I felt the Raw XS sounded every bit as good as your selmer. Im 74 yr old & play a 1965 mark 6 alto. As a matter of fact the high notes sounded better on the Raw xs than the selmer, but the mid range was fuller & more jazz sounding on the selmer. low end was equal. Selmer is still at the top but now has a equal. Oh yea i still love to play but my arthartis wont let me articulate as fast anymore. U better get a raw if you can afford oneas after u get use to it i believe it will be your 2nd lady.
Can you open a store like yours in the states? Pleeeeeze.....specifically, in Idaho...yes, we love potatoes, but there are many sax addicts here too :)
Your Mark Vi is definitely the perfect fit for you! I thought the same, the Custom was second, similar but without as much warmth and body as your 6. I agree, Yanigasawas always feel awful when I play them. I feel like I can't get any air through them. As a P. Mauriat guy, it would have been cool to hear you play on one of those as well. Great content as usual!
Hey Scott. I was thinking of you when I looked at the PMs. I tried one on alto and it didn’t feel like a perfect fit for me. Not sure why. Hard to say though in such a short time. I WAS trying a Selmer Supreme and a cigar cutter before that and they were drastically different from the P! Didn’t try a P tenor. I’ll do that next time, I know you swear by them!
Watching again after a fee months. Sig Custom really puts the mic into your body. You sound better on this than just about anyone I've heard on Saxophone. Transparent and open with no outward boundaries. I am a Hi-Fi geek.
All horns sounded amazing with you on the end of them . I think your own mk vi just had the edge . Which tells me , pick a horn you personally love and learn to know it . Thanks Jamie , great video . 😍
After listening to the two horns (Sig and Selmer) played back to back, and twenty times. The emotions the Sig produces are so much more poignant and intense. As if the horn is crying, so very passionately. The Selmer has a more sorrow forlorn feel. A sense of longing. Like a wistful distant memory. A fairy-tale. Amazing truly.
The Sigg custom was hands above any of the other horns. I thought all horn sounded the same more or less. This one was entirely distinctive. I would be proud on that horn.
Jamie, you are a genius and I thank you for the desire you put into your videos, I started studying when I was great and I love the information you give and the selfless attitude, a big hug from Lanús Argentina.
In high school, as a beginner, I was fortunate enough to get a 1982 model Yanigisawa T-880. I always loved it because it was just what I knew. I learned to tame a beasty Berg on it for everything from marching, to concert, to jazz ensembles. I had high anticipation for what that modern Yani would do with you playing. And it was interesting to hear how it immediately didn't vibe with you like the others did. Makes me wonder what MY sound would be like trying them all out. Fun video and thanks for this neat take.
Great fun video Jamie! Just goes to show that we all have a certain sound in our heads which we are striving towards. I've always liked a tight contemporary sound and have been a Yamaha guy forever so, of course, I liked you on the Custom Z best!
there are lots of videos with saxophonisits campairing different saxes. They flatten all the saxes they play, making them sound like themselves.. I think this was the first time a sax player, made the horns sound like their natural sound. Great job. For the history, the signature horn is born for you.
Great video, Jamie. The MkVI has a classic sweet tone all around. It's the winner for me. The Yamaha had a very smooth even sound but less texture. The Signature was my choice for a close second to the MkVI. 👍🎷
It's the good ol' human emotion 'sentimentality'. Allows you to ignore the improvements revolutionising the instrument manufacture and stick to good ol' reliable drum brakes.
The Sig custom was the stand out for me, at a great price to! As soon as you blew the first phrase, it had that sound that I liken to melted chocolate! Build quality would be your issue, your horn gets so much use. If it can handle the heat, I think it’s a sure bet.
I wish you said something about the playability and the finishing of the horns. I have an Selmer SA80 II. The Instrument is over 30 years old and sounds, looks and plays great.
Great vid Jamie. I agree your mk 6 had an edge, probably down to how well you know it but the custom and new selmer sounded great. The yany was a bit bright for me
I bought my Reference 36 about 22 years ago. Love it. I'd spent a full day in the shop with an array of tenors, fully expecting to walk away with a Yanagisawa Despite what you & Jim said, I could hear distinct differences - I thought you sounded best on the 36, then your MK6, then the Signature Custom Raw XS.
Hi Jamie. Love this video. I love that you recorded it with no frills too so I listened to the whole thing also with no frills, just using my iPhone speaker. I too play a Mark vi, a 1964 model and I love it. You know I’ve written to you before and I’m a classical flute player who took up bass in my teens and sax in my 20’s. I don’t consider myself a great sax player but I’m certainly a very adequate sax player. My advantage is that I have a great understanding of music theoretically. Anyway, to the play test. The Reference 36 sounded really nice. The Yamaha surprised me, it sounds great. I had a very old Yamaha student model for years before my Selmer and it served me well but that one you played sounds fantastic. I was told once by James Galway to get a decent flute when I had a Yamaha pro model but even that didn’t change my opinion in the one you just played!! The Yani just did not float my boat at all. The Raw sounds amazing over the phone. Out of the four you demonstrated I would rate the sound in order of preference: 1. Raw 2. Selmer reference 36 3. Yamaha 4. Yanigasawa. Finally though, when you played the Mark vi against the Raw (bear in mind that I was listening as I shaved, I had no glasses on and went by phone speaker sound only; I had to watch back with glasses so I could comment honestly), as soon as you played the Mark vi I heard the sound that I heard the first time I played mine; I felt like I had just come home. I would, on the strength of your video, strongly consider having a Raw as a stand by instrument. The bonus is it’s the most affordable of them all. I have several basses and several flutes, all waiting for the day that my good ones let me down but I’ve only one soprano, alto snd tenor. My soprano and alto are both Hanson instruments and are beautiful affordable instruments, you should try them sometime. Final thought. The Mark vi is still the cream to my ears. Thanks for the video!
