$12,000 Selmer Mark VI Saxophone Vs. $3,979 Nexus One Saxophone

We’re already SOLD OUT of the Nexus Select and Nexus One saxophones, as well as the Nexus Edge Mouthpiece BUT we’re taking a limited amount of pre-orders that will ship in the next few weeks!
Nexus Elite Reeds are available to ship today!
For more info: www.nexussaxophones.com
#Saxophone #Mouthpiece #Reeds

[@ChadLefkowitzBrown]

We’re already SOLD OUT of the Nexus Select and Nexus One saxophones, as well as the Nexus Edge Mouthpiece BUT we’re taking a limited amount of pre-orders that will ship in the next few weeks! Nexus Elite Reeds are available to ship today! For more info: www.nexussaxophones.com

[@voltagestorm1787]

Do you ever plan on making Nexus altos?

[@Saxologic]

The horn looks SO GOOD WOW. As I am listening, it seems that C is my favorite. It’s got that extra layer of meaty beefiness I like. Let’s see which one it is… NEXUS SELECT LET’S GOOOO

[@paulgrass4855]

Hey saxologic! When is the midatlantic video coming out? So excited! Love from Europe

[@JulianFernandez]

MVIs are 6k, not 12k. WTF?

[@grantcox6962]

Any chance you know how I can find my stolen selmer mark VI?

[@JannryDraculan]

U look like giga chad

[@stlmusic]

The sound of the keywork gave the selmer away. The clickety clicks sound like a horn with some hours. I liked the sound of C, select the best.

[@cookieman136]

Totally agree!

[@LAJames-gi2yw]

I was surprised that (A)was favorite sounding horn. The sound was in my ears eye the strongest and most complete. I like the looks of the select however, that has nothing to do with the sound. Hip hip!!!

[@benjordan3565]

It's so weird, I actually prefered A on the blind test and even in the video that Chad posted on his instragram. The One, to me, has a more complex sound than the Select. B was last! Go figure, I'm excited to try these horns!

[@davidclaro152]

That was my thought, exactly. They all sounded great, but I thought A had the fullest and richest sound of the 3.

[@rogersalles200]

I did like the A as well, to me it was the closest sound to the VI and the intonation was spot on.

[@saxman7131]

(A) was my favorite.

[@harryschubkegel487]

As a Selmer MK VI Collector, I know, that each MK VI Sounds different. Even when the Series Numbers very close together. If you like to find your Selmer with your Sound, you need a Dealer with Minimum 20 Selmer MK VI in Stock. I know that the Company "Legendary Saxophones" in Germany has 150 Selmer MK VI in Stock. Here I found my MK VI. Another important thing is the Action of the Keys. I never touched a Saxophone with better feeling for my Finger tips as Selmer MK VI.

[@Michelle-bn1fu]

Collector??? Ewe. That is disgusting. A Mark VI is made to be played. You are disgusting.

[@noahkapley7190]

I love the Nexus saxophone sound! I think I actually prefer the One, i.e. the A choice.

[@jakechastain8477]

Did you expect him to say the Mark VI was a better horn? It's like comparing a Chevrolet to a Rolls-Royce

[@stellareffectsmodelingsolu1746]

I honestly selected B in the blind test. Not to say the Nexus horns sounded “bad” or even really “worse” at all. (It’s hard to say anything you play is anything less than excellent, after all) I just preferred the sound of the Mark VI overall. It’s the focus and depth that really stood out to my ears. I will also agree with an earlier commenter that the Nexus horns are much quieter in the key work. The Selmer is fairly noisy! All three instruments sound great. (No surprise, given the player) Still gotta give the honest edge to the old standard though.

[@cardboardmusic]

And that's the only way to pick a sax. Not the mark/model, but the sound.

[@CharlieHoliday369]

the sound of the keys have it away too!

[@philipparenteau2197]

That’s exactly my point as well described above! Great ears.

[@MrDude667]

That’s kinda how I feel about most modern horns compared to the VI and BA/SBA. There’s a focus and subsequently a little more impact to each note on the VI.

