[HOUSTON NONET]

It won't do anything other than double the cost and add a lot of weight to the horn, which in the case of a soprano is going to be a real pain.

That is why the Mark VI is still the best. With the added weight of the big palm keys, the detachable necks, the large lower stack mechanism, the high f# ----and lordy the high G key (both easy to play on the VI)-- and the fork e/f mechanism the "new" sopranos are just too darn heavy. Kill your right hand and thumb and then you try a strap which messes up your embouchure or your neck position. Sometimes progress is meaningless. I held a new B & S Sop the other day-- felt like a bari!!!!

But most of all they have the best tone/sound. Don't believe me THEN listen to and ask a soprano virtuoso-- Bob Sheppard

 

[HOUSTON NONET]

They are hard to find now

 

[Jaice Singer DuMars]

I beg to differ. My 165k Conn straight soprano plays and sounds better than any Selmer Mark VI I have ever played/owned. Furthermore, I think the Couf Superba I is waaaay better than the VI as far as modern sopranos are concerned. I can't think of anyone I have heard on a VI that I particularly liked the sound of.

 

[Paul B]

Roberto always has a few on hand in his store, but I suppose not everybody can make a trip to New York to try them out.

I agree the Mk. VI is the best soprano out there. The new horns seem tempting, but as you say, they are overloaded with heavy "extras"--which are often minuses.

 

[HOUSTON NONET]

I beg to differ. My 165k Conn straight soprano plays and sounds better than any Selmer Mark VI I have ever played/owned. Furthermore, I think the Couf Superba I is waaaay better than the VI as far as modern sopranos are concerned. I can't think of anyone I have heard on a VI that I particularly liked the sound of.

I like the Conn sound. Played one for years and still have it but it needs complete overhaul and missing a key post-- know where i could get one
Respectfully disagree on the Couf. Tell the last statement about sound to Bob-- he plays pretty good sop
BTW what established pro has recorded with the Couf so I can listen again

 

[ShedShark]

There's one on ebay for 850$

 

[Reedsplinter]

Roberto always has a few on hand in his store, but I suppose not everybody can make a trip to New York to try them out.

I agree the Mk. VI is the best soprano out there. The new horns seem tempting, but as you say, they are overloaded with heavy "extras"--which are often minuses.

Is this true of the Yani also? People seem very high on those. . . .

 

[HOUSTON NONET]

Of the new sopranos --the Yani SS901 is great-- easy to play & great intonation and not THAT heavy.
Best of the new sopranos IMHO

 

[Martinman]

BTW what established pro has recorded with the Couf so I can listen again

Grover Washington Jr. Sweetest soprano sound ever. Like if Kenny G had a sound that jazz guys liked.

Anyway, some of us have huge alien hands and can't play the palm keys on a VI soprano.

 

[hakukani]

I'll keep my YSS-61. Lighter in weight than a six, better keywork, better intonation than most. (and I play a MkVI alto and tenor).

 

[HOUSTON NONET]

Agree about the late Grover. Can't stand Kenny's "fingernail on the chalk board" sound-- makes dog's howl. Nevertheless-- you answered my question--thanks

 

[Grumps]

Oh, I dig the sound of my VI soprano.
Just not as much as my True Tone.

 

[HOUSTON NONET]

I'll keep my YSS-61. Lighter in weight than a six, better keywork, better intonation than most. (and I play a MkVI alto and tenor).

agree -- Woody Witt plays YSS 62 and loves it --and he really plays GREAT soprano. I would say that the majority of LA studio cats play Yamaha sopranos

 

[HOUSTON NONET]

I also heard that Yani used to make a M VI copy that had better intonation-- not a strong point for the VI

 

[DXCamp]

The Yani curved soprano has a very nice sound! It has a mini Alto Sax profile. Very fine, indeed!

 

[HOUSTON NONET]

I Agree

 

[BobbyC]

I also heard that Yani used to make a M VI copy that had better intonation-- not a strong point for the VI

I believe this comment refers to the Yanagisawa S6.

I've got one and it looks the same as a Mark VI as far as I can tell without actually owning a Mark VI.

No removable neck, in-line palm keys, etc.

 

[Martinman]

I believe Wayne Shorter gave up his 6 for a YSS 62.

 

[jmm1713]

Even though I HATE Yamaha alto's and tenor's my favorite soprano is the YSS-675 ... I'd rather play one than any mark vi soprano

 

[A Greene]

I've played almost all the modern sopranos and I agree - they are HEAVY in both weight and feel.

Loved an old Martin I have overhauled 6 months ago but just couldn't get past a couple pitchy issues. Plus all of my soprano heros played Mark VI soprano.

Now I have a late VI and I like it more and more everytime I play it. It's not without faults but it seems you're a VI person or NOT.

I hope to play a True Tone someday - many Buescher fans on SOTW.

I don't think the VI is the one to beat. Most people want modern keywork - I think?:?