For some reason it seems SML is experiencing a small burst of interest here on SoTW, and as I recently acquired one a few weeks ago I figured I'd share my impressions so far.
In short, I absolutely love this horn. The one I have is circa 1954 Rev D. The ergonomics are very comfortable, even if the pinky table isn't exactly "modern" it's close enough to not really cause any issues. Tonally, to me, it's like a cross with a Mark VI and a Conn 10M, focused but with a big low-end which is a great combo IMO.
One thing I've had to get used to is how free-blowing it is. Typically, I like horns that take a little bit of air to get going, so this has been something I've had to get used to. But after a few weeks now I am and it's fine.
Intonation - I'm not having any issues with it - though I did at first. Now that I'm accustomed to it, I don't think anything sticks out as abnormal.
Some of the features - as this one seems to be trending toward the Gold Medal model - are cool like the neck tenon that closes in 4 places for a better seal, and the articulated G# switch thing - meanwhile the rocking octave key rest was annoying me so I had my tech cork under it so it's stable.
I could see this horn being one I play exclusively for a very long time. And knowing me, as I tend to bounce around on the tenors I have, that's saying a lot.
Here's a video I just did playing over @Mrblackbat 's string backing track for "Sunrise" by Norah Jones. Let me know what you think.
In short, I absolutely love this horn. The one I have is circa 1954 Rev D. The ergonomics are very comfortable, even if the pinky table isn't exactly "modern" it's close enough to not really cause any issues. Tonally, to me, it's like a cross with a Mark VI and a Conn 10M, focused but with a big low-end which is a great combo IMO.
One thing I've had to get used to is how free-blowing it is. Typically, I like horns that take a little bit of air to get going, so this has been something I've had to get used to. But after a few weeks now I am and it's fine.
Intonation - I'm not having any issues with it - though I did at first. Now that I'm accustomed to it, I don't think anything sticks out as abnormal.
Some of the features - as this one seems to be trending toward the Gold Medal model - are cool like the neck tenon that closes in 4 places for a better seal, and the articulated G# switch thing - meanwhile the rocking octave key rest was annoying me so I had my tech cork under it so it's stable.
I could see this horn being one I play exclusively for a very long time. And knowing me, as I tend to bounce around on the tenors I have, that's saying a lot.
Here's a video I just did playing over @Mrblackbat 's string backing track for "Sunrise" by Norah Jones. Let me know what you think.