[@alejandrodonceltalavero7385]

hehehehe and if we are too freaked out with selmer? hahaha what a brand, it has even managed to get all the classical music conservatories to promote it a lot. I think there are many saxophones and selmer sounds very good but it doesn't have to be the best... I remember that Chad used to play with Lupi Faro I think. I had a selmer series 3 and now I play with a professional Grassi that is worth 0 less and I think I sound better than before because the most important thing is the musician. And i feel so good with the Grassi, for me have more easy to blowing and easy to play very fast on the notes. There is a video for example in which Eli and Joshua play and the change is curious and there are a comment, experiment... bearded Joshua vs not bearded Joshua jajajaja. And the price of Selmer is too much up. Hahaha and I think it's important the sensations of playing the sax, the easy blowing and the flexibility of the sax too. And i don't know but with the Selmer i don't like (on the past) play with a 8 opening on alto and with the Grassi yes. Hehehe.

[@norabiddogz8673]

Nexus One has a FAT low register that I absolutely love. But the VI has such a distinct focused sound which is iconic. I could tell immediately which was the VI.

[@PierreVeniot]

And you can say that on a lame KZbin sound resolution ?

[@XB29SP]

Liked A and B equally, just different sounds that both were great. A had a lot of character and B was more straight at you (focused?) C was my least liked sound, thinner, but was still good, just not to my liking. After the reveal I'm glad that the One had my interest and was not simply blown away by the VI. Your mouthpiece has me wanting to order as well, dammit. Very cool, thanks.

[@chriskaercher5201]

My vote’s for the Nexus One; nice full tone with the right amount of edge!! Awesome horn👍🎷

[@C00LTRANE]

i liked A best, so well done you guys at Nexus

[@mct6902]

My guess was A: mk6, B: silver, C: brass. and my fav one was B. AFter seeing the correct answers, I was surprised by how bright the mk6 sounded like. A to me is the darkest, and B was the brightest, C is in the middle. But again, the price of the Nexus' are just too good to beat.

[@whipsor]

The initial price of these Nexus saxophones was very tempting, but the new prices (~$1500 more?) makes them far less tempting. Seems like a crazy jump. Note sure if there was an explanation. Simply demand maybe?

[@alanturner110]

Glad to say I recognised the MkVI in the blindfold listen(I have one) but liked "A" best followed by "C". My preferred horns now are pre-war Conn 10M & 30M for their fuller, richer sound over my MkVI. The Nexus One is certainly impressively tempting, with its strong voice. Lighter weight & no high F# also good features.

[@cysalmonson]

I think the VI has a certain focus that the One doesn't have. It's between the VI and Select for me, but I think the VI has a fuller sound that I prefer. All three sound wonderful, would love to see some altos in the future!

[@PierreVeniot]

And you can say that on a lame KZbin sound resolution ?

[@ericworthy1300]

​@@PierreVeniotI've been thinking that myself

[@hazlitt1]

If we can tell the difference on the ‘Lame KZbin sound resolution’ That just shows how much a different sound is between the two. Perhaps you guys can’t hear it.

[@pelonete5000]

Anyone who hear a real difference between all three are fooling themselfs. And by the way, bad news. 99.99999 percent of the audience will never hear a bit of a difference.Another bad news, modern high end saxophones work way better than those old horns that were built in the past century with one percent of the machining tools nowadays. And the last bad news, the important part of the instrument is the guy blowing it, not the saxophone. Check the anecdote from Phil Woods and Charlie Parker. Bottom line, buy a good modern horn, save a lot of money and problems that those old junks give and practice diligently, period.

