I was lucky enough to run across one of these in really nice condition.
On the down side, it has its collection of little dings and scratches, one resoldered guard foot, and some small ripples at the top of the body where it must have been repaired after taking a hit.
On the bright side it is otherwise immaculate--keywork tight and silver plate 100 percent.
I'm trying to chase down one small leak, but otherwise it plays great. Intonation is very good, and the short-tube C#s are spot on--unusual for a vintage sop IME.
The tone is most interesting and rather unique, again IME. The only horn I have at hand for comparison is my Conn New Wonder I straight.
Very different animals. The Selmer has much more edge--brassier with more presence. The Conn is quite mellow in comparison, with just a hint of reluctance. The Selmer is right there, front and center, with the kind of response that we all love in the Mk VIs (though not necessarily the sops). NOT a ballad horn.
It has the flexibility and aliveness of the good vintage horns but the pitch center and note to note intonation seems very even. You land right on the note, but it is also easy to move around if desired. I like the stability of modern horns, but the immediacy and agility of this horn are very impressive.
I'm super busy at the moment with a documentary, but I'm hoping to have some pix up soon, and maybe sound file comparisons as well.
On the down side, it has its collection of little dings and scratches, one resoldered guard foot, and some small ripples at the top of the body where it must have been repaired after taking a hit.
On the bright side it is otherwise immaculate--keywork tight and silver plate 100 percent.
I'm trying to chase down one small leak, but otherwise it plays great. Intonation is very good, and the short-tube C#s are spot on--unusual for a vintage sop IME.
The tone is most interesting and rather unique, again IME. The only horn I have at hand for comparison is my Conn New Wonder I straight.
Very different animals. The Selmer has much more edge--brassier with more presence. The Conn is quite mellow in comparison, with just a hint of reluctance. The Selmer is right there, front and center, with the kind of response that we all love in the Mk VIs (though not necessarily the sops). NOT a ballad horn.
It has the flexibility and aliveness of the good vintage horns but the pitch center and note to note intonation seems very even. You land right on the note, but it is also easy to move around if desired. I like the stability of modern horns, but the immediacy and agility of this horn are very impressive.
I'm super busy at the moment with a documentary, but I'm hoping to have some pix up soon, and maybe sound file comparisons as well.
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