I was at Sax shop in January looking at a potential new sax for next year when I retire. Your timing is spot on and helps me when I have to decide what to get .The signature stood out amongst the new sax’s you tried 👌
Sounded great on all. Mark VI sounded best in my book, and Ref 36 closest was beautiful and has newest technology and materials with Selmer feel. Sensed full sound throughout the horn from lowest subtone Bb to highest altissimo. Maybe greatest confidence (altissimo clear and full) and similar ergonomics on Ref 36. Tone not as strong or maybe you had to think more. 2 questions - 1) you are accomplished enough that it is hard to hear whether you had to work harder against finger placement changes, and altissimo but which had the closest ergonimics to the mark vi. 2) Intonation - I am more of a markVI fan on alto than tenor - I play a King Super 20 tenor (1974) as I hear a brighter fatter sound v Selmer tenor more dark. My '65 MKVI alto has the legendary intonation issues that have to be dealt with and on your try out I would have appreciated if you noticed any intonation tendencies in any of the horns. Was altissimo in tune, were the lowest notes on the horn flat and unable to be lipped up without overblowing to be corrected. Would like to hear you compare the mark VI classic against other vintage or notable recent horns such as a vintage King silversonic, and perhaps a new or vintage Keilwerth Shadow, Eastman, etc. Your lessons and persona filled with enthusiasm is fantastic, as was your transcription of all the famous solos from the 50s, 60'w 70's and 80's and then perform them - tip of the hat for Wilton Felder's solo on street life. not easy and you sounded great.
nice comparison....very interesting. On tenor I live the Mode brighter Sound 'cause of the lower frequencies the tenor has...that's been said for me it's the Yamaha 82Z. After excessive testing I gave away my silver Mark VI tenor for the 82Z....I love it
Custom Raw! I traded MY '74 MK VI for one! Thought the Yani was the weakest sound of the bunch and only your MK VI hung with the Trevor James. I thought the Raw was taking your air and putting out most efficiently of all. Thanks Jamie.
@@GetYourSaxTogether Jamie, I did! I always felt like I fought the low notes and the bridge into the altissimo on the VI. I'd played it pro and semi-pro for forty years. But, after a long lapse of not playing, I got the fire back and wanted to see what was out there. I tried new Selmer, Yamaha, Schagerl , Yani, and Eastman and didn't love anything. I compromised on the YTS-82Zii because it was so playable- no resistance and easy altissimo. But there was something lacking in the sound for me- monophonic, overly focused, thin, and after a year, I grew to hate it. I read famous sax tech/author Stephen Howard's online reviews of Selmer and Yamaha, and I thought, "This guy describes these instruments in the identical terms that I do!" So when Steve reviewed the Signature Custom Raw with such enthusiasm, and had actually swapped out his Yammy for it, I knew I had to try one. And it was love at first note- everything warm, big, and spread about a MK VI, but with less resistance and nicer keywork. It's going on four years, and I've never regretted parting with the MK VI or the Custom Z. FWIW, a teacher and I had played a half-dozen Selmers back in the day and chose mine as the best, so it was a good one. The TJ SC is holding up very well. The Pisoni pads never, ever stick, and it's the right sound for me. I saw that Scott (Paddock) also commented positively about you on the SC and mentioned his Mauriat alto. I'd later gotten to play a P. Mauriat intermediate tenor and thought it to be very good too, so I do believe that the better Taiwanese-made instruments have something special going for them. I think Dave Farley and Trevor James has absolutely nailed it, and at that price- insane!
Yeh, I’ve got a Keilwerth soprano actually and I love it. It’s the SX90II, whatever that is! I tried their tenors years and years ago and they were a bit heavy and resistant for me but that was years ago. Really well made though and I love the adjustability of the palm keys.
I also think the Yamaha is the one which suited your fabulous playing, and would satisfy your expectations if you were to move on from the Mark 6. I really enjoyed your video. Thanks for sharing.😊
Great video. You sounded great on all of them of course. That Mark VI is YOU. The Signature Custom sounded as good as the Mark VI to my ears. That will definitely be one to consider when I get ready for a tenor. Thanks for all you do.
I sold my MK V1 52 years ago and ALWAYS regetted it.... for me Jamie the MK V1 is the one for you ! even though you looked tempted....Very enjoyable video with you and Jim :) Thank you X
Hi Jamie, i have only just started to learn to play tenor, but when I do eventually up grade i think that the sig custom would be my choice. Thank you for taking the time to demo the saxes for all of us out here. Also thank you to Jim. Cheers, Martin.
