless there is a compelling reason to chang....

 

[Agent27]

It affects the tone. I play a Yani 880 alto and I thought something was wrong with the original neck so I bought one that would go on a 992 (bronze). The new one was a little bit darker and more solid/full. Turned out that my old one was fine. I like the new one better but still probably wouldn't have bothered trying a new one if I didn't think the old one had problems. It hasn't inspired me to go out and try necks for my tenor. It does change the sound, at least to the ears of the player, but I'm not sure if it's totally worth the price which in my case was about $350 IIRC.

 

[Yofis]

Now the Professors are infected...

 

[guesswork]

Now the Professors are infected...

+1 - my prof seems to be one of the last holdouts in my city...

- J

 

[Grumps]

my prof seems to be one of the last holdouts in my city...

Have him stay away from strange, exotic looking plants that just seem to show up on the window sill...

 

[nathan61]

Unlike many people voicing their opinions here, I would highly recommend trying some different necks if you have the chance. I was completely satisfied with my horn, and then I tried a series III neck on it a few years ago and love it even more. Then I bought an Oleg neck, and a friend of mine has it on his mark VI and loves it. His VI is awesome, but the Oleg neck is an improvement for his sound concept.

I wouldn't go out and buy a $600 dollar neck with no return policy, but if you get the chance why not try a few just for kicks?

 

[sirspinbad]

I've got a brand new saxgourmet copper tenor neck for sale for $275

 

[guesswork]

Have him stay away from strange, exotic looking plants that just seem to show up on the window sill...

Ha!

I'll keep her safe!

- J