[Oldtenor]

Hi everyone,
I have an S1 tenor that I love (27,xxx) and use regularly for symphonic band work. I recently had the good fortune to pick up an early Super Dynaction tenor (5,xxx). I didn't expect that much difference between the two, but have found the SDA to be much more of a "beast"--less gentle mannered, take it out to play blues sort of sax. Wondering if the two models are that different in your experience or if it might simply be attributed to how they are set up? (Note: I am using the same mouthpieces, reeds, ligatures between the two for a fair comparison)
Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[[email protected]]

Hi, interesting you just got a SDA Tenor. I was interested in picking one up too and watch a number of youtube videos for sound purposes. Are you comfortable to mention what the going rate is and condition. Thanks

 

[Oldtenor]

I've been seeing anywhere from $1500-$3500 for really nice SDAs. Of course, most of them are going to need some work. But man, if they all rock like this one, they are a steal!

 

[chilehed]

Mine sound very much alike to me. Sometimes I feel like the SDA is a little throatier, but I really think that it's all in my head. I just picked up the S1 for the first time in a few weeks, and in five minutes I couldn't tell the difference. Both of them have a big, resonant sound. Great horns. There are a couple for sale in the marketplace.

 

[chilehed]

Okay, so I just spent fifteen minutes going back and forth between them and I honestly can't tell them part.

 

[chilehed]

double post

 

[Oldtenor]

Interesting! Mine are definitely two different things...I can work at it to make them sound similar, but the early SDA is definitely a bolder sax compared to the S1. Maybe I'll take them both in to an smart tech to see what he/she might say re: how they are set up (key opening heights, resonators, etc.). Thanks for the input!

 

[[email protected]]

Thanks, I just purchased a Silver SDA. I'll post pic once received and looking forward to enjoying what everyone mentions.

 

[[email protected]]

Great, do you mean the marketplace here on SOTW? I'm still finding my way around, thanks

 

[chilehed]

Great, do you mean the marketplace here on SOTW? I'm still finding my way around, thanks

Yes, but your post count isn't quite high enough to access it yet.

Silver? Sweet.

 

[Borganiboy]

S1 is a tad more free blowing and brighter for sure

 

[Oldtenor]

Thanks all. In spite of the SDA being bolder, the low C-B-Bb on the S1 is incredible. Very powerful and effortless. I play next to a guy on MkVI and he just loves the low notes on my S1.

 

[JayeLID]

In agree the keywork on the S1 is superior as far as comfort, response, navigatibility, etc.... Also, I do believe that the S1 is NOT just an SDA with modern mechanics...the body and/or neck specs are different, so it is a 'different beast'. Tone, blowing response etc. would therefore be different.

S1 = the most underrated model ever produced. I would take an S1 over any VI...any day.

 

[T_J_h90000]

In agree the keywork on the S1 is superior as far as comfort, response, navigatibility, etc.... Also, I do believe that the S1 is NOT just an SDA with modern mechanics...the body and/or neck specs are different, so it is a 'different beast'. Tone, blowing response etc. would therefore be different.

S1 = the most underrated model ever produced. I would take an S1 over any VI...any day.

Very underrated indeed! I look at the keywork and dead-on intonation, and its almost like it should have been from 30 years later, not the 1970s/80s. My S1 Tenor is from 1979 and it will be a frigid day in hell if I ever have to sell it.

 

[Oldtenor]

I have had the great good fortune to have quite a number of tenors, many with fresh high-end overhauls, pass through over the last few years. To be fair, a couple of them had extremely powerful low notes, but all of them (10M, 30M, TH&C, Super 20, SML, Dolnet, Couesnon, Martin, etc.) required mindfulness/work to get those low notes. The S1 just floats them out there. Are other S1's this way, or did I just get supremely lucky?

 

[tomonsax]

ABSOLUTELY: the hell would be freezing over! ...and i am still looking for a SDA tenor with S1 keywork built around 1974! very rare transitional horns where i am the custodian of an alto- it's darker than the S1, but with incredible power

 

[tomonsax]

ABSOLUTELY: the hell would be freezing over! ...and i am still looking for a SDA tenor with S1 keywork built around 1974! very rare transitional horns where i am the custodian of an alto- it's darker than the S1, but with incredible power

...and here i found one : so all my Buffet tenor collection in a row ;-) beautiful old Ladies from the 70's: S1 - transitonal - SDA and an early Dynaction from the 50's

 

[soybean]

Impressive.

 

[HeavyWeather77]

@tomonsax That's a beautiful picture for sure. I used to have a Super Dynaction tenor and I really wish I hadn't sold it. I play-tested a couple S1s years ago, one alto and one tenor, and I'd agree with @JayeLID that they're among the best and most under-rated horns ever made. If I were made of money I'd have a Super Dynaction AND S1 alto and tenor.

 

[Enthusiast65]

I have had the great good fortune to have quite a number of tenors, many with fresh high-end overhauls, pass through over the last few years. To be fair, a couple of them had extremely powerful low notes, but all of them (10M, 30M, TH&C, Super 20, SML, Dolnet, Couesnon, Martin, etc.) required mindfulness/work to get those low notes. The S1 just floats them out there. Are other S1's this way, or did I just get supremely lucky?

Was owned by a good jazz artist before I sold it to you. Fabulous bottom! Super resonant.