[@peedrowchan-man102]

I think you have to go back and listen again. I was clearly able to distinguish B from the other two samples before the reveal. I scrubbed back a few times to relisten and I actually guessed all three correctly, though guessing A different from C was probably lucky. With that said, I agree it is mostly the player and mouthpiece set up, I just think you’re 99.99…% is way too high. I would say the average listener or non-musician would hear no difference, and musicians or saxophonists should hear some difference while listening closely. Plus Mark IVs can be bought for under 5000 bucks. I have new horns and vintage horns and love and play them all 🙂

[@chriswright2553]

I like B the best, but I’m biased as I have a VI alto and tenor. Took me years to find them, as there are plenty of bad ones around. Having said that, the Nexus horns are very impressive and extremely close. I can imagine they are easier to play too. Would love to try them.

[@ketong71]

I liked B the best, followed by a very close C. They all sounded great. I found A to have a more spread out sound. Not a bad thing, I just preferred the other two over it. Having said that, I'd gladly have any one of them as my tenor, which I don't have one at the moment. Saving up for one

[@pedropenduko2714]

My first choice was B it sounds so crisp I thought that was the Mark VI but when the C played I said oh this one I love it I thought it was the Mark VI but when they showed it I was surprised! The Nexus sounds beautiful I would definitely buy it! Thanks for this post!!!

[@alejandrodonceltalavero7385]

Art is as subjective as taste, as falling in love, in Spain we say: for tastes, colors.

[@kelyansabz8865]

I liked A the most

[@TheJazz625]

I guessed right! Of course, the difference between the three is very subtle, but Nexus One had the perfect sound for me. Mk6 sounded like a Mk6! Maybe struggling to get the low notes? And the Select had a bit more "ring" in the opening notes. All sound great though. Well. They would in the hands of someone like Chad LB!! Can't wait for one of these horns to come to the uk!

[@Wunktheskunk]

Oh how I wish you would have done the reveal in a follow-up vid instead of this one! I’m guessing comments about the VI would have been a bit less confident! Great job and thanks for the vid!!

[@JunkMailBoxStuff]

Exactly. Selmer defenders attacking in 3 ... 2 ... 💥

[@Wunktheskunk]

@@JunkMailBoxStuff you nailed it! Notice those who use the word “honestly” always follow with a positive comment about the ol’ Selmer!

[@Michelle-bn1fu]

No need to. It was super easy to hear the difference. The Mark VI has a more complex yet focused sound.

[@marike1100]

Congrats 🎉🍾. My view is the vintage saxes like the MK6, as great as they are, have been artificially inflated price wise by collectors. But also that $4000 for a Taiwan made sax (and there are many on the market now) is unjustified because of lack of track record and because you can buy killer hand made Yanagisawa or Borgani saxes for similar bread. As with USA vs Asian made guitars, labor costs should influence price in favor of the consumer. If it doesn’t, hard pass for me. But best of luck.

[@Aero2992]

It's hard to beat a MKVI, but horn #3 came close ! Next on my purchase list !

[@romih.7945]

I like the Nexus One!

[@soLuiSta]

nexus one for me. i figured which one was the selmer because of the clacking sound, probably some adjustment corks that got really thin through aging.

[@FormsInSpace]

I could tell the mark 6 was B. from the first few notes, that iconic sound. less boomy in the low end and a bit thin up top. after hearing C I could tell it was just like A.

[@djsaxlondon243]

A sounded really nice but they all did to be honest great work 🙌👊👌🏻

[@djsaxlondon253]

nexxus sounds really good good work guys 🙌👊👌🏻

[@quint-essentialxyz6141]

I love the sound of all the instruments, and you can definitely tell the difference between the Nexus horns, it really isn't something I can exactly word, but it's there. Still, you can tell how well the Mk VI plays and its on a tier of its own, but that might also be because of Chad's knowledge of all the idiosyncrasies of his instrument. You can't always chalk your shortcomings to the instrument, but you can obviously tell the craftsmanship and detailed work they have put in to cater to your goal sound and comfort.

[@AndSendMe]

I figured B was the Selmer just because it sounded different from the other two, but I have no ear for tenors.

[@sethvoNhaNdorf]

Great sounding horns all three - for me, the VI has the best intonation, though, especially in the high register.

