15 Key Differences: The SELMER Mark VI and SBA Saxophones
- By Jay Metcalf
- Saxophone Equipment Reviews, Saxophone Interviews
Everyone knows that Selmer produced what were widely considered the best saxophones in the world during the 1950s and 60s.
The Mark VI and Super Balanced Action or SBA horns from that era are still among the most valued and sought after saxophones.
I recently visited my friend John Leadbetter at his saxophone shop JL Woodwinds in New York City. There, I asked him to point out the differences between these 2 iconic and legendary instruments.
John is a fantastic repair technician, knows a ton about saxophones, and is a great player as you can hear. Check out our conversation above!
In some of the playing clips, John is playing the BetterSax Burnin’ tenor mouthpiece in a 7* tip opening. In others he is playing a Morgan Excalibur which has a metal band around the shank.
Next, be sure to check out my take on whether or not the Selmer Mark VI is actually the best horn in the world.
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Jay Metcalf
As the founder of BetterSax.com Jay’s mission is to help developing saxophone players break away from traditional music learning methods and discover a more efficient, practical and fun way to become a Better Sax player.
The BetterSax YouTube channel’s videos have been watched by millions and thousands of students have made meaningful progress on their instrument thanks to BetterSax courses.
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2 Comments
I am wondering what mouthpiece and size he was playing on his SBA? It was a beautiful sound. I have a SBA but my low B and Bb have the three post single guard. Is this a feature on later SBA’s ? I really enjoyed this comparison. Stu Davis ,Vancouver B.C. Canada.
Stewart, in some of the clips, John was playing the BetterSax Burnin’ tenor mouthpiece 7*. In other clips he was playing his Morgan Excalibur. The Morgan is the one with the metal band around the shank.