[supersonic]

I want to switch from my early S20 Tenor to a early Aristocrat 1

because I dont like the boooming low end of the S20!

I want a more tight sound.

Does this makes sense or will there be no big difference between these 2 Horns

 

[JL]

I think it might make sense, but you really have to play an Aristocrat to make sure. Those are both great horns. As always, playing condition is important so make sure they are both playing well before deciding between them.

Here's a clip of a guy comparing the two. I actually don't think a clip like this can tell you much, aside from the fact that the same player will sound almost the same on any horn (with the same mpc), but here it is anyway:

 

[vbluesman]

This thread is old but for me that's a switch I would never make. The S20 tube can do anything better tonally than any other vintage saxophone. Try a hard rubber Link style mouthpiece or what I use, a Runyon SR.

 

[paulwl]

The one edge where I think the Crat is unbeatable is ease of low end emission. Not only will it not moo or bellow, a well maintained example will play with great delicacy and focus right down to low Bb.

Then again, I think it's a great all around tenor. But hey, a bluesman from Chicago may feel differently and that's cool.

supes, are you perhaps in south Germany and hip to the Rascher 4tet? They are influencing a lot of players' equipment choices these days.

 

[saxphil]

Save yourself some $, skip the S20 tenor.
Get a '30's Crat tenor AND a Zephyr tenor, with money left over.

 

[JL]

The S20 tube can do anything better tonally than any other vintage saxophone. .

Given how subjective tone quality is and the fact that even among the same brand horn it can vary a lot, and the fact that lots of vintage horns have a great potential for good tone, depending on the player, the statement above is highly questionable.

I've played a couple of Super20 tenors. One of them was mediocre at best in the tone department. My MkVI and early Buescher Aristocrat blew it away (again, this is subjective). I played another Super20 silversonic that was one of the best tenors I've ever tried. It had a fantastic tone quality, but I wouldn't say it was a better or worse tone than my VI or the Buescher, just different.

 

[saxphil]

The S20 tube can do anything better tonally than any other vintage saxophone.

Zephyr tenors from approx 280xxx have the S20 body tube.

 

[saxcop]

I have a Zephyr of about 1940 vintage and two 1951. The neck from the 51 fits perfectly on the 40. I think they are the same tube. Yes they are great.

 

[sirspinbad]

The one edge where I think the Crat is unbeatable is ease of low end emission.

Low end? Sml wins the prize!