I’m a new huge fan of yours. I don’t play sax. I play guitar. So it was very interesting to me to hear the different saxes. And you might be interested in the reactions of someone who doesn’t play sax. I’m just reacting to the TONE you produced. I love the tone of your old Selmer. My favorite sax players get a tone similar to yours on this instrument. Rich, full, and gorgeous! My second favorite was the Signature Custom. It was closest to the tone of your old Selmer. My third favorite was the Yanagisawa. I think it sounded a little brighter and not as full, but beautiful. My fourth favorite = the Yamaha, which sounded even brighter than the Yanagisawa. It’s a fantastic sound, and it might work great in a mix where you want more prominence. But it doesn’t have the depth of your old Selmer. My fifth favorite was the new Selmer, which surprised me. It just didn’t sound as good as the others. Not as full; not as bright; and what was there just didn’t sound as interesting. I’m thrilled to have your window into the world of sax players. I appreciate your restraint. If you were a guitar player, you’d own all of them and play only one of them. So many guitar players have at least 20 guitars and never play 17 of them - haha! Thanks!
I totally agree with you ! Same ranking, same reasons. I have a The Martin from 1926 myself. But I really like the sound of the Signature Custom. Real fat sound for a small price in comparison to a new Selmer.
That was a great comparison show Jamie and Jim. I’ll be honest I’ve had the Yani Alto AW020 for a year and love it but looking to another Tenor from my Selmer S80-II and the Ref 36 grabbed my attention. Jamie you sounded amazing on the Sig!
I thought for sure you would really go for the TWO20. I liked your sound on that horn the best. Of course, I'm a bit biased. While I've never played a Mark VI, I play and absolutely love my TWO20 (over modern Selmers and Yamahas). Fun video! Thanks for doing it.
would have loved to hear you play the ref 54. Removing your Mk VI from the equation, the ref 36 came out on top for me, you made it sing, and it looked easy to play (sorry you always make it look easy - awesome as always :-)
Great comparison! Best I’ve seen that definitely showed the sound differences between horns and an honest verbal description of the differences. I agreed with your conclusions. I liked the “Sig” sound as well. What is a Sig and who makes it, what model was that? Do you need laquor to preserve a horn’s finish? Thanks.
Great Video Jamie Thanks. I think the Sig Custom is your Horn next to MVI. The Reference gives you a little more jazzy darker Sound. But the Yanagisawa is really not your Horn. 😉 Thanks for sharing 🙏 I hope one day I,am in London and go to this amazing Store. I,am in Heaven.
Jamie, thank you for this video it really helps. I have a battered MKVI 1969 with high F# I just love the action it has but I'm always tempted to try a different horn, this video answers many of my questions. Thanks
Like most of the previous comments, I thought you sounded great on both your Mk VI and the Sig Custom XS. I've owned and played a late model Mark VI (similar serial number to yours) for at least the last ten years. I've owned a Yamaha 82Z and a Selmer Reference 36 and prefer my Mark VI to either of them. However, I've recently bought an Andy Sheppard Autograph limited edition tenor. My understanding is that it's based on the Signature Custom but it just has more. And to my ears it has some of the stardust you spoke of. It really sings/screams, particularly when you push more air through it. I love it, and for the time being anyway my Mark VI is in it's case (although I won't be rushing to sell it!). I'd recommend you give the Andy Sheppard Autograph a try....
Love this! You sounded amazing on them all but I thought the newer Selmer sounded best compared to your Mark VI🎷 I’ve got the Yamaha Custom tenor 82Z unlaquered and although I’m no pro at all, I love it’s absolute consistency and the fact that when it has a service there’s nothing to do but clean it up a bit! 😘
Great Video! My favorite is the old mark VI. I Think it has a special sound on it and I really like the look of these old horns. I’d love to see such a video with more affordable beginner saxes. I think it would really help to make a choice in terms of: what is the right sax for me to start. Thanks for the videos! :)
The Signature Custom sounded the best. But, why didn't you try a Selmer Reference 54 and the new Selmer Signature Series? Maybe, for the next video. Kind Regards, Dave
Wish there was a description of the Mouthpiece and reed setup being used. That has a much larger impact on tonality that a horn body. And mostly, the neck is defining the tonal quality on the horn... the body of the horn itself is mostly about playability / dexterity
The 36 sounds like money. Just a quality sound and a no compromise mechanism with no noise. The unlaquered xs has no veil obscuring the sound of the raw brass. Maybe thin at first, but like a condenser mic, you have to be a good singer to use it. I like it. Great sax to hear what you are really doing. Especially with playback. My background is electronics and Hi-Fi..And starting sax again..
