Selmer Supreme Tenor vs Selmer Mark VI (66k)

Selmer Supreme Tenor vs Selmer Mark VI Tenor
Intro song: open.spotify.c...
Comparison song: You Go To My Head by J. Fred Coots
Recording Notes:
Mouthpiece: Otto Link Florida 7*
Reeds: BostonSaxShop 3.5
Microphone: Apogee Mic+
Same EQ and session settings were applied to both audio recordings.
For a dry sound recording skip to the end.
Saxophones:
Selmer Supreme Tenor Gold Lacquered
Selmer Mark VI 66k (1956)
For more content follow me
on instagram @lar0dmusic

[@peterolsson3662]

To my ears the Supreme sounds more smooth and sophisticated while the Mark VI got a bit more bite and character. Both great horns.

[@franklinschieman7601]

Nice playing Luis! I think Selmer did a great job, but Mark 6 is the winner, especially when it comes to the higher register. Most modern horns lose character in that region 🤒

[@jameshammond3853]

Everyone keeps talking about MkVI sound. But it's the fingerboard that's WAY better than anything else. I tried the VII when it came out, and the fingerboard sucked compared to a VI. Just like EVERY other horn.

[@larodmusic]

The ergonomics are very comfortable and the horn responds well and mostly in tune. At least is the most in tune horn I've ever played.

[@miropopradi]

VI more natural sound - amazing, Supreme sounds fantastic, but VI - there is "something" hardly to descibe... Nice playing!

[@marks.6656]

Luis, you sound amazing on both, but I like your mid range MUCH more on the VI. In 5 years, when the Supreme's really depreciate- Yes. Right now- No.

[@billducker7404]

N Thank you. Both great horns I bet the new one is easier to play but there will never be another Mark 6 for sound . Perhaps I’m just a sentimental old man! - God bless you? Bill. UK

[@larodmusic]

Thanks for listening

[@hollyjones3101]

Really nice playing - thanks for the comparison. How do you describe the difference in the ergonomics to your VI or other Selmer horns?

[@larodmusic]

Is certainly different, for my the lower stack was the most problematic to get used to. Not because it was uncomfortable but because is so different from a MVI. The palm keys are different but they are easier to get used to since they are more or less in the same position but a bit closer to your fingers. Front F is a huge improvement over the pearl key that it didn't even register for me it just flows.

[@saxombie8614]

The MKVI sounds with more prominent mids and less lows, the Supreme sounds more EQ flat and even AKA less mids and more lows than MKVI. So, Supreme is more versatile overall like any modern sax and MKVI cuts more thru the mix because it 'sings' more and have a more vintage coltraneish sound. So, it depends for what you need it i think. I prefer MKVI because it gives a more delightful sound, but it may not suit all music styles.. on some you 'need' to sound more insipid or inert.

[@breckerfan]

Amazing job Luis! Both saxes sounds great. The Supreme tone is very similar to the MKVI. Great sound on both. Selmer dd it again. I think the Supreme is the new standard! 👏👏👏👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@larodmusic]

I believe so too, the Supreme is the new standard. IMO, is the first saxophone that Selmer builds that is not trying to be MVI clone, is something different, it feels different and it plays different. I had to un-learn some of my voicings because I didn't need to adjust for intonation. Still getting used to the ergonomics.

[@patrickmarino8110]

Very good comparison. The six is more centered darker and defined in tone. The problem with the new horns is that individual sound is taking a hit because it seems like every person that plays the new horns sounds very much alike. Yes it is the selmer sound but lacking the character to some extent of the individuals unique tone. Is this a good thing or bad thing? Only time will tell.

[@larodmusic]

I do feel is a bit harder to make it sound like you want. Is more in tune and even but that’s trade off of a new horn IMO. What I can say after playing the Supreme for several months is that now finally I can speak with my voice, it took me quite a while to get used to, you have to unlearn all the habits you build on a vintage horn (which is what gives them character).

[@sly9566]

They are both beautiful, but I think the MKV1 has finally been knocked of its perch. I think the supreme really is supreme

[@larodmusic]

I agree!

