Selmer Necks (Crooks) Solid silver & Booster

By Hook Or Buy Crook? (by Will Hood, sax.co.uk)

We now have solid silver Selmer crooks (both the ref: 36’ and 54’) for sale as a modifier to your existing set up.  But can a different crook really make a significance difference to your playing experience?  I road tested both these models on their respective tenor saxes, as well as a booster crook (made of brass) to see what changes to the character of your sound they can offer.

Ref 36’ Tenor

The ref 36’, as many will know is an attempt by Selmer to re create their highly revered super balanced action series from the thirties.  Whether they have achieved this task or not, there can be little doubt that this is a truly impressive tenor saxophone; hard to beat for tone, intonation and flexibility, played with its existing brass neck it is a pleasure to blow through and you could be forgiven for thinking that things couldn’t get too much better.                     

(i)         +Solid silver 36’ crook

The first thing you notice is a subtle change in the harmonic content of your tone; particularly noticeable in the extremes of register, the difference is similar in texture to the timbre produced by a silver plated (or even solid silver) bodied saxophone.  I did not expect this result from the changing of a crook.  The definition of tongued notes seemed greatly improved as well as the overall dynamic range of the instrument.  Surprised as I am to admit it this is a remarkable improvement to both tone and projection of an already quite remarkable instrument.

(ii)        +Solid silver 54’ crook

Once again, slightly dubious that there would be a difference between the two crooks, to my surprise the 54’ has a distinctly different character, which does indeed change your playing experience albeit quite subtly.  Whereas the 36’ had a very smooth attack (making for a slinky sounding articulation) the 54’ attacks much faster, lending itself to a punchier more percussive projection.  Although not necessary louder in its own right, this increase in dynamic seems to lead the player towards a bigger and more aggressive sound.  Would be ideal for anyone that wants to ‘beef up’ their tenor playing or command a little more attention from the audience at the back of the room.

 (iii)       +The booster crook  (brass with lacquer)

The booster crook, inconspicuous in appearance seems to do exactly what it says on the tin.  It boosts your sound!  Lacking in the distinguished character of the silver, it leaves you with the sensation that you’ve had your volume notched up a couple of decibels without any extra effort required from the player.  There is a sense that you are being given an improved dynamic and breadth of tone, but in comparison to the silver it feels a little like cheating.  Will certainly do the job if you’re having trouble standing out from the crowd i.e. big band soloing, but definitely lacking the personality of the 54’ or 36’ silver crooks.  The significance of this (it should be pointed out) is to the credit of the silver not necessarily the detriment of the booster. 

+The booster crook  (brass, gold plated & hand engraving)

Now you're talking - all the power of the regular booster neck with the charisma of the
solid silver and more! The gold plating creates additional resonance making the sound
come alive with extra clarity & zing.

Ref 54’ Tenor

The ref 54’, has been modelled on what many consider to be the holy grail of saxophones – the MK 6 and is very much a heavy weight of tenor saxes.  To make modifications to the best of what Selmer are able to offer, once again I examined the differences a crook can make.

(i)         +Solid silver 36’ crook

For those of you that haven’t yet had the pleasure, the ref 54’ has a massive bottom end and an almost frighteningly powerful voice when blown properly.  On first impression this crook seems to pleasantly tame the beast that is the 54’ and flatters its’ massive sound making it more manageable.  Still retaining much of it’s strength it gives the instrument the warmer/friendlier characteristic of a vintage instrument and although still capable of being very loud, takes a little of the aggression out of the final note.  In short using this crook seems to borrow a little of the ref 36’s spirit and compliments this instrument beautifully.

(ii)        +Solid silver 54’ crook

Custom necks for tenor prices and ordering