Repairman's Overview: SML Revision D tenor saxophone

[javijazztazz]

I believe that the song that start around 7:00 is called Buena Vista Social Club

[javijazztazz]

Hi matt why is the mark Vi considered the best saxophone ever made? is there any other saxophone that plays better or as good as a Mark Vi? thanks

[venskus2009]

Makes you wonder why they didn't catch on. Name is everything, and it's the sad truth. They could've been the selmer of today.

[abadcliche]

(con't from below) "..."Today I feel like doing all my horns with LH bell keys" and the next day they switched it around. JT""

[abadcliche]

Update: Received this in my email this morning. "Hi Matt,

Saw your video on the SML rev. D. Great stuff! Really interesting.

One correction: you said you thought the SMLs were the only horns with the switchable key. Not so: Couesnons had it, at least certain iterations of them, and I'm pretty certain also some of the Beaugnier instruments had them, but not all. As you know, my Noblet does not. I have no idea why they were so inconsistent with the designs they use. (con't)

[abadcliche]

Update: Received this in my email this morning. "Hi Matt,

Saw your video on the SML rev. D. Great stuff! Really interesting.

One correction: you said you thought the SMLs were the only horns with the switchable key. Not so: Couesnons had it, at least certain iterations of them, and I'm pretty certain also some of the Beaugnier instruments had them, but not all. As you know, my Noblet does not. I have no idea why they were so inconsistent with the designs they use. (con't)

[dubrosacomau]

Awesome overview! Thank you!!!!

[abadcliche]

@dubrosacomau Glad you like it!

[abadcliche]

@dubrosacomau Glad you like it!

[abadcliche]

@dubrosacomau Glad you like it! Thanks for watching.

[altrane40]

Thank you so much for your good insight!!

[abadcliche]

@altrane40 Glad you liked it! Subscribe to my channel, I'm just getting started but I'm trying to make a few of these videos every month.

[ca4Gochops]

I found a gold plated one, they are asking 3k for it. Not sure what year it is, it didnt have the rotating left thumb..........

is that a good price???

[abadcliche]

@ca4Gochops It could be! Depends on the condition- if its banged up and needs an overhaul, no. If its in great shape, its fair. If its in great shape and just had a really good overhaul by someone who understands these horns (rare) its a very good price.

[MrNepau]

@abadcliche Hi.. I have a standard rev D sml tenor and an alto (1955 and 1953) so I can say that the leveraged octave key is not on all saxes, I wish it were... and the also the 4 slot neck is only on some (alto yes, tenor, standard, no). Same for the regulation screws. Great description of this horn Thanks for posting.

[MrNepau]

@abadcliche ...sorry, and how would you rate the intonation ot his instrument, and the openess in the high register (from high c# to palm keys) Thanks , Stefano

[abadcliche]

@ca4Gochops If you want to email me, go to my website listed in my youtube profile and use the contact form. Send me some photos or more information and I might be able to help out.

[Passion613]

What can contribute to a stuffy sound middle D on a Keilwerth SX90 R? F, E , F#, really sing..once i hit D..it's a bit stuffy. To improve your videos..please play the horn at the end so we can hear the sound..thanks.

[abadcliche]

@Passion613 I am glad you enjoyed the video. I do plan on making more as time goes on. My current setup is not adequate for playtesting (just using the mic on my camera at the moment- fine for vox but not really going to do a horn justice) and youtube's audio compression is pretty rough anyways. In time...

[abadcliche]

@Passion613 Re: the stuffy notes, there are many reasons it could be. Either venting or octave pip placement or both- and these are design issues on every saxophone that require compromises to produce the sound we want while also dealing with acoustic and ergonomic realities. I will write an article on my website soon answering this question in detail.

[MeccaVideoPro]

looks great Matt.are the pants guard solid? I have a fun experience on a recent gig where a button of my vest got caught inone of the cutouts in the guard of my Buffet SDA, I had to cut it off. LOL the button not the Guard

[abadcliche]

@MeccaVideoPro A vest! You stylish man, you.

Yep! The pantsguards are solid one-piece, also solidly attached to the body. It is also engraved.

i know what you mean about cutout pants guards! They will catch your pockets and buttons without mercy.