[@hazlitt1]

Selmer has cracked it with the supreme. In a blind test even experts would have difficulty telling which one is which. And on top, better intonation and more reliable modern mechanics. I’m buying one.

[@larodmusic]

I love my Supreme, so much easier to play.

[@Poom290827]

Mark 6 still the best for me 🥰 as it warmer darker and core sound🥰👍👍❤️

[@MarqueeMarkVI]

I’d like to see a comparison in the high range..even some altissimo.

[@larodmusic]

At the end of the video there are a couple of dry clips where I play a chromatic scale up to altissimo Bb. They sound and feel very similar but the Supreme is a bit more in-tune up there.

[@TonyAguirreJazz]

Nice, maybe we will see the crazy SBA and VI prices fall now that there is an alternative ;)

[@larodmusic]

They are already getting lower, about time.

[@jimstead1002]

No one talks about “circular breathing” any more! Obviously time has moved on BUT no longer of much use.

[@larodmusic]

Wish I could do it.

[@MrSjlmass]

You are having to work on the intonation on the VI but definitely not on the Supreme; it sounds way freer and easier to play. It's still burry like the VI but has a fuller sound. Supreme wins easily IMHO

[@larodmusic]

Yeah, MVI makes me work harder to get the same effect. I'm loving the supreme, is just so easy to play it helps you to focus on the music.

[@chitotanada1389]

10m all day !!!

[@stangetz534]

Supreme sounds great. In my experience, vintage horns sound more like the human voice to the player- though there may not be that much a difference to the listener.

[@larodmusic]

They do have a certain distinct voice.

[@georgeswa]

Hard to tell until I play one myself. I really like your sound on soprano and was wondering what the name of the tune was that you were playing so beautifully.

[@larodmusic]

Hi, the name pf the tune is “Shining”

[@lottierose8668]

the 6 sounds so much better

[@rogersalles200]

I think the Supreme will make VI obsessed people feel pretty good about, Selmer hit it right out of the park.

[@larodmusic]

Is a very good saxophone! And pricey!

[@rogersalles200]

@@larodmusic did you have to get the horn set up, any work done before first notes were played?

[@larodmusic]

I played the horn for about 6 months and then had a COA done, it needed many adjustments and they do need work. My recommendation is to have the horn serviced before playing it.

[@YoungWilliamO]

Absolutely superb playing on both horns. The Supreme sounds a little smoother…I must say I think the Supreme wins!

[@larodmusic]

I agree! They both sound "similar" but the supreme makes it so much easier and effortless. I find the sound to be a bit more complex and with more depth. The response is in another level, and this is comparing it to a holy grail MVI which is not an easy test.

[@sakshamakoloski6321]

@@larodmusic I think by the recording, the Supreme reminds me of The Martin sound. Sounds great but many of the nuances of the Mark VI are lost in translation. Also, it seems the Mark VI doesn't have the same level setup, pads and regulation as the Supreme.

[@larodmusic]

@@sakshamakoloski6321 The MVI was overhauled maybe 3 months ago by the BostonSaxShop and is in top condition. The key heights are slightly more open than the Supreme. IMO this is a "holy grail" MVI, has that vintage vibe and buzz to the sound and is very free blowing. I believe that IMO Selmer has finally made something better (it was about time IMO), they are very similar but the Supreme just makes everything so effortless and it just plays more in tune and the response is slightly faster.

[@sakshamakoloski6321]

@@larodmusic Time will tell. In a way, I hope you are right, for the progress of our instrument.

[@locasax]

Complimenti, presumo che qualsiasi strumento nelle tue mani suoni divinamente. C'è da considerare che il su prime è nuovo e da sfogare, immagino che grande suono avrà nei prossimi anni. Che ne pensi? Potrà allora battere definitivamente il Mark 6? Un saluto dall'Italia.

[@ALMAR-Music-Ltd.]

The MVi has a much better dynamic range because of the materials it’s made of.

[@larodmusic]

Thank you for sharing!

[@josephlye4994]

2 YUMMI SAXES,NICE,TQ

[@dominiquechambon925]

je trouve que le MK VI a plus de grain et je préfère.

[@larodmusic]

Thanks for your comment!

