Knowledge
is power ...
Now that you know how
pads are installed before a sax is lacquered and that engraving is applied
afterwards, you have some powerful new knowledge to apply when evaluating
the originality of an instrument. Since there is invariably some overspray
around the edges of each original pad be sure to check these edges closely
on instruments you are inspecting. Old lacquer around the edges of original
pads is a strong indication both pad and lacquer are original -- at least
on those keys where you find the traces ;-). You will always want to examine
the engraving closely to be sure that it is strong and crisp. Weak engraving
means that the sax has been buffed again after it was engraved, which in
turn means that the lacquer cannot be original. Sometimes when saxes are
either hand polished or very lightly buffed (the case in very good relacquer
work), the engraving on a refinished instrument will still be quite sharp.
To root out the impostors you must closely check very clear engraving for
visible signs of lacquer in the lines of the pattern. Do this first with
your eyes, then touch and rub the engraving with your fingers for signs
of roughness or smoothness. Excessive smoothness means lacquer is covering
the cut edges of the engraving pattern. Conversely, rough edges left by
the engraver's tools can usually be detected by touch if the lacquer is
original. Recently it has become popular to re engrave really rare and
valuable saxes at the time they are refinished. In those cases the color
of the brass finish will be your best indicator of originality. On the
CyberSax.com web site we have numerous pictures of vintage saxes wearing
their original lacquer which has aged to a lovely dark patina. The exact
color will vary from builder to builder and from one era to another, so
it is important to reference say a Selmer Super Balanced Action produced
in the late 1940's if that is the saxophone you are examining. This variation
occurs because of the differences in brass metallurgy, polishing techniques
and composition of the lacquer used to finish an instrument. Another tidbit
of useful knowledge is that saxophones were not lacquered up until the
early 1930's. Though most earlier saxes were plated, a few were produced
in bare brass. So, if that brass 1925 Chu tenor is wearing lacquer it is
not the original finish! Please feel free to refer to our pictures for
reference, or to email me personally with
your well considered questions concerning a saxophone's originality.
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