The work that Chadd did superseded any original expectations that I had... I really liked the fact that Chadd had this intuition about him that seemed to know what I would really be looking for.
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"I called Chadd up on a December day thinking about buying a king tenor sax that he had in stock. I was primarily looking to fill a void after parting with my silver plated Selmer USA Model many years a go. Well, I did not buy the King. However, on the same day Chadd called me up, about an hour later, and said “hey I just found a lacquered USA model on eBay and how would you feel about recreating that horn.” I really liked the idea and the fact that Chadd had this intuition about him that seemed to know what I would really be looking for. Needless to say he bought the horn for me to avoid shipping cost (super cool) and the project started. I wanted to horn stripped down to the bare brass, new ROO pads, cords etc. My initial though was that he would just acid bath the horn put it back together and send it out. NOT the case. The work that Chadd did superseded any original expectations that I had. I mean this horn came to me looking like something off the floor. Meticulous doesn’t even do the work justice. Pure Perfection would still even be short of the mark. Simply blown away by his work, his work ethic, and his willingness to be fully transparent through the whole process. I was sent updates, pictures, i was called when he had a new idea or thought on a process. Mind you that this restoration he did for me was the first of its kind. Chadd’s enthusiasm about saxophones is infectious and beyond reproach. The horn, well it gets many compliments and questions. The sound and playability is simply what I remembered and more. I would not hesitate to buy from Chadd again and he will be the only person that works on my horns from here on out. Rest assured that when you work with Chadd you will get top rate service from a top rate gentleman. Thank’s for everything Chadd it was an amazing experience and you really did capture a piece of my teens and twenties by doing this project for me.
With warmest regard, J. ELLIOTT"
J. Elliott - 11/13/2021 - jelliott78@gmail.com
WWS Short Report: Unsaid by Mr. Elliott was that his childhood setup was stolen : bare brass (basic stripped), black pads & plastic resos, solid silver neck, and even the mouthpiece. This was a Restoration Reunion at it's finest. I was happy to help.
Many more photos will be in Major Restorations and Past Work.
- Year: 1985-88
- Make: Selmer
- Model: USA Omega 164/TS100
- Finish: Original, now Brass Restoration
- Serial Number: 825,113
WWS Report: Mr. Elliott's sax project was special because it was a rare moment for me to help restore his former sax. Unsaid by him was that his childhood setup was stolen : bare brass (basic stripped), black pads & plastic resos, solid silver neck, and even the mouthpiece. This was a Restoration Reunion at it's finest. I was happy to help. Along the way, I learned that the former sax had the brass untreated and it tarnished heavily as brass would sax. Knowing that, I couldn't leave this sax in the patina look that was happening in the process. I took it on myself, with Mr. Elliott's permission, to try a top treatment to the brass as an experiment. Not just the matte swirl body and matte keys, but with a chemical treatment to the brass to lock in this beautiful look. The horn came out great and Mr E pursuing buying a solid silver neck to complete the Full Reunion here. Sax Voodoo talk, the original neck, repaired with minor denting and ripples was reported to have a fantastic sound rivaling the $900 solid silver neck.
TONE: crisp, clear with some classic Selmer resonance. Best Selmer USA tenor that I've played to date!
PADS: Saxgourmet Black Roo pads,
Project photos at a glance: Original ebay photos, stripping, finish work...
J. Elliott - Selmer USA - 164 Tenor, Matte Restoration - from Boise, Idaho, USA,
Fine Vintage Saxophones