[@imender9219]

Good grief the Nexus ones low end is insane, I love it.

[@3TBlue]

my ranking was C, A, B ... so nice work guys :)

[@briantansley1]

What about REPAIRABILITY? My issue with many of the new horns built with parts made in Asia is that they seem to suffer from metal fatigue which makes them very difficult to keep in playable shape and to repair.

[@marike1100]

Exactly. Not to mention that many of these made in Taiwan horns (P Mauriat, Growling, et al) are priced too high. Using cheap labor should mean lower for the consumer. A video titled $12000 vs $4000 is slightly dishonest because MK IVs have been artificially overpriced because of collectors and high demand. 4K for a Taiwan made sax seems high. They surely play great now but in twenty or forty years, nobody knows.

[@aaronbensi9723]

A for me. C was not there at all B was great too.

[@paulroupas9723]

I liked B, then C, then A in the blind test. Please copy a Buescher Series I Aristocrat tenor with modern keywork and it will kill everything. The Buescher tenor is the only horn that beats my 2 SBA's, 6 VI's, and King Super 20 full pearls, as well as modern horns like series III, reference 54, and Yamaha YTS-875ex's. I'm a player/collector that buys and sells horns. The Buescher Series I Aristocrat is the most underrated horn there is in my opinion.

[@richardmckrell4899]

They are made in Taiwan. Saying these are 'hand assembled' in Boston is misleading as many people would think they are made in the USA, which they are not. You'll notice they never mention the instruments are actually made in Taiwan. It's also funny how they try and spin the low instrument weight as a positive, instead of the reality that it's just lower quality. It's all marketing.

[@edwardsalkin9478]

B was my favorite, C I didn’t care for, but if A is one of your horns it’s very impressive for 4 grand

[@connorsobieri245]

I personally liked B the most, but it could be because I’m biased and have a Mk6 alto. For literally a third of the cost, this is absolutely insane that you guys created such an amazing horn. I may need to take a visit to Boston sometime soon now!

[@mikeshirk1137]

B has the kind of brilliance and richness that I'd be looking for. I don't really know how to describe it, but A and C were almost... plastic-y? Like even when you put a regular mouthpiece on a pBone and compare it to a standard brass trombone with the same mouthpiece. Yeah, it still sounds like a trombone, but there's something off. Same with A and C in this video to my ears. To be honest, I've always felt the mouthpiece and reed were all that really matters, so I was surprised to hear the difference here.

[@theRealMcG]

Of course you can get a great Mark VI for way less than $12,000. I’m about to buy a great one, from a dealer close to Chicago for $8k. And the Nexus tenor is now $5k new. Consider which will retain its value. The Nexus might play great, I’d love to try one. But $5k is a lot to pay for a Chinese horn. Whats the quality of the brass? Doubt it would compare with a Mark VI. But best of luck, at least your out there starting your own business, I know its not easy and I applaud that.

[@The_Ex_Boxing_Nerd]

Nah, you’re overpaying for your mark vi’s…I mean OVERPAYING…like about $5,000 overpaying 😬

[@gabrieleborgogno7279]

Alla fine ho scelto B. Sono rimasto stupito, in quanto pensavo che: (A) fosse il Selmer Mark VI, (B) fosse il Select e (C) fosse il Nexus. Subito sono rimasto affascinato dalla qualità del registro grave di (A), ma sentendo (B) sono rimasto impressionato dalla brillantezza del registro medio e acuto. Il (C) mi sembra una via di mezzo fra gli altri due. L'ideale sarebbe un saxofono che unisca il registro medio-acuto del Selmer Mark VI e il registro grave del Nexus. Concludendo, sono tutti e tre degli ottimi saxofoni, ma è doveroso precisare che le differenze fra gli strumenti non sono così determinanti nella musica. È il musicista, con il suo timbro, il suo gusto e la sua bravura che fa davvero la differenza, non il saxofono. Ciò che importa è avere uno strumento che funziona bene, indipendentemente dal prezzo.