If I were you, i would have thought more about buying that Signature Custom Raw XS. You sounded really great on that!!! Expecially in the high and altissimo range... Maaaaan!!!! It was unreal
Despite the name of my channel, I also am a committed saxophonist that plays professionally. I admire your playing and your content. I have had many tenors in my life. My original vi was indeed stolen and have lived the nightmare you express concern about. My first vi was about the same vintage you play. I ended up playing a couple different super balanced, which were amazing instruments to play. One was a 50,000 silver plated and the other was a lacquer 54,000. The 54,000 was the instrument of my dreams. I ended up trading it for a model 37 selmer bass clarinet and a late mark vi tenor. I hated to see it leave my life, but I needed to replace my model 33 bass clarinet that I was never super happy with. The vi I have now is good too. I never felt comfortable playing the modern horns. They are great, and I am sure if it came down to it, I would find my voice with one. I agree that there are other options than a vi, but I will avoid them as long as I have the horn I have:) Again, great stuff, and you sound amazing
Hi yes, I agree, the Sig sounds great, I have the Jannie two, twenty, and I love the sound, perfect for me, I have played a mk6 maybe it was me (more than likely)or I was in shock at the price , can't blame the horn though but I don't think I'll be changing any time soon, but if I could I'd love to try the signature.😎
Sooooo good. Thank you. Distinct differences I reckon!! The mark 6, sorry, you, and the mark 6 are a marriage made in sax heaven. Jim, what mouthpiece are you using?
I play a six. Love it..BUT, believe if stolen, we will continue to blow and find our sound... Thks for the demo. I can now play with less fear of loss!
Spent quite a few hours at this wonderful store on a trip back to UK in 2016; its a great place! Came out with an Aizen mouthpiece which was lovely until the tip got broken...awww! They let me have a go on a vintage selmer tenor that had just come in, and even all rusted up and looking quite sad, it was still worth something like 12 grand!!! I love the sound you get on your M6, but I have to say, if I was in line for a tenor, that Sig. Custom would be the one, I was shocked at how good it sounded!! Did they let you borrow it for a week or so? Julesxxxx
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I felt the Raw XS sounded every bit as good as your selmer. Im 74 yr old & play a 1965 mark 6 alto. As a matter of fact the high notes sounded better on the Raw xs than the selmer, but the mid range was fuller & more jazz sounding on the selmer. low end was equal. Selmer is still at the top but now has a equal. Oh yea i still love to play but my arthartis wont let me articulate as fast anymore. U better get a raw if you can afford oneas after u get use to it i believe it will be your 2nd lady.
Great to meet you, Jamie! It was a pleasure to have you down at the store and we hope to make some more content with you again soon!
Can you open a store like yours in the states? Pleeeeeze.....specifically, in Idaho...yes, we love potatoes, but there are many sax addicts here too :)
Thanks for having me! Well up for videos anytime!
@@superjay6167 I haven’t tried that Yamaha.
Your Mark Vi is definitely the perfect fit for you! I thought the same, the Custom was second, similar but without as much warmth and body as your 6. I agree, Yanigasawas always feel awful when I play them. I feel like I can't get any air through them. As a P. Mauriat guy, it would have been cool to hear you play on one of those as well. Great content as usual!
Hey Scott. I was thinking of you when I looked at the PMs. I tried one on alto and it didn’t feel like a perfect fit for me. Not sure why. Hard to say though in such a short time. I WAS trying a Selmer Supreme and a cigar cutter before that and they were drastically different from the P! Didn’t try a P tenor. I’ll do that next time, I know you swear by them!
Wow that Signature Custom just sounds amazing!
I think so too!
Jamie, YOU do the sound. Almost no matter which sax you're playing with, it always sounds like you... and I love it!!!
Thanks 🙏
Sooooo true! ❤️❤️😘
Oh, yes indeed, your sound is in your head. 🙂
Jamie, the Sig. Custom did it for me. Gorgeous. Could listen to you play it forever!
Thanks Ian!
Me too
I agree!
Watching again after a fee months. Sig Custom really puts the mic into your body. You sound better on this than just about anyone I've heard on Saxophone. Transparent and open with no outward boundaries. I am a Hi-Fi geek.
👍🏻
I had the same impression myself.
Keep your selmer sounds awesome, the ref 36 a close second followed by the custom z. Great video😁👍
👍
All horns sounded amazing with you on the end of them . I think your own mk vi just had the edge . Which tells me , pick a horn you personally love and learn to know it . Thanks Jamie , great video . 😍
Thanks for that! 🙏🏻
Loved the sound from the RAW XS signature custom
👍🏻
Love listening to you play 🎷
Thanks 🙏🏻
After listening to the two horns (Sig and Selmer) played back to back, and twenty times. The emotions the Sig produces are so much more poignant and intense. As if the horn is crying, so very passionately. The Selmer has a more sorrow forlorn feel. A sense of longing. Like a wistful distant memory. A fairy-tale. Amazing truly.
Wow, super emotive descriptions man! Hope you're well, take it easy. :-)
The Sigg custom was hands above any of the other horns. I thought all horn sounded the same more or less. This one was entirely distinctive. I would be proud on that horn.
Jamie, you are a genius and I thank you for the desire you put into your videos, I started studying when I was great and I love the information you give and the selfless attitude, a big hug from Lanús Argentina.
Thanks so much 👍🏻
Great video! I loved hearing the comparisons and I enjoy the collaboration.
Glad you enjoyed it!
In high school, as a beginner, I was fortunate enough to get a 1982 model Yanigisawa T-880. I always loved it because it was just what I knew. I learned to tame a beasty Berg on it for everything from marching, to concert, to jazz ensembles. I had high anticipation for what that modern Yani would do with you playing. And it was interesting to hear how it immediately didn't vibe with you like the others did. Makes me wonder what MY sound would be like trying them all out. Fun video and thanks for this neat take.
