[toddno2]

OK - So I have a wonderful REV C/D SML tenor. (Kinda odd - serial number 81xx puts it in Rev C territory, but it really looks like a D, both engraving and features). OK - enough ranting.

The neck had the opportunity to be completely straightened out a few years back. I had a tech rebend it, etc...but the sound became a bit dull. Not much, but enough to drive me completely nuts trying to overcome this. It really lost the overtones...but it did give an interesting core to the sound.

So I need an aftermarket neck (or replacement SML neck, if they are out there). Has anybody had any experience with replacing the neck on their SML's.

Love to get some feedback on what others may have tried, and successes, etc.

Greatly Appreciate the input.

-Todd

 

[Wind_Mill]

While you are awaiting words of wisdom based on the experiences of those who've actually been through the same neck ordeal, I can add some noise of sorts that may or may not help you at all.

I've compared neck symmetries (visually, nothing more) and noticed that necks from a couple of fairly inexpensive vintage US horns seem to match up very closely with the curvature, length, 8ve pip location, and tip angle of an undamaged SML tenor neck (I own a GM Mark II stencil: King Marigaux).

They were from a Martin Indiana tenor and also an ultra-late (post Eastlake twilight zone) King Super 20 with the overslung 8ve arm (essentially the same neck found on very late student-model King 615 horns).

These could be fairly cheap alternatives to fiddle around with before you spend the big bucks on something more boutique ..... probably the only adjustment required would be tenon resizing. If you've got lots of $ to burn, though, this post is probably not of much value.

 

[toddno2]

Excellent - I figure if I have to spend a few hundred bucks its worth it, after that...who knows.
Is there a good source that I could contact to get ahold of a few of these that you mentioned. I figured maybe saxquest, or one of the other national level vintage sax dealers. Any suggestions would be great.

-Todd

 

[saxviking]

I tried a Dolnet series II neck on a gold medal I that i had at the time.
Nice fit , and in some ways , it actually improved the playability and sound.

 

[Drumroll]

Did you try Gloger necks?I believe they will custom build a neck for a number of vintage saxes and your choice of finish.They will probably run around $600,but it is well worth it to make a good SML sing like it should.Their quality is probably better than original or at least as good.

 

[toddno2]

Drumroll - have you tried the Gloger on an SML? I'd love to know what its like.

I've been thinking about a custom built neck. I even contacted Phil B. about one. The only issue I have is dropping $600 on an accessory, and not having any guarantee that it will even work. From what I have read there are a multitude of issues like intonation, fit, stuffiness, etc. Heck, I only paid $450 for the horn. (well, 15 years ago.....). I am in a catch 22 with it, simply because I know its potential (and can still hear it) but can't really be without it for more than a week or two. I lack a backup tenor.

With that, I'm still considering it....hearing other people have this kind of success is encouraging. There is a local flute head joint maker in the area, and he is darn good. For a few hundred bucks he said that he will rework this neck and make it live once again.

I'll be doing something after the first of the year. I'll update, and let everyone who has helped my know how it has worked out.

Thanks!!!!

 

[Dr G]

There is a local flute head joint maker in the area, and he is darn good. For a few hundred bucks he said that he will rework this neck and make it live once again.

Why not go to someone that specializes in saxophones? Sorry, but what does a flute headjoint maker know about tapered tubes? :shock:

 

[toddno2]

Sorry to have you panic Dr. G - he is also a killer sax repair man. He has become busy enough with his flute work that he only does repair work for old customers. Only prob is he makes tenor madness look cheap...ah!!!!

For real - thanks for the concern...I'm picky on who does my work. I couldn't even think of shipping my sax across the country to have one of the 'docs' out there do the work.

 

[Dr G]

Whew!!!

FWIW, you don't need to send the whole horn to have the neck reworked - especially if you trust your local guy with final fitting. Just a last passing thought on the matter...

G'luck!

 

[John Gilmore]

Felt like I should update this thread since I’ve found a replacement neck that drastically helped with “standard” altissimo fingerings on an SML Gold Medal 1 tenor. I saw a good YouTuber comparing a cheap Chinese neck to an expensive boutique neck. The guy ended up buying a second Chinese neck. They’re like $80 so I took the leap. Got the larger of the two available tenon sizes and had it fitted by my tech as it was only able to get halfway in.
The neck is from Eastern Music on eBay and listed as a copper SBA type. They offer a 10M style as well. The neck is surprisingly and significantly bigger sounding and more free blowing than the original. Reminded me exactly how an SBA blew compared to my Mark VI when I tried one a while back with the same mouthpiece. In fact I’ve had to use a harder reed to get the resistance I’m looking for. Altissimo pops out with my Selmer fingerings finally and palm keys are open and Not Flat. In fact I had to pull the mpc further back on the cork than I expected. It’s so big and free blowing it took me a little bit to get mouthpiece position/reed strength worked out to get resistance and intonation sorted. I also use a very big tip opening on an Otto Link STM so that’s probably why.
Anyway I’m sure it’s not for everyone but this neck is working out really well for me so far. It’s damn cheap price-wise so it was worth the try. My tech was impressed with the quality and heavy duty construction. Posted as an FYI for my fellow SML tenor owners. Just be prepared to receive the neck shipped in a padded envelope 😱😱😱 😂😂😂

 

[swperry1]

Felt like I should update this thread since I've found a replacement neck that drastically helped with "standard" altissimo fingerings on an SML Gold Medal 1 tenor. I saw a good YouTuber comparing a cheap Chinese neck to an expensive boutique neck. The guy ended up buying a second Chinese neck. They're like $80 so I took the leap. Got the larger of the two available tenon sizes and had it fitted by my tech as it was only able to get halfway in.
The neck is from Eastern Music on eBay and listed as a copper SBA type. They offer a 10M style as well. The neck is surprisingly and significantly bigger sounding and more free blowing than the original. Reminded me exactly how an SBA blew compared to my Mark VI when I tried one a while back with the same mouthpiece. In fact I've had to use a harder reed to get the resistance I'm looking for. Altissimo pops out with my Selmer fingerings finally and palm keys are open and Not Flat. In fact I had to pull the mpc further back on the cork than I expected. It's so big and free blowing it took me a little bit to get mouthpiece position/reed strength worked out to get resistance and intonation sorted. I also use a very big tip opening on an Otto Link STM so that's probably why.
Anyway I'm sure it's not for everyone but this neck is working out really well for me so far. It's damn cheap price-wise so it was worth the try. My tech was impressed with the quality and heavy duty construction. Posted as an FYI for my fellow SML tenor owners. Just be prepared to receive the neck shipped in a padded envelope ??? ???

Cool you found a replacement!
I've purchased two EM necks and they each came in small/ appropriate fitting boxes filled with bubble wrap ?‍♂

 

[B Flat]

Cool you found a replacement!
I've purchased two EM necks and they each came in small/ appropriate fitting boxes filled with bubble wrap ?‍♂

Mine was also shipped this way.
Also I ordered the wrong tenon size and they happily replaced it for no extra charge.