[@ChrisTurnerDublin]

Great playing Luis. Thank you.

[@larodmusic]

Thanks!

[@jimmymiller6068]

You sound like you on either horn. Very nice tone.

[@larodmusic]

Thanks!

[@kei.saxpro]

6はやはり6の音がしますね。 しかしシュプリームもまた良い音だと思います。 ぼくはフラミンゴを使用していますがそれも良い音がします。どれがどうとかではなく、それらがどれも良いと思いますが、セルマーは良い仕事をしたのだと思います。 それよりもあなた！あなたの演奏が素晴らしいです！

[@larodmusic]

Thanks for your comment!

[@rogersalles200]

Luis, where did you get this playalong from? sounds really good.

[@larodmusic]

Is a JA play-along if I recall correctly!

[@JeffreySaxophoneTallNewton]

I play Mark VI tenor for 50 years (bought new, 211xxx)., I tried the Supreme @ NAMM. Heavy, classical horn with no balls, subtoned to Bb easily, painted like Trump (orange). 11 grand. Nope.

[@larodmusic]

It certainly takes some getting used to, at least for coming from a MVI.

[@JeffreySaxophoneTallNewton]

@@larodmusic Update: I also own a 1924 Conn New Wonder tenor, also a large bore horn. It's in NY, I've been living in LA. So I'm visiting it. Anyway, the high G pops out immediately. I rather thought the large bore was the issue, but it's not, not at all. So, what is going on? Why no high G on the Rampone?

[@salcrocker894]

I own three Mark VI's, and love them, but recently purchased the new Eastman 852 tenor and love it! The average listener will not know the difference between the supreme and the VI. So, you have to go with resonates with you and the soul of your ears. I think if you did a blindfold test, most wouldn't be able to tell you which is which. The VI's have their own problems, ergonomics and pitch and inconsistency between horns. We as good players compensate with hours and hours of practice and performances. You don't realize how much you are compensating until you play a good modern horn. A lot of the greats have switched to modern horns, and not all of them for money from the manufacturers. They realize that some of those greats, our musical elders who have passed on would play a modern horn if they were here now. Don't get me wrong, not saying the VI's aren't special, but it's time to recognize that their are some really great modern horns! Just my $.02! ...by the way, my preference is the Supreme, more balanced across the registers and the sound seems to stream without being strained. I'm sure it's in the new neck.

[@larodmusic]

I played on two VIs before getting the Supreme, like you I didn't realize how hard I was working to make them sound good and in-tune till I got the supreme. I took me about a month to un-learn all the embouchure and voicing adjustments I was doing to play "good". I'm not going back! The supreme just makes everything easier and I can put more focus on making music.

[@salcrocker894]

@@larodmusic Yes, I totally get it. I've only had my Eastman for one week and like you, I am having to unlearn all of the adjustments for my VI, hands, embochure, etc. Congrats on your new horn! You sound great by the way!

[@rogersalles200]

@@larodmusicLuiz I feel the same, I have to work harder on my VI that is a very good one, I’m tired of fighting with the altíssimo G and high F that always sound flat unless I make some adjustments, I think you are right about the supreme in e wry way, great playing too brother ❤

[@rogersalles200]

You are spot on- as a Mark VI player myself I struggle sometimes when I`m doing commercial gigs, weddings etc where you play all genres and want the horn to just play effortless, I could see why old players would definitely switch to a modern horn, VIs are fantastic and had their run for decades but I think Selmer hit the nail on the head with the Supreme, I bought one and waiting for its arrival, I did play the Signature Tenor for about two weeks and I also really like it, huge improvement as well. cheers

[@larodmusic]

Thank you!

[@Harako15]

What ligature are you using? I’m trying to find a good replacement lig for my Otto link stm since the stock one isn’t very good

[@larodmusic]

There are two I highly recommend, first the Ishimori Woodstone and second the Selmer 404

[@jatopan79]

Mark VI the best

[@larodmusic]

I still have my MVI. Just in case!

[@a1saxy]

You sound great on both! Fantastic player. What ligature are you using?

[@larodmusic]

Thanks! That's an Ishimori Woodstone.