Thanks! 🙏🏻
I will always appreciate any presentation with prices quoted more than any without. Keep up the good work gentlemen.
🙏🏻
Great fun video Jamie! Just goes to show that we all have a certain sound in our heads which we are striving towards. I've always liked a tight contemporary sound and have been a Yamaha guy forever so, of course, I liked you on the Custom Z best!
Great point!
there are lots of videos with saxophonisits campairing different saxes. They flatten all the saxes they play, making them sound like themselves..
I think this was the first time a sax player, made the horns sound like their natural sound. Great job.
For the history, the signature horn is born for you.
Thanks!
Great video, Jamie. The MkVI has a classic sweet tone all around. It's the winner for me. The Yamaha had a very smooth even sound but less texture. The Signature was my choice for a close second to the MkVI. 👍🎷
👍
It's the good ol' human emotion 'sentimentality'.
Allows you to ignore the improvements revolutionising the
instrument manufacture and stick to good ol' reliable drum brakes.
Wondrous job man! you sound so good in every horn. To give you an idea your horn would be 202,200.86 Lempiras in my country. A fortune...
😎
Wow! The Signature was (to my ears) very close to your Mark VI, Jamie. Thanks for the comparisons, guys!
Our pleasure!
Having a chat with Lewis is always well worth your visit, such a great personality.
Thanks Javier!
The Sig custom was the stand out for me, at a great price to! As soon as you blew the first phrase, it had that sound that I liken to melted chocolate! Build quality would be your issue, your horn gets so much use. If it can handle the heat, I think it’s a sure bet.
👍
The Sig Custom definitely was the best value. I liked the sound you got out of the 82Z, nice and bright. Thx for sharing!
👍
You sounded great on the 36 the sig custom and the mark vi. Very interesting how subtly different you sounded on them.
Thanks!
I love your sound on all of those horns!
Thanks!
That Signature Custom had a really warm dark sound that I loved
👍
A great shop and helpful team. I bought my Selmer USA Liberty Alto from them, which I started learning on 6 months ago :)
👍
Your best sound was on the Ref.36, to my ears.
Thanks. 🙏🏻
I wish you said something about the playability and the finishing of the horns. I have an Selmer SA80 II. The Instrument is over 30 years old and sounds, looks and plays great.
Yeh sorry about that. It was a bit more informal.
Great vid Jamie. I agree your mk 6 had an edge, probably down to how well you know it but the custom and new selmer sounded great. The yany was a bit bright for me
👍
I bought my Reference 36 about 22 years ago. Love it. I'd spent a full day in the shop with an array of tenors, fully expecting to walk away with a Yanagisawa
Despite what you & Jim said, I could hear distinct differences - I thought you sounded best on the 36, then your MK6, then the Signature Custom Raw XS.
👍
You should absolutely try the 36 for a while
I liked your sound on the 82z the most!
Thanks 🙏🏻
Hey Jamie, How do You like those new Daddario Venn reeds?
I really like them!
I'm just a newbie... as for as I could tell, they all sounded awesome. But your Selmer 6 I thought topped them all !!!
Cool, thanks!
Interested to know whether you could feel any differences in the physical handling, the key placements, ease of the palm keys etc?
Yeh sure - but you adapt very quickly.
Hi Jamie. Love this video. I love that you recorded it with no frills too so I listened to the whole thing also with no frills, just using my iPhone speaker. I too play a Mark vi, a 1964 model and I love it. You know I’ve written to you before and I’m a classical flute player who took up bass in my teens and sax in my 20’s. I don’t consider myself a great sax player but I’m certainly a very adequate sax player. My advantage is that I have a great understanding of music theoretically. Anyway, to the play test. The Reference 36 sounded really nice. The Yamaha surprised me, it sounds great. I had a very old Yamaha student model for years before my Selmer and it served me well but that one you played sounds fantastic. I was told once by James Galway to get a decent flute when I had a Yamaha pro model but even that didn’t change my opinion in the one you just played!! The Yani just did not float my boat at all. The Raw sounds amazing over the phone. Out of the four you demonstrated I would rate the sound in order of preference: 1. Raw 2. Selmer reference 36 3. Yamaha 4. Yanigasawa. Finally though, when you played the Mark vi against the Raw (bear in mind that I was listening as I shaved, I had no glasses on and went by phone speaker sound only; I had to watch back with glasses so I could comment honestly), as soon as you played the Mark vi I heard the sound that I heard the first time I played mine; I felt like I had just come home. I would, on the strength of your video, strongly consider having a Raw as a stand by instrument. The bonus is it’s the most affordable of them all. I have several basses and several flutes, all waiting for the day that my good ones let me down but I’ve only one soprano, alto snd tenor. My soprano and alto are both Hanson instruments and are beautiful affordable instruments, you should try them sometime. Final thought. The Mark vi is still the cream to my ears. Thanks for the video!
Thanks Kieran 👍
I think you sounded even better on that signature!!!!! Beast!!!!!!!
Thanks!
I was at Sax shop in January looking at a potential new sax for next year when I retire. Your timing is spot on and helps me when I have to decide what to get .The signature stood out amongst the new sax’s you tried 👌
Yes, though you have to try them for yourself. Each of us is different.
