We have 7 Super 20’s in the shop, 4 are Silversonic’s, 2 are all brass and one is silver neck brass bell. Each one has its own voice and the silver bell makes no difference at all sonically but sure adds beauty to the horn. We have an 858xxx example without the nickel rods and it became a terrific playing horn after being thoroughly set up. Necks make a big difference we discovered. Of the 7 horns, the silver neck from the 400,xxx tenor made the 2 all brass examples play much better than they did with their original necks. One of the Silversonic necks was really bad in that the horn played like there was a sock in the bell. I fixed that however and the horn came to life. Neck taper is critical we discovered. I enjoy your videos!
I really learned a lot from this video so thanks Matt! This was a great 35 minute continuing education video for people who already love King saxophones! I actually like this one in particular to listen to when I'm driving through heavy traffic. Takes my mind off the rush hour.
Great video as always Matt! As a Cannonball fan, I love the mystique of the Super 20s. Never played one myself, I guess my SBA and 100K Mark VI will have to do... LOL. I really like your comment - "Unless the overhaul is really good, you're playing the overhaul not the horn." That is so true, and such a great insight.
Matt, as always outstanding! Not long enough for me! I always learn something about the horns from you that will help me get the most out of them. Both my Alto and Tenor Super Twentys are Series II, and my MOST cherished horns.
Hi Matt! Always enjoy your videos, especially the "sprawling mess" variety. I have an early Eastlake S20 baritone that I enjoy quite a lot. I'd be curious to learn more about either the history/etc of the S20 Bari or post-Cleveland S20s generally. It must be great fun to be able to play all of these classic horns!
It always puzzled me why King didn't become a bigger brand. Seeing two of the greatest alto saxophonists in history, Charlie Parker and Cannonball Adderley, played on Kings.
The pinky table on the Selmer Balanced Action and later models is probably the main reason that Selmer pushed King out. I have a Zephyr tenor, ca. 1971. I love everything about it except that @#$^ low C#. It is just too darned hard to press with the left pinky. The problem is there is not enough leverage, and there's nothing to be done about it. I have messed around with spring tension until it is sort of okay, but not really.
Hi Matt, I've come across a King Super 20 tenor sax with serial number 427xxx but stamped Cleveland on the bell - would this have been build at the Cleveland factory in your opinion as most site say they moved to the other factory at serial number 426xxx? I would appreciate your thoughts - thank you
I personally own a regular series 1 King Zephyr tenor saxophone. I’m not crazy for brittle pearl keys, so I was never interested in the special, super 20 , and the Silversonic... I prefer it way better than a Selmer Mark IV...
Surprised to see this video have more views than the shorter version! Guess I won't be afraid to make more sprawling mess videos in the future.
Branding at its finest !
We have 7 Super 20’s in the shop, 4 are Silversonic’s, 2 are all brass and one is silver neck brass bell. Each one has its own voice and the silver bell makes no difference at all sonically but sure adds beauty to the horn. We have an 858xxx example without the nickel rods and it became a terrific playing horn after being thoroughly set up. Necks make a big difference we discovered. Of the 7 horns, the silver neck from the 400,xxx tenor made the 2 all brass examples play much better than they did with their original necks. One of the Silversonic necks was really bad in that the horn played like there was a sock in the bell. I fixed that however and the horn came to life. Neck taper is critical we discovered. I enjoy your videos!
I really learned a lot from this video so thanks Matt! This was a great 35 minute continuing education video for people who already love King saxophones! I actually like this one in particular to listen to when I'm driving through heavy traffic. Takes my mind off the rush hour.
I watch Matt's videos to beef up my own knowledge and just for fun! It's easy to see why I choose Matt to overhaul my Super 20 Alto! I can't wait!
Great video as always Matt! As a Cannonball fan, I love the mystique of the Super 20s. Never played one myself, I guess my SBA and 100K Mark VI will have to do... LOL.
I really like your comment - "Unless the overhaul is really good, you're playing the overhaul not the horn." That is so true, and such a great insight.
Matt, as always outstanding! Not long enough for me! I always learn something about the horns from you that will help me get the most out of them. Both my Alto and Tenor Super Twentys are Series II, and my MOST cherished horns.
I started collecting American vintage saxophones, and every time I’m going to buy an old horn, I watch all your videos on that particular horn....
Hi Matt! Always enjoy your videos, especially the "sprawling mess" variety. I have an early Eastlake S20 baritone that I enjoy quite a lot. I'd be curious to learn more about either the history/etc of the S20 Bari or post-Cleveland S20s generally. It must be great fun to be able to play all of these classic horns!
finished overhauling with you ( 4parts) plus this one while overhauling as well
Mad respect bro!
It always puzzled me why King didn't become a bigger brand. Seeing two of the greatest alto saxophonists in history, Charlie Parker and Cannonball Adderley, played on Kings.
What would you say is the best years for these horns?
DapperGaming He explained that . Series 1A, series 2 and 3.
The pinky table on the Selmer Balanced Action and later models is probably the main reason that Selmer pushed King out. I have a Zephyr tenor, ca. 1971. I love everything about it except that @#$^ low C#. It is just too darned hard to press with the left pinky. The problem is there is not enough leverage, and there's nothing to be done about it. I have messed around with spring tension until it is sort of okay, but not really.
Hi Matt, I've come across a King Super 20 tenor sax with serial number 427xxx but stamped Cleveland on the bell - would this have been build at the Cleveland factory in your opinion as most site say they moved to the other factory at serial number 426xxx? I would appreciate your thoughts - thank you
I personally own a regular series 1 King Zephyr tenor saxophone. I’m not crazy for brittle pearl keys, so I was never interested in the special, super 20 , and the Silversonic... I prefer it way better than a Selmer Mark IV...
I guess you wouldn't like my late 70s Super 20.
I’m gonna probably guess you wouldn’t like my super 20 Silversonic from 1997 hahaha