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Forum » Vintage Saxophones » What's the difference with vintage saxes


by saxs_make_it_happen
(42 posts)
18 years ago

What's the difference with vintage saxes

Hi, I've been playin 6 years now and I've only had a chance to play 3 different altos.....sad huh... lol. But anyways I was wondering if there is any major difference in vintage saxes and modern ones...... and what makes the Mark VI so good? I kknow I sound like a NOOB on here lol but I've never had anywhere else to find out. I've always been curious cause I love to play and I plan on playin my sax forever. I jus want to start expanding my knowledge. Thanx.

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  2. by Sax Mom
    (964 posts)
    18 years ago

    Re: What's the difference with vintage saxes

    Some people like to make others sound like NOOB's--don't worry about it. I've played a lot longer than you, and have only played on three different altos! I've never played the Mark VI, but have even heard some who don't like it. I'm happy with what I have--no reason to change. There are many differences between vintage and modern horns, weight, keywork, construction materials, etc. My best advice is to find one on which you can produce the tone you like. Different horns work better for different people.

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  3. by jamterry
    (573 posts)
    18 years ago

    Re: What's the difference with vintage saxes

    I have three MK VI's and I think the tenor is the least noticeable compared to other horns. On the alto and soprano I think is where the MK VI stands out. The tone is gorgeous. When you get up to the big tenor, the difference in horns decreases. The new horns probably are superior. I bought my tenor and alto (MK VI's) because I was playing gigs and that's what most cats were playing.

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    1. by Sax_Shark
      (134 posts)
      18 years ago

      Re: What's the difference with vintage saxes

      cats? Wow...does the fact that I don't use the word "cats" to describe people make me a NOOB too?

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      1. by definition
        (963 posts)
        18 years ago

        Re: What's the difference with vintage saxes

        lol i dont think so; most of the time I dont say that either but sometimes those cats just get me goin and...

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        1. by jamterry
          (573 posts)
          18 years ago

          Re: What's the difference with vintage saxes

          When I bought my MK VI tenor and alto in 1966, we used the word cats a lot. What is a NOOB?

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        2. by Sax_Shark
          (134 posts)
          18 years ago

          Re: What's the difference with vintage saxes

          Some one who is new at something. OR it can be someone who has been PWNED...if you really want to know more go here...

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        3. by blackfrancis
          (396 posts)
          18 years ago

          Re: What's the difference with vintage saxes

          The Mk. VI is a lovely horn- nice action, tone like Mrs. Butterworth's syrup... there's a good reason everybody tries to copy it. Still, there are other really good horns out there too. King Zephyr and Super 20, Martin, Conn Chu and "M" series, Buescher (pre-'63). Hard to say exactly why, but you should just take some time when the opportunity presents itself and see if you dig the older stuff. Each has a different "character". I can't comment on the newer horns because I've never played anything more recent than a (1977) Mk. VII. Meow.

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        4. by saxs_make_it_happen
          (42 posts)
          18 years ago

          Re: What's the difference with vintage saxes

          I wish I had a chance to play a Mark VI, it's a dream of mine lol... mabey I will one day.

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        5. by sax_a_gogo
          (23 posts)
          18 years ago

          Mk VI

          The mk VI is basically recommended by any pro player I've run into. I'm a semi-pro and use an 80's S80 series I. Loved it since I bought it new. Still, I have this hankering to see what I'm missing in a MkVI. Anyone know if the ergonomics of the VI are worse/better? I'm guessing the tone would be more 'velvetty' or whatever adjective people use. Anyone had a chance to compare S80 and MkVI Tenor/alto or sopr? This guy is obviously hawking selmer's but he has a pretty in depth comparison review : www.selmer.com/phpBB/saxophone/viewtopic.php?t=3&highlight=mark+vi If even Selmer is copying their own Mark VI in the reference series, there must be something good about it :)

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