[@thomasbulgrin5899]

it was actually pretty easy to tell which one was the VI. B had a a much more focused, even sound, as well as even scale to my ears. But the other horns were quite good, especially A (C seemed a bit dead for me, not enough overtones). A GOOD VI is a really wonderful thing - my VI bari is an absolute gem - out of all my axes (I'm a doubler), it is the one I would grab in case of a fire. But you have to play through a LOT of them to find the really, really good ones. If you have the time and the money, great. But if you don't, these Nexus horns seem like they would be worth a look. In that price range, though, there are going to be a fair number of used Yamaha and Yani's to try also.

[@hansmathiasthjomoe4817]

It’s great to have entrepreneurs, but what is the idea behind the new saxophone? Making a copy of Mark VI Selmer already has done by making the Prelude made in Asia and better build than the Mark VI (I have both). The saxophone is a very complicated instrument. Can’t it be simplified, but still do the same?

[@bloodmoon920]

Goddamnit my preference would be the Selmer 🤦🏿‍♂️

[@jrudovsky]

Your key noise gave away the mark vi! But man you guys nailed it, these nexus saxophones sound fantastic and dare I say I even preferred the nexus one out of them all.

[@AleksPlaysMc]

A personally sounded the best to play. B sounded like there was more air needing to be pushed to produce a sound which I personally am not looking for in a horn anymore. My P. Mauriat requires way too much air pressure to get through notes. C sounded near middle of the road for ease of playing between the other two, but with A sounding so free blowing I’d 100% go for A. Tone clarity was better on B, but I’d rather use a different mouthpiece to get a brighter more beaming tone than have a horn that forces me to play with more air than I need to get out a solid sound.

[@darine.3145]

Nailed them each correctly in the blind test -- Mark VI is much better sounding to me -- a brilliance, richness, and responsiveness, liveliness, shimmer. I am always left wondering why it so apparently hard to get the Mark VI sound and response. How close is the bore and taper to the Mark VI? Isn't that the likely difference?

[@arrjee9474]

The sound of the horn comes from the player not really the horn. I have a Mark VI tenor purchased new in 1975 and I have an Olds, from what year I do not know. My sound is pretty much, if not exactly, the same on either horn. What IS different is my comfort and ability to get around the horn. There’s no comparison whatsoever! I also have an old Otto Link 7 metal mouthpiece that I bought, used, over 30 years ago. At one point I started using a rubber Otto Link, and after a couple of months being very comfortable with the rubber, my tone was exactly the same. However, I found the altissimo was less of a struggle with the metal mouthpiece. I even heard Hank Jones tell an interviewer, “That sound doesn’t come from that piano you know”, I was surprised because, I thought being a percussion instrument, and not a wind instrument that didn’t come into play, but it does. Your tone, phrasing, articulation and interpretation all come together to create your sound. If the positioning and feel of that Nexus is close to a Selmer, I think I would be interested in getting one as a backup horn.

[@mistrsax]

I recognized the MkVI right away. Has a distinctive clearer and focused sound. A and B have a more muffled tone but are pleasant sounding. No criticisms. 🎷

[@davidclaro152]

You fooled me. I thought A was the Mark VI. It was my favorite of the 3 (all of them sounded great), because I liked the full and rich sound of that one. Great sounding horns and great prices. Can you make a video of you unboxing the horn?

[@mothersducks5165]

“B” THE VI, sounded even throughout all registers. Sounded like a sax should sound. Sounded fuckin great. They others sound like an audio engineer turned up the compression way too much. “THE VI” drop mic!

[@hazlitt1]

Hi Chad, I think a different, slightly brighter mp on the nexus horns would be interesting. It would bring them closer to the m6 sound, and they’re not even that far apart right now. What say you?

[@t.santos9807]

Got all three right but liked A best. So full and complex. Then B and C at last. Didn't care for how focused the select was or maybe a little thinner? I'm not sure what it was but it didn't do much for me - in this comparison, of course.

