This week I was able to revive a legendary saxophone, a Balanced Action viola from the end of 1945.
Balanced Action is a historically important model for Selmer. It is on this model that the modern keywork as we know it appears today, in particular the arrangement of the bass which passes to the other side of the bell (the side that we know today).
The bore is also modified for a larger diameter, in the style of the American saxophones of the time.
The instrument that we receive at the workshop is, despite its age, very well preserved. No blow or significant scratches degraded the instrument. The flag’s serial number also corresponds with that of the body (numbers that could differ during World War II).
The high F sharp, optional at this time, is not present on this saxophone.
I had previously carried out a refurbishment of a 1948 silver baritone saxophone. The work here will therefore be the same, but smaller.
We completely dismantle the saxophone, the keys, the guards. We also dismantle the pavilion.
Then we remove anything that needs to be changed. Pads, markers and cork.
A good cleaning is necessary. Although very well maintained, the silver metal has tarnished over time and we need to restore its original shine.
Once everything is clean, we start reassembling after installing new pads. As for the baritone previously I installed pads with metal resonators.
Key by key, I check the proper functioning of the springs, I oil the mechanics, remove the mechanical games and I work on the plugging of the buffer.
Once done, I still have to make the game settings, correspondence between the keys, the attack games.
The instrument is finished. I try it to see that everything is working correctly and I deliver it to the client.
Our 5 repair shops are at the heart of the store and you can bring your instruments to be repaired during store opening hours. If you want to have information and advice before moving, you can contact us on 021 811 28 28 or via the form on our website .
Guillain
Wind instrument specialist and repairer