[@andrerezende7948]

The Supreme sounds more even but the articulation on the Mark VI is cleaner. You sound great on both horns!

[@larodmusic]

Thanks!

[@tonytonewharton]

This is the comparison that we have been waiting for! Well, I have to give my vote to the supreme. It has a larger tonal spectrum to my ears and that was listening with a mobile phone. And I am a Mk VI owner and lover. Great playing Luis, and very interesting to read your comments. Thanks for posting!

[@larodmusic]

Thank you!

[@Humbardi]

Luis nice Tenor tone on both saxes...

[@larodmusic]

Thank you!

[@josecervando786]

Hermoso y caro para mí presupuesto, gracias por la información.

[@larodmusic]

Thank you for sharing!

[@bobblues1158]

Sound beautiful Luis! To my ears the upper register is not as sharp on the Supreme as on the Mark VI. But you play in tune. Is the Supreme worth the price! I would like someone to do a comparison with a Yanagisawa TW020 bronze.

[@larodmusic]

This will be controversial, I've owned several 5 digit mark VIs, one 1969 MVI and a Late MVI. I also owned a Series III that I play for a couple of years. I can tell you with confidence that I will pick my Supreme over any of them. And if shopping for a main selmer horn you are going to have to budget 7k+ no matter what even if you want to pick up a Reference horn. The Supreme is better than all of them, if you can get it in the low $8k like I did, then yes is worth it.

[@rogersalles200]

@@larodmusic how did you find one in the low 8K?

[@larodmusic]

​@@rogersalles200 lamusainstrumentos.es/en/selmer-supreme-dgg-tenor-saxophone.html

[@saxmaneddie1]

How was the buying process through La Musa? Are you in the USA? Did you try different horns or settle for one? Thanks

[@larodmusic]

@@saxmaneddie1 Hi, I'm in the USA. Unfortunately I was unable to try different horns. Buying process was straight forward and very fast shipping.

[@AlexVolkhin13]

I like the comparison, but I'm surprised why do you like the new selmer? The new Selmer presses on me, it's a heavy sound, the old Selmer is nice to listen to, but I want to move away from the new one, switch. Yamaha also has such a negative effect. I've always liked the sound of selmer because of the darkness, it's a unique ability to sound good in any style, but there is no advantage here. It seems to me that marketers have deceived you. Sorry.

[@larodmusic]

I think of it as energy, it takes more energy to make the MVI sound good. The Supreme is more responsive, more even and plays more in-tune. On the MVI you have to adjust to make everything work, and that takes a considerable amount of playing ability IMO. The Supreme is a more perfect horn IMO and helps you to focus more in the music. So, although they sound similar they feel different, the Supreme is just easier and more forgiving without compromising sound and response.

[@AlexVolkhin13]

@@larodmusic Now I understand. The technical condition of the old tools is really a problem. I hope someday manufacturers will revive real musical instruments such as Markiv, SBA, Conn 6m, King. Instead, they reinvent the bike and it doesn't turn out very well.

[@larodmusic]

​@@AlexVolkhin13 I think so, that's why you can find awesome MVIs and really average ones. The hand build nature of the horns lends itself to that. Having said that the Supreme really feels like a different kind of saxophone, is not a MVI clone. Which IMO is a good thing, you need to move on and innovate, there is plenty of MVIs and MVI clones in the market, we really don't need another one.

[@AlexVolkhin13]

@@larodmusic I agree to the rebirth of Conn 6m. Good Selmer clones? What are they called?

[@larodmusic]

@@AlexVolkhin13 TrueSix and Remy Saxophones is what I hear but also Nexus Saxophones.

[@jaykavanaugh8975]

What neck are you using on the VI?

[@larodmusic]

Hi, I'm using the original neck (matching serial numbers).

[@jaykavanaugh8975]

@@larodmusic looks refinished.

[@trobson9952]

Excellante . Gracias

[@larodmusic]

Thanks for listening!

[@BorisKrasno]

Bravo ,excellente prestation. Personnellement je n’arrive pas à dissocier les deux ,sauf dans les aigus,cela reste de beaux instruments et quel son . Merci