Saxophone Repair and Service

Evaluated in this manner, dismantling can begin. Keys are swaged for perfect fit and the rods must slide smoothly through the hinge tubing. Posts are aligned so the keywork and post abutt one another. If need be old pivot screws are replaced. Work proceeds though the entire horn in this meticulous manner.

Dents are removed, tone holes are examined and made level and round if necessary, stack rods and posts must be in a straight line and if the horn is old the rods are examined for rust. Springs are checked for rust and resiliency of tension. If these qualities are found lacking they are replaced. All solder joints are checked and fixed if need be.

Once this work is completed, the saxophone is given a bath in a biodegradable cleaning agent and then assembly begins. The pad cups are leveled, correct size pads are chosen, your choice of resonators installed, and a firm bed of stick shellac used for the installation of the pad in the key cup. The finest sheet cork, felts and teflon are glued on the keys along with a variety of other substances found to decrease key noise and metallic sounding clicks. Using heat the pads are floated into place, key arms are bent if nessesary so that from a side view pad and key cups are parallel, and when each pad seats perfectly the key combinations are balanced. The entire instrument is reassembled with attention to every detail. Upon completion it sits for a day, then checked again. Finally the saxophone is played by a professional musician, intonation problems dealt with, and action set. The fit of the neck is of utmost importance, when done correctly your horn will sing. It is the opinion of this technician that the same tension and resiliency should be felt through out the horn under your fingertips, and the result will be the minimum of effort to create the clarity of musical thought.

The Oleg Side Key Silencer solves one of the most common problems with the older Mark VI horns. The old ball and socket linkages on the right hand side keys are noisy and usually have lost motion. These new silencers convert the linkage to the older style linkage. Unlike other conversions, this does not make any permenant changes so the player can go back to the ball and socket linkage if they wish to. Set of two pcs. This and other Oleg products are now available and will make your saxophone playing life easier. $65