[@pauljordan6295]

The B sounds more compact, focused , fast with many colours...the other two sound good but the sound is more "dirty, spread"...the note of A in particular in the mix is like too big and less precise...All good horn but B really is a different story.

[@felixb.1111]

I've heard a lot of Mark VI and decided right for Sax B. Sorry, but the sound of your Nexus Saxophons don't reach the warm Sound of a Selmer Mark VI.

[@keithpatel6584]

Great job guys.I chose A and C in the blindfold test and I owned a Selmer Mark 6 made in the '70's. They sound much warmer and more resonant without the bright tones of the Selmer. I must add that I am particularly fussy when selecting an instrument whether it be a saxophone, guitar or piano. Only the highest standards will do. Good luck with your super saxophones 🎷 💙 👍 👏 ❤.

[@patheddles4004]

Second one sounded cleaner than the first, and then the third just sounded like a better horn than the first two - I was surprised to hear such a clear difference on the third one. This does mean I was wrong about which sax was which, and it also means you've done a REAL good job here. I stand by my judgement - to me, horn C sounds the best.

[@eirinnabu]

I guessed it. Selmer was brighter and sounded beautiful plus I could hear the keys clank.

[@saxboss1]

I thought A sounded the best. I heard the brightness in C and assumed it was the select and then heard a lot of the key clicking in B so assumed it was the VI. Really cool stuff you guys are able to produce and market here. Very convincing

[@martincommunications5381]

This is the only comparison video where I did not prefer the mark iv. Crazy, but I liked the nexus select the best, narrowly beating out the nexus one.

[@veeps1817]

Sorry, but these blindfold test are worthless. A decent player , and Chad is certainly beyond that, can easily make anything sound excellent and anything sound like crap ; anything sound present or distant; anything sound loud or soft; echetera, echetera... this does prove that the nexus horns are gigable, in tune and obviously easy to get around on. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending upon the player, it is the player that matters in every aspect of the performance. Nice t see that there are affordable alternatives to the VI.

[@blackitachi6935]

The Select seems like a balance of both but I like The One and M6 more. I favor the centering and projection of the M6 but I like the sizzle and open sound of the One. I was planning on buying a tenor soon so I can't wait to test them myself.

[@BorisKrasno]

Nexus one est incroyable,un son gras et velouté. Le mark 6 est plus incisif ,plus rond ,et vif ,exceptionnel. Le nexus select est intéressant,mais un cran en dessous du One. Si j’avais l’argent un selmer et mon coup de cœur est le nexus one ,il serait intéressant de le confronter à un Ishimori …

[@philipparenteau2197]

Chad, the sound of the keys clacking in B told me right away it was the Mark VI… The sound is also a lot more robust and even throughout. You should analyze the frequencies through an FFT. The lows on the VI are more aggressive, the resistance of the horn being greater to the sound pressure. Lots more to say, but other horns sound great as well, but a lot modern. Keep up the good work it’s really neat to hear the difference. Even through KZbin compression algorithms

[@Michelle-bn1fu]

Mark VI all the way. You horns are ok but the VI has that extra sound. It is like the Nexus cuts off at the point where you push more.

[@MLHunt]

They have different characters but I honestly can't say which I like best. You guys did a great job.

[@MrBoybergs]

Completely agree. They all sound magnificent for different reasons. I too can't pick a favourite sound.

[@olafkrebs5139]

Mark VI !!!

[@anahap]

I Liked A the best.

[@jimmyvonesh3188]

Horn A had more clarity. B was darker C was darkest. They all sounded like Chad LB though ! :) Good post.

[@emilemakram7816]

I can't hear any difference of tone between all of them except the key noise. Maybe the nexus select has a different nerve and attack

[@imuawarriors]

any chance your company will make a baritone sax? spending over $13k for a Selmer is not in my future... lol.

[@bobdownes162]

I'm puzzle why the lst 3 numbers on a sax are never stated for when they are up for sale on Ebay for instance. Is there anyone than can tell me why this is so ?