@@GetYourSaxTogether Yes. They said to take my mouthpiece. Nice to see you play them. I won’t be playing like that 😁
That Raw XS was legit. Awesome sound, closest to the VI. Great price point. You liked it, I heard the different bop runs you didn’t do on the others.
Okay cool. Thanks 🙏🏻
Sounded great on all. Mark VI sounded best in my book, and Ref 36 closest was beautiful and has newest technology and materials with Selmer feel. Sensed full sound throughout the horn from lowest subtone Bb to highest altissimo. Maybe greatest confidence (altissimo clear and full) and similar ergonomics on Ref 36. Tone not as strong or maybe you had to think more. 2 questions - 1) you are accomplished enough that it is hard to hear whether you had to work harder against finger placement changes, and altissimo but which had the closest ergonimics to the mark vi. 2) Intonation - I am more of a markVI fan on alto than tenor - I play a King Super 20 tenor (1974) as I hear a brighter fatter sound v Selmer tenor more dark. My '65 MKVI alto has the legendary intonation issues that have to be dealt with and on your try out I would have appreciated if you noticed any intonation tendencies in any of the horns. Was altissimo in tune, were the lowest notes on the horn flat and unable to be lipped up without overblowing to be corrected. Would like to hear you compare the mark VI classic against other vintage or notable recent horns such as a vintage King silversonic, and perhaps a new or vintage Keilwerth Shadow, Eastman, etc. Your lessons and persona filled with enthusiasm is fantastic, as was your transcription of all the famous solos from the 50s, 60'w 70's and 80's and then perform them - tip of the hat for Wilton Felder's solo on street life. not easy and you sounded great.
Thanks so much man, and thanks for watching!
Great video, Jamie! That Signature Custom in your hands was a thrill!
Thanks 👍
That signature custom Raw XS sounds AMAZING
🙏
nice comparison....very interesting. On tenor I live the Mode brighter Sound 'cause of the lower frequencies the tenor has...that's been said for me it's the Yamaha 82Z. After excessive testing I gave away my silver Mark VI tenor for the 82Z....I love it
Thanks!
Custom Raw! I traded MY '74 MK VI for one! Thought the Yani was the weakest sound of the bunch and only your MK VI hung with the Trevor James. I thought the Raw was taking your air and putting out most efficiently of all. Thanks Jamie.
Wow - you actually did it!
@@GetYourSaxTogether Jamie, I did! I always felt like I fought the low notes and the bridge into the altissimo on the VI. I'd played it pro and semi-pro for forty years. But, after a long lapse of not playing, I got the fire back and wanted to see what was out there. I tried new Selmer, Yamaha, Schagerl , Yani, and Eastman and didn't love anything. I compromised on the YTS-82Zii because it was so playable- no resistance and easy altissimo. But there was something lacking in the sound for me- monophonic, overly focused, thin, and after a year, I grew to hate it. I read famous sax tech/author Stephen Howard's online reviews of Selmer and Yamaha, and I thought, "This guy describes these instruments in the identical terms that I do!" So when Steve reviewed the Signature Custom Raw with such enthusiasm, and had actually swapped out his Yammy for it, I knew I had to try one. And it was love at first note- everything warm, big, and spread about a MK VI, but with less resistance and nicer keywork. It's going on four years, and I've never regretted parting with the MK VI or the Custom Z. FWIW, a teacher and I had played a half-dozen Selmers back in the day and chose mine as the best, so it was a good one. The TJ SC is holding up very well. The Pisoni pads never, ever stick, and it's the right sound for me. I saw that Scott (Paddock) also commented positively about you on the SC and mentioned his Mauriat alto. I'd later gotten to play a P. Mauriat intermediate tenor and thought it to be very good too, so I do believe that the better Taiwanese-made instruments have something special going for them. I think Dave Farley and Trevor James has absolutely nailed it, and at that price- insane!
@@thewarhenk great comment!!
I'd love to hear you on a Keilwerth SX 90R!!
Yeh, I’ve got a Keilwerth soprano actually and I love it. It’s the SX90II, whatever that is! I tried their tenors years and years ago and they were a bit heavy and resistant for me but that was years ago. Really well made though and I love the adjustability of the palm keys.
I also think the Yamaha is the one which suited your fabulous playing, and would satisfy your expectations if you were to move on from the Mark 6. I really enjoyed your video. Thanks for sharing.😊
Thanks so much
Great video. You sounded great on all of them of course. That Mark VI is YOU. The Signature Custom sounded as good as the Mark VI to my ears. That will definitely be one to consider when I get ready for a tenor. Thanks for all you do.
Call me suspisious but do you think we are all blind with the moving the "P", really? 🤣😂🤣
Thanks "Enis" ! 😉
@@sands11ify You would be surprised at the people that don't catch that.
I would be grinning ear to ear if I had that Signature Custom. It gives me tingles!
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I’ve got an alto and tenor sig custom raw I tried loads of horns before buying them.
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Loved the Raw XS sound - very similar to you on the MarkVI
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I sold my MK V1 52 years ago and ALWAYS regetted it.... for me Jamie the MK V1 is the one for you ! even though you looked tempted....Very enjoyable video with you and Jim :) Thank you X
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Hi Jamie, i have only just started to learn to play tenor, but when I do eventually up grade i think that the sig custom would be my choice. Thank you for taking the time to demo the saxes for all of us out here. Also thank you to Jim.
