The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: Key erosion: possible to fix? Worth the effort?

Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-10-22 23:44

They've used several different alloys of nickel silver judging by the colour - the rings are made from a harder alloy which is more silver coloured compared to the solid key barrels which are softer and more yellow. The hollow C#/G# key barrel is also made from a harder alloy than the solid RH ring key barrel.

The 1954 CT I recently bought didn't need any of the hollow key barrels swaging as they were all an excellent fit between the pillars. The point screws all needed countersinking deeper into both the pillars and the ends of the solid key rods as the screw heads were all protruding a fair amount from the pillars. Even though it had seen a good amount of playing in its time, it still had around 90% of the original pads and key corks in place. The keys all had rouge on them that hadn't been cleaned off, but I think this was from the factory as I've worked on MkVI saxes of around the same era and they still had plenty of rouge in all the nooks and crannies. Then again, I've worked on very recent Selmer saxes which still have plenty of rouge still on them too.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics