Ti faccio i miei complimenti , il tuo video è uno dei migliori che abbia visto, molto professionale sotto tutti gli aspetti. Arrivando alle conclusioni, sposo le tue teorie, molto reali e veritiere. Anch'io nell'insieme degli spezzoni che hai postato, in termini sonori non saprei che scieglire. Grazie x il tuo lavoro. Un saluto dall'Italia.

Hi. I really appreciate these comparative tests between saxophones, and here in Brazil we don't have stores that offer these opportunities, especially because saxophones of this level are almost never sold here. In this specific comparison between the MKVI, 36 and 54, I was very surprised by how the 36 sounded. You described very well what I felt: a buttery, darker, velvety sound, and that's what I like most about a sax. The MKVI is a legend, a sax that needs no introduction or commentary, but as mentioned, due to its age, visits to specialized technicians become more frequent, which for a musician is something that causes a certain insecurity at each live performance. I found the 54 to be very similar in timbre to the VI, which was to be expected since it received this name precisely because of the reference to the golden year of the VI. It's a fantastic sax, but my favorite of the three is the 36. A comparison between these three, adding a Supreme, would be very welcome. Congratulations on your great contribution to all sax lovers.

I’m listening using hifi speakers, and allowing for KZfaq’s compression etc, I thought there was a marked difference between the Ref 36 and the other two horns. I like them all but prefer your sound on the Ref 36. I’m trying not to be biased, but I have a Ref 36 tenor and a 1957 Mk6 alto. Love them both

I like the sound of the Mark VI the best.

Thank you! I've never played a Ref 54 or 36, but I bought my Mark VI tenor NEW 51 years ago! And it looks like it! I played the new Supreme in Paris and it and the even newer Signature at LA NAMM. Both great horns.

all sound great

I think you sound the best on the MarkVI

If you like a older school sound the Reference has the tone

I am not sure playing wise but I really liked the Ref 36 the best! I played MkV1 sop alto and tenors for 40 years. I sold them about 8 years ago thinking I was retiring. I have owned Yamahas and am an endorsing artist now for Seawind Saxophones from western Canada. They sound and play great but are much heavier. Of course, I am 70 now so maybe the weight is my old neck after 55 years of hanging around my neck. I really liked the sound of the 36 . Cheers

OK, so I finished this. Really nicely done, BTW, you did a great comparison. At least the way I heard it, the 54 was the most different, tone-wise. I liked the 36 best. It was a little brighter than all of them, and I like that. the VI was brighter than the 54. And, in some of the examples, sounded a drop more think than the 54 or 36. Anyway, that's the way I heard it.

Cool video! I just wanted to contribute my set up: I play a Reference 54 (firebird) tenor, but with a mark VI neck. I think the original neck sounds very 'buttery', somewhat dull and gives me less flexibility in comparison to the mark VI neck that i happend to have laying around :D. The mark VI neck adds something... + i get to superb mechanics of the new selmer! All these saxophones necks are fit on the other bodys and its worth trying out!

All great horns! To me 36 is much more extrovert, the mkVI sounds more intimate, and evocative of dark smokey clubs. Ref54 is similar, but more even and controlled so to me less emotional and edgy. I have a mkVI myself, and that’s the sound I love. The small flaws are part of what give it its unique character, for jazz. Other genres would probably prefer consistency over character. Interesting to hear you fighting a little on some of the same notes as I do!

From what I hear I like the sound of the Mark VI the best, followed by 54 then 36

😅 bravo!

You have a Mark VI that is superior to the other two. I think because your VI is set up and voiced so it is more in tune and the timbre from one note to the other is more equal. The 56 and 36 could be better if set up and voiced properly.

The mk6 still sounds better. Rounder, clearer tone. Even throughout, no glitches, with a centre forward projecting resonant tone. 36 sounds oggly in the low end, a technical term, lol, which means it does not move and project to the centre and forward. The 54 and the 36 in both designs sound slightly stuffier.

As an Alto player I’d pick the Ref 54 because I already play a MK VI on alto that I’m used to voicing a certain and to go to a tenor on the rare occasion I do I want to be able to dial in the intonation quickly. You’re MK VI probably needs a mechanical restoration but it were me I’d sell that MK VI and get a Supreme Tenor.

I CHOOSE REF 36

Il reference 36 fa riferimento al Balanced Action, non al Super Balanced Action che non era ancora nato nel 1936. Sono convinto che molta della superiorità del Mark rispetto a quella di altri sassofoni sia determinata più da una suggestione che da un discorso reale. Chi approfitta di questo elemento è il mercato che alza i prezzi del Mark VI in modo esagerato.

The 36 sounded more like the VI than the 54. The 54 wasn't as bright as the 36 oe the VI. At least up to the 10 minute mark.

Mark 6 winner forever

Mark VI wins.

The Mark 6imjo is over hyped and become a"badge of respect' . As if you l to say you're not"goes off you don't own one .i think the"right sound" can be found in any brand modern or vintage... You might prefer King Conn Ramponi Yamaha Custom Z .. Delmrt Ref46 and actual SBA....

I've owned them all and the Series III is superior to them all.