[@bobblues1158]

How about the point screws? Are they the same as Selmer, Yamaha and Yanagisawa?

[@cokvanderblom7846]

Great horns, especially the select. Sounds like my silversonic (from the good era), a killer player with an enormous vibe in your hands. The ergonomics off the king are for the somewhat bigger hands. I wonder how the nexuses feel. At first glans you guys made a very special horn witch has a lot off ease when played.

[@gilsontopfstedt3554]

A Nexus sax, made in ??? For the same price of a Yanagisawa tw01?? Expensive one

[@TheBushr400]

They all sounded good, and similar as to all quality horns. Did the blind test and my choice was B, but I think it would have been much easier to judge if you had played identical patterns on each horn. You are a great player btw!

[@pand0rium235]

my preference was A in blind. the key closures on the Mark 6 was annoying, that's all i could hear.

[@jambajoby32]

B is a classic sound C is amazing and A will cover all the tenor sounds for the gigs

[@dominicmanzella5493]

I think ultimately it's not as much the sound the horn makes but how hard you have to work to get the sound you want. I could hear slight differences between the tones in the recordings but I couldn't tell which was which. I think the main difference is how the horn feels to the player, which is really hard to show and not tell in a video. I'd certainly love to compare the Nexus with my horn, it looks and sounds quite beautiful.

[@mjcohnmd]

Sorry to say B was clearly best from the jump. I scored 100% on the blind test with the mark VI sound clearly most pleasing. Another indicator was that you seemed noticeably more fluid/comfortable on the mark VI compared to the others. The select seemed decent but no mark VI. I did not like as much the timbre of the one.

[@ronbrese3803]

Both Nexus horns sound more like Conn NWII... They sound really nice!!

[@youdontknowwhoiamimdawson8094]

Are you thinking of doing anything other than tenor?

[@HevyDuty2ok]

Sound wise all great the give away was the one with the most time on it. The new horns both sounded great "C" sounded maybe a little better to me, but no better than the Selmer. Really the biggest difference was in the key noise.

[@Cubsfan122112]

the VI and Select sounded the closest to me. the VI's tone just sounds more crip out of the three, but all three are very good. i'd choose the select

[@scottyjackson6665]

Vibranium options?

[@jamescronin1486]

All sound great but the player is 90% of the equation. I did think that the Selmer SANG OUT the most with a bolder sound. Can't say that the Selmer is worth THREE times as much though. Chad, do you think that saxophones "break in" over time and "open up" with some playing time? I feel like my Yamaha Custom delivered a bigger bolder sound over time as compared to when brand new, but that might just be MY impression.

[@JunkMailBoxStuff]

I think that you have become more synchronized with your horn over time, as most of us do. Knowing our horns from hours of playing let's us learn the subtle nuances of the individual horn. As far as that Yamaha 875, it IS the whole package. It can do everything the Selmers can and more. I had a Selmer Mark VII in college and hated that horn. As a poor college student, I bought an Antigua Winds alto that played better and had better intonation. Years later I had played every pro level sax out there (traveling with big city access to several shops is a blessing). My decision was between the Yamaha 875 Custom or their new (at that time) Custom Z. I had 2 new ones for a few weeks, both in my home, played BLINDFOLDED, recorded, tested ... I found the 875 was the holy grail for me. I have the YAS (have the M and VI necks) & YTS (improved G1 neck) 875 Custom (silver) and love them. Not looking to go to the EX either.

[@stangetz534]

better to compare it to a modern used selmer, yamaha, or yani- as that is what people could buy with 4k.

[@trobson9952]

Ernie Watts said that he plays all of the registers as though it is one sounding horn all the way through. Great playing here although I did not hear that here.

[@Xavia_Dimoff]

If you bought a Mark VI tenor for $12,000 you really got ripped off.

[@trobson9952]

A sounded more lush. Mark 6 sounded more bright , thinner in the low end , c sounded to bright for me ?

[@WilliamCarterII]

I prefer my cannonball saxes but there's no way I would buy vintage lol