[AviOnTenor]

Hello,
Im playing on a handmade saxophone, made by a former Selmer repairer.
Today he works as a repairer and manufacture he's own "Dr. Sax" saxophones.
Im playing this horn for almost 2 years and wanted for a while to switch to a selmer.
I realy like the sound of the Mark VI, but its realy hard to find here in Israel.
Here's some recordings of me playing this horn (with a Guardala Studio, now I have a MB I modified from this studio by Mojo).

The closest thing I can find to a IV here is a Ref' 54.
I would love to hear some opinion on these recordings and the switch to selmer

 

[ferrari]

Nice playing Avi. Good tone.

 

[Sigmund451]

Ive mentioned this in other threads. Ive owned the 54 and a VI. I played the 54 for a few years, tried different setups, different necks and never could feel settled with the horn. It is well made, intonation is very slotted (not especially flexible in comparison to a V) and does have a good tone. However, I really have to say that after a few years I just had to admit that I simply didnt like the horn. Its not resonant, it does not ring. It is very dry and focused...perhaps to the point of being stuffy. To me it pales in comparison to a VI.

If I could not get a VI I would not buy a reference horn. Frankly, I would go a totally different direction. My second favorite horn on the planet is a Couf Superba I. I dont own one since Im kind of a one horn guy. If I could justify buying another horn that is what it would be. It is not like a Selmer in any way but it does what it does so very well.

Get out and play what you can. My opinion is just that. Some guys love the 54. Personally, after several years with one I cannot see why but to each his own.

 

[JazzFox]

My second favorite horn on the planet is a Couf Superba I. I dont own one since Im kind of a one horn guy. If I could justify buying another horn that is what it would be. It is not like a Selmer in any way but it does what it does so very well.

I agree 100%. The Superba Is are killer horns. I miss the one I had, but my VI fit into what I am playing perfectly.

 

[1saxman]

Avi: I'd say you have no need for a different sax. You sound very good on that set-up. I recommend you start paying attention to the horn you have and get it in the most perfect mechanical condition you can. I like the sound you're getting with the modified Studio - I can tell there is a lot more power in it than you need with your current style, so you'll probably never need to change. I, like practically every other sax player in the world, have been changing things my whole life, and I think it's a mistake. I think you sound fine on that tenor. Your greatest problem is not the horn or the mouthpiece; you have a weak embouchure. You must concentrate on long tones and build it up.
You are going to sound like you on any sax. The only question is, is the sax you have technically adequate for you? By this I mean the ergonomics, the intonation, the resistance, the balance of response on all notes. If it is, then there is simply nothing to be gained by getting a new horn. Plus, when an artist needs an instrument, he doesn't just buy one of the kind he wants, he tries out many of them and eventually may select one. And, when you get a new horn, it may take months to learn how to sound like yourself on it. It's a funny thing, but frequently a new horn will sound thin/bright to you and will be disappointing at first - same thing with mouthpieces. So if you already sound good on what you have, and it is technically adequate, all you need to do is to maintain it and get better.
But if you have to have a new horn, if I were your age I would simply get a Series III. Leave the MK VIs to us old-timers who grew up with them and don't like anything else .

 

[AviOnTenor]

See below

 

[AviOnTenor]

I wanted to get a Series II first, but the don't make them anymore.. they make the Series II-III Jubilee, which I realy like less.
And you are right about checking more than one of a kind. Today I have tried a Ref 54. It was new and the low notes were realy difficult to play - unlike another Ref 54 I tried before.
My instrument is realy responsive and easy to play in all the registers, from the bottom to the highest altissimo. However, after 2 years with it, I know that the problem of me sounding like im losing my embouchure after several minutes of playing without stopping, is in my horn. I know that because I work realy hard on long notes and overtones, and a friend of mine which is not doing this at all but play a selmer, doesn't have this problem.
We switched instruments for a week and his selmer made me feel so free, so in tune, like it prevents you from losing grip. I realy liked it (it was a silver series II)
I played a clarinet for somthing like 8 years and switched to tenor in the last 3 years, so after that and after playing hours a day on the tenor I realy feel like the problem is not me.
(also, I switched some mouthpieces/reeds/ligs, and found this seutp which lets me play with the least feeling of embouchure loss).

 

[Dr G]

I wanted to get a Series II first, but the don't make them anymore.. they make the Series II-III Jubilee, which I realy like less...

We switched instruments for a week and his selmer made me feel so free, so in tune, like it prevents you from losing grip. I realy liked it (it was a silver series II)

Is this it?

http://usahorn.com/new/Selmer-Paris/201/Super-Action-80-Series-II-Tenor-Saxophone-Silver-Plate.html

No reason to buy a Ref 54 if that's not what you want. If you can settle with a Mk VI, you could similarly quest for a used Serie II.

 

[AviOnTenor]

Yes, thats the one.
But as I've mentioned, Selmer don't make them anymoe. Some stores may still have them, but not here in Israel...
And yes, Im trying to find a used horn (VI or Series II).. maybe I'll find somthing..