Ref 54 compared to '55 Mark VI, or new neck for VI?
I'm currently playing on a 60,000 s/n Mark VI, which at some point in the early 70's was factory relacquered (barely any metal was removed, but still relaquered). Like all VI's it has that one stuffy note, being the middle C (most VI's I've played have had a stuffy Bb).
I recently talked with Peter Ponzol, and he showed me his preffered tenor, and blew on it with the original neck. He then put on one of his own hand made necks, and the difference was quite obvious, even to the least discerning ear.
I was wondering if I should take some time to try some ref 54's and compare them to my VI, or perhaps just get a new neck for my VI. I'm a firm believer than the neck has a huge impact on the player), however, if a ref 54 is particulary better than my VI, I should be able to actually profit by switching to the ref 54 after selling my VI, and then getting better ergonomics, intonation, and perhaps the rest that these new "vintage" ref's have to offer. Ofcourse, that's after having it set up by my repairman (most new horns just don't feel right unless they're adjusted by your preffered repairman).
Anywho, I'd just like anyone's opinion on this matter, and perhaps the characteristics of these ref. 54's. I've heard they're modeled after a 70,000 mark vi alto bought in NY, and they're supposedly consistent in production. My VI has a slightly spread sound, lying on the darker side, but with more edge than other VI's around the same run. So I'd like to know how they compare (in general ofcourse) or if maybe trying out some necks on my VI would be a wiser (investment wise, and perhaps if the new neck may dramatically improve the VI) choice than looking at a new horn altogether. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
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