SML Gold Medal I Tenor Saxophone – 1963

The SML Gold Medal I is a rare and very sought after horn. The serial number on this one is 188xx (dating it to 1963) and it has the features that these horns are known for including engraving inside the bell, adjustment screws, special neck tenon design, rolled tone holes etc.. The one feature this does not appear to have is the rocking left hand thumb rest. Don’t let the nickel plated keys fool you to think this is a student horn. This is 100% a professional sax. The nickel plating was actually a premium finish when this horn was made. This sax is in excellent condition and does not appear to have had any major repairs. It is as straight as the day it was made, and the only resolder appears to be on the rear pants guard posts. There are no signs of dent work and the neck has never been pulled down. The lacquer is original but aged and worn with about 60% of it is remaining and most of the wear being along the back of the body tube. The pads are in excellent condition and look almost brand new even though the they are probably more than 10 years old. When I bought the horn all of the original gold plated springs had been replaced with stainless steel rendering the horn unplayable (in my opinion). I have replaced all of the stainless steel springs with gold plated needle springs (as it would have had when it was made) and was very careful with the tension to get it just right.  Now the keywork feels light and snappy. To be honest, the main stack feels pretty fantastic now, if I do say so myself. The horn was also completely disassembled, cleaned and adjusted.  It now sounds and plays beautifully. Speaking of the tone, these horns, although made in France, have more of an American sound.  Big and bold but on the dark side with lots of power. Think, Buescher 400 or Conn. And the intonation is very, very good.  It comes with a tri-pack case (including the flute and clarinet insert) that is in very good shape, but is probably not original. Don’t miss out on this rare gem. I promise you that it can keep up with anything currently made!!  I will also include a one year warranty with the horn including the existing pads.