Cheers, Martin.
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Great playing ! Mark 6 is your baby. Signature for some rock saxophone
Ref 36 not bad at all
Keep up the good work
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I’m a new huge fan of yours. I don’t play sax. I play guitar. So it was very interesting to me to hear the different saxes. And you might be interested in the reactions of someone who doesn’t play sax. I’m just reacting to the TONE you produced. I love the tone of your old Selmer. My favorite sax players get a tone similar to yours on this instrument. Rich, full, and gorgeous! My second favorite was the Signature Custom. It was closest to the tone of your old Selmer. My third favorite was the Yanagisawa. I think it sounded a little brighter and not as full, but beautiful. My fourth favorite = the Yamaha, which sounded even brighter than the Yanagisawa. It’s a fantastic sound, and it might work great in a mix where you want more prominence. But it doesn’t have the depth of your old Selmer. My fifth favorite was the new Selmer, which surprised me. It just didn’t sound as good as the others. Not as full; not as bright; and what was there just didn’t sound as interesting. I’m thrilled to have your window into the world of sax players. I appreciate your restraint. If you were a guitar player, you’d own all of them and play only one of them. So many guitar players have at least 20 guitars and never play 17 of them - haha! Thanks!
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I totally agree with you ! Same ranking, same reasons. I have a The Martin from 1926 myself. But I really like the sound of the Signature Custom. Real fat sound for a small price in comparison to a new Selmer.
That was a great comparison show Jamie and Jim. I’ll be honest I’ve had the Yani Alto AW020 for a year and love it but looking to another Tenor from my Selmer S80-II and the Ref 36 grabbed my attention. Jamie you sounded amazing on the Sig!
Thanks!
I thought for sure you would really go for the TWO20. I liked your sound on that horn the best. Of course, I'm a bit biased. While I've never played a Mark VI, I play and absolutely love my TWO20 (over modern Selmers and Yamahas). Fun video! Thanks for doing it.
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would have loved to hear you play the ref 54. Removing your Mk VI from the equation, the ref 36 came out on top for me, you made it sing, and it looked easy to play (sorry you always make it look easy - awesome as always :-)
Thanks!
Great comparison! Best I’ve seen that definitely showed the sound differences between horns and an honest verbal description of the differences. I agreed with your conclusions. I liked the “Sig” sound as well. What is a Sig and who makes it, what model was that? Do you need laquor to preserve a horn’s finish? Thanks.
Not sure about the finish, but it’s basically made by Trevor James I believe.
Great Video Jamie Thanks.
I think the Sig Custom is your Horn next to MVI. The Reference gives you a little more jazzy darker Sound. But the Yanagisawa is really not your Horn. 😉
Thanks for sharing 🙏
I hope one day I,am in London and go to this amazing Store. I,am in Heaven.
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Jamie, thank you for this video it really helps. I have a battered MKVI 1969 with high F# I just love the action it has but I'm always tempted to try a different horn, this video answers many of my questions. Thanks
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Like most of the previous comments, I thought you sounded great on both your Mk VI and the Sig Custom XS. I've owned and played a late model Mark VI (similar serial number to yours) for at least the last ten years. I've owned a Yamaha 82Z and a Selmer Reference 36 and prefer my Mark VI to either of them. However, I've recently bought an Andy Sheppard Autograph limited edition tenor. My understanding is that it's based on the Signature Custom but it just has more. And to my ears it has some of the stardust you spoke of. It really sings/screams, particularly when you push more air through it. I love it, and for the time being anyway my Mark VI is in it's case (although I won't be rushing to sell it!). I'd recommend you give the Andy Sheppard Autograph a try....
Cool, thanks!
Great video! However, I am sure that Jay (Bettersax) will be heartbroken that you didn't like his beloved Yani 😂😂
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The Sig custom sounds great, would be perfect for taking out and not worry…
For sure.
Thanks for such amazing and rare trial. I'm an happy owner of Ref 36.. so my preferred :-)
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Love this! You sounded amazing on them all but I thought the newer Selmer sounded best compared to your Mark VI🎷
I’ve got the Yamaha Custom tenor 82Z unlaquered and although I’m no pro at all, I love it’s absolute consistency and the fact that when it has a service there’s nothing to do but clean it up a bit! 😘
Thanks Lisa!
I like the sound from that RAWX6 wow that sound was mild and deepish you had all of them singing a great sound from all of them
Thanks!
Jeez, the man can play !! Never heard you like this. Nice to have a video like this once in a while, where you ad-lib.
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I love the fact you let every sax sound different.
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Great Video! My favorite is the old mark VI. I Think it has a special sound on it and I really like the look of these old horns. I’d love to see such a video with more affordable beginner saxes. I think it would really help to make a choice in terms of: what is the right sax for me to start. Thanks for the videos! :)
Good suggestion. Thanks!
The Signature Custom sounded the best. But, why didn't you try a Selmer Reference 54 and the new Selmer Signature Series? Maybe, for the next video. Kind Regards, Dave
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Wish there was a description of the Mouthpiece and reed setup being used. That has a much larger impact on tonality that a horn body. And mostly, the neck is defining the tonal quality on the horn... the body of the horn itself is mostly about playability / dexterity
Vintage Florida link 8, 3.5 reed.
