[Saxplayer1]

Just purchased a Sterling Silver Reference 54 Neck from Kessler's for my new Reference 54 and it is simply awesome. For those of you who haven't had the opportunity to try one, it takes an already awesome horn (provided it is properly set-up of course) to the next level. An even bigger fatter sound with wonderful clarity like the finest Mk VI you will ever play, perhaps better. Simply makes the horn effortless to play from a whisper to blowing out the windows, bottom end and altisimo effortless. The response is so quick and concise.

For those of you who thought the Ref. horns were somewhat stuffy, I have found that proper set-up is key to bringing these horns to life. Add the sterling silver 54 neck and you will stand speechless. Worth the money.

 

[Sigmund451]

Did you compare it to SS series III many of us used before this product came out? Im curious if any one has????

 

[BigHunk]

I got mine from kesslers about 4 months ago and i agree with saxplayer,i didnt compare it with any other neck but the stock one and its definatly much better.the only thing was the stock corck was just wafer thin and i need to get it re-corked....

 

[Saxplayer1]

Yes I did try the sterling III neck and it didn't really compliment the horn in my view. With the sterling III neck on the Ref. 54, the horn lacked the fullness, richness and depth I like about the Ref. 54. Essentially, it made the 54 sound more like a Series III but with more difficulty at the bottom. Had this issue a few years back with a sterling III neck on my Ref. 36. Didn't really compliment the horn.

The Sterling Ref. 54 necks gave the Ref. 54 tenor a bigger fatter clearer more vibrant sound with an added smoothness that hard to explain, but just incredible. My wife who is not musically inclined immediately said "Wow! You need to add the neck to this purchase", even though this added an additional 695.00 to the puchase. The horn was already incredible after Chucks set-up with the stock neck, but the sterling neck just adds more. I've played several reference horns over the last few years and this one really stood out and with this neck I was speechless.

I did try 3 sterling necks and each was slightly different. All were good and added clarity and richness, but the one I chose was "great." Effortless bottom, attack and altisimo, from a whisper to blowing out the windows. My wife could feel the vib from 10 feet away. Definitely worth a try and consideration.

Dang, I sound like a salesman now.

 

[Dr G]

The Sterling Ref. 54 necks gave the Ref. 54 tenor a bigger fatter clearer more vibrant sound with an added smoothness that hard to explain, but just incredible.

You mean that it now sounds like a good Ref 36?

 

[Reedsplinter]

You mean that it now sounds like a good Ref 36?

Dr. G, do you use the stock neck on your Ref. 36, or another? I have a 36 also, and wonder what effect a silver neck, or a copper one, might have on it.

 

[saxmanglen]

Reedsplinter,

I've always wanted to put some time on a 36.

How about bringing it over to the coast and leaving it here for a few weeks?

 

[gary]

You mean that it now sounds like a good Ref 36?

:sign5:

You get extra points for that, G.

 

[Reedsplinter]

Reedsplinter,

I've always wanted to put some time on a 36.

How about bringing it over to the coast and leaving it here for a few weeks?

Hey, no problem. But if I come, I'm staying. What's in the fridge?

 

[Dr G]

Dr. G, do you use the stock neck on your Ref. 36, or another? I have a 36 also, and wonder what effect a silver neck, or a copper one, might have on it.

R', I had a silver Gloger (with underslung octave!!!), as well as a Selmer 54 neck, and, after considerable time, sheddin', swapping mouthpieces, ad nauseum, "settled" on the stock neck. I've always maintained that my stock neck may have been a singularity as it plays mighty fine. Now, after having the benefit of trying some other fine necks (I also swapped necks with several Serie III, other Ref 36, and other Ref 54 tenors), I am happy to know that there's no place like home.

Short answer: the stock neck.

 

[Reedsplinter]

R', I had a silver Gloger (with underslung octave!!!), as well as a Selmer 54 neck, and, after considerable time, sheddin', swapping mouthpieces, ad nauseum, "settled" on the stock neck. I've always maintained that my stock neck may have been a singularity as it plays mighty fine. Now, after having the benefit of trying some other fine necks (I also swapped necks with several Serie III, other Ref 36, and other Ref 54 tenors), I am happy to know that there's no place like home.

Short answer: the stock neck.

Interesting. Thanks, G. I don't have any problem with mine, at all; this is just a matter of curiousity (and not even of GAS, believe it or not), and I'm glad to have the quality of the stock neck validated. I won't be rushing out to buy any new necks. Until, of course, Phil B. offers us a diamond-plated Baronie Mauronie.

 

[saxmanglen]

Hey, no problem. But if I come, I'm staying. What's in the fridge?

Hey! That sounds like a new topic just waiting to be started..........

What's in YOUR fridge?

 

[Reedsplinter]

Hey! That sounds like a new topic just waiting to be started..........

What's in YOUR fridge?

Scary.:shock:

 

[saxmanglen]

Scary.:shock:

Yes it could be......As George Carlin would say, Is it meat or is it cake? Hmmm, It's MEATCAKE!

 

[Saxland]

Silver neck

Is the Ref 54 silver neck alot more freeblowing? Is there a neck made in silver for the Ref 36?

 

[Saxplayer1]

If you have some great jazz playing and some Corona's in the fridge, I'll come right over!

Saxland, the Sterling neck is more freeblowing, however, the issue of resistance can be attributed more to whether or not the horn is set up well by a good competent tech among several other factors. In fact, each Selmer will differ somewhat as well. The stock neck was great with the horn and I was blown away when I played it because it outplayed any other Reference tenor I've played in the past. The Sterling neck just added more of everything. I would have purchased the horn even if the Sterling neck wasn't available. The horn was just that great. Incidentally, the Ref. 54 I purchased was a gold lacquered version. Nevertheless, regarding the Sterling neck, give Dave a call. You could alway return the Sterling neck if it doesn't do it for you, which I doubt.

 

[dinosaurjones]

im playing on a selmer reference 54. i got somehow got a small dent on my neck maybe from a stand or something . im thinking about finding a nice Mark VI neck. would that change any sound or anything. please help

 

[Saxplayer1]

A Mk VI neck in good condition may cost you more than simply replacing the 54 neck if the small dent bothers you and you may not care for the results. It's 300.00 for a 54 neck replacement or 700.00 for the sterling silver 54 neck which makes a noticeable difference. I don't think the neck on my 65 Mk VI compliments the Ref. 54.