Right from the git-go, the horn played wonderfully. Both necks responded well and I was very pleased with the setup feel.
I will be calling you with any and all future rebuilds or repairs.
Dear Jedi Knight of the Vintage Saxophone Revitalization Realm,
I am the one who should have remembered to ask for a toot on the Tonalin. But, as you say, another reason to come back.
Right from the git-go, the horn played wonderfully. Both necks responded well and I was very pleased with the setup feel. When I got hope, even though it was late, I put in a good hour playing everything from Klose exercises to standards with fills. Since every day that ends in 'y' is a work day for us, I only got a chance to play maybe another hour on Saturday. But, I ended up focusing on the original neck. With your work the horn plays so well that I have forgiven myself for drilling it back in the early '70's (and, when you think about it, the Octavoice units were nearly the same vintage as the horn). Plus, it has a ringing sound in the upper register that I don't think was present even when it was brand new (but, back then I was playing a Meyers Bros., not a Berg). I am putting that sound up to the new pads and your setup (with maybe some help from my more mature resonance chamber)
Sunday, I played some and then applied six coats of pure carnauba wax to it. I started waxing my horns back when that 6 was new. At that time I used Blue Coral Sealer, without any abrasive. I think the wax has made a big difference in how the lacquer has held up. I have neither abused nor babied that horn. It took me through the Air Force as a section leader and lounge player, 25 years as a sideman playing everything from trust fund jobs to backing headliners, (and one daughter that wanted to switch from clarinet to alto). After every gig I would leave the case open so the horn had a chance to dry out, I oiled the pads periodically, and waxed it regularly (I am not a fastidious applicator... I just try to get the spots I typically touch). Anyway, when I started waxing it I began seeing all the detailed work you put into the job. The corks and felts were marvelous, the friction tubes fit perfectly, none of the cups showed signs of overheating, no extra globs of shellac showed. It is a fantastic job!
I will be calling you with any and all future rebuilds or repairs.
Until the next time,
Frank
December 5, 2012
Frank from Washington, USA had me rebuild his beautiful Selmer Mark VI alto with a WWS premium rebuild on saxgourmet roos...Frank exposed his secret to his beautiful deep lacquer color in his email!
Frank's horn on the Sound File 11-2012:
Altos file: Selmer Mark VI, The Martin Alto, Buescher "The Aristocrat" series 1
It wasn't more than 5 months before Frank brought his beautiful Martin Imperial Baritone in for a full rebuild as well.
Frank J. - Mark VI Rebuild - Western WA USA, frank24401@msn.com
Fine Vintage Saxophones