I think they all sounded great but the signature custom sounded like you had a really good connection with it.
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Stick with the MK Vi, but that custom Sig sounded fantastic. Maybe in the future we can do a similar test with altos.
Thanks 🙏🏻
Stunning playing as always Jamie and I agree with you that the nearest sound to your Mk 6 was definitely the Signature Raw.
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I got the Trevor James SC Raw very happy with it
Cool!
Ditched my Mk VI being recently at Sax for a T5 cannonball. It was a revelation and my playing has ramped up massively since the swap
Great! 👍🏻
Your Mark 6 is great but everytime I hear a Ref 36 I’m always left feeling Wow! Those Ref 36 are legit for sure.
Agreed!
Is the sig custom raw by Trevor James- or is that a different manufacturer?
Yes it is.
The 36 sounds like money. Just a quality sound and a no compromise mechanism with no noise. The unlaquered xs has no veil obscuring the sound of the raw brass. Maybe thin at first, but like a condenser mic, you have to be a good singer to use it. I like it. Great sax to hear what you are really doing. Especially with playback. My background is electronics and Hi-Fi..And starting sax again..
Thanks Morris!
If I were you, i would have thought more about buying that Signature Custom Raw XS. You sounded really great on that!!! Expecially in the high and altissimo range... Maaaaan!!!! It was unreal
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I preferred the sound of the 82Z - and I own a RAW XS! Jamie, is the action lighter and faster on the Yamaha compared to the Signature Custom?
Honestly I can’t remember. I liked the action on all the horns tbh.
Still love this video. Was the Signature Custom Raw XS much heavier than your own Mk VI?
No I think the weight wasn’t too different from memory.
I liked the Selmer Reference 36 - waaay best of all of the modern horns! 😃 - So warm, round, full and - shiny!! 😆🎷
Thanks Mikkel (😉- Larry)
Looks like you guys had a bit of fun ! Cool video guys
Thanks!
Really liked thé signature custom !
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I have a Selmer mark6 circa 1971, It's the best tenor I've had and I've had a Mauriat 67R a Selmer Mark 2 and Mark3 and a Yamaha.
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Despite the name of my channel, I also am a committed saxophonist that plays professionally. I admire your playing and your content. I have had many tenors in my life. My original vi was indeed stolen and have lived the nightmare you express concern about. My first vi was about the same vintage you play. I ended up playing a couple different super balanced, which were amazing instruments to play.
One was a 50,000 silver plated and the other was a lacquer 54,000. The 54,000 was the instrument of my dreams. I ended up trading it for a model 37 selmer bass clarinet and a late mark vi tenor. I hated to see it leave my life, but I needed to replace my model 33 bass clarinet that I was never super happy with. The vi I have now is good too. I never felt comfortable playing the modern horns. They are great, and I am sure if it came down to it, I would find my voice with one. I agree that there are other options than a vi, but I will avoid them as long as I have the horn I have:)
Again, great stuff, and you sound amazing
Awesome comment, thanks so much! 🙏🏻
Hi yes, I agree, the Sig sounds great, I have the Jannie two, twenty, and I love the sound, perfect for me, I have played a mk6 maybe it was me (more than likely)or I was in shock at the price , can't blame the horn though but I don't think I'll be changing any time soon, but if I could I'd love to try the signature.😎
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Sooooo good. Thank you. Distinct differences I reckon!! The mark 6, sorry, you, and the mark 6 are a marriage made in sax heaven. Jim, what mouthpiece are you using?
Thanks!
And what mouthpiece were you using Jim?
@@zababit Jim? If it’s me you’re asking there’s a link in the description for my set ups.
Love the sound match between your Selmer and the Signature Custom
Thanks!
All sound great to me. Mark VI wins hands down though. BTW. What piece are you using for the test?
These are my set ups but I had a Venn 2.5 reed. ua-cam.com/video/ZdK7VdadkkE/v-deo.html
I play a six. Love it..BUT, believe if stolen, we will continue to blow and find our sound... Thks for the demo. I can now play with less fear of loss!
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The Sig custom was the closest to the MkVI, almost on a par.
What was the action like compared to the MKVI, I wonder?
Action felt good on all of them I think.
The Sig raw really was fantastic. Go for it!
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Spent quite a few hours at this wonderful store on a trip back to UK in 2016; its a great place! Came out with an Aizen mouthpiece which was lovely until the tip got broken...awww! They let me have a go on a vintage selmer tenor that had just come in, and even all rusted up and looking quite sad, it was still worth something like 12 grand!!!
I love the sound you get on your M6, but I have to say, if I was in line for a tenor, that Sig. Custom would be the one, I was shocked at how good it sounded!! Did they let you borrow it for a week or so? Julesxxxx
It's still in the store if you want to go claim it! 😉
For me, that Yamaha sounded pretty fantastic as well.
Thanks!
That first solo blast man, what a lovely wild thing!
On my honor, it raised the hairs on my everything!!
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Love this video!
Great! 🙏
These Sig Customs have an absolutely amazing tone for the price that they come with. Unbeatable in its price category I feel :)
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