Relaquring and Alto Sax?

Question

I love my sax and there isnt a "real" physical problem with it.

But it is getting old and has a lot of small dent nd scatches.

I know the dent are pretty much there to stay but does anyoe know how much it cost to have one professionally re-laqured?

Answer 1

First off, the scratches may look bad, but if it's not effecting the tone quality of the horn, I would strongly suggest NOT having this done!  Here's why:

1) No matter how good the lacquer job is, 99% of the time it will lessen the value of the horn.  

2) It is near to impossible to find someone that is decent enough to do a great job without messing up some aspect of the horn... either tuning (too much or too little lacquer around the tone holes), tone quality, engraving, etc...  I have heard some good things about the cats over at Wind Works (http://www.windworks.com.sg/), but I do not have any personal experience with them.

3) Even with a great relacquer, it can- and most likely WILL- effect the tone of your horn.

I recommend ONLY getting a relacquer if the original lacquer has worn off and the brass has begun to oxidize.  Usually this happens around the neck, bottom of the bell, and around the thumbrest.  If this is happening, then the tone WILL be effected and the sax SHOULD be relacquered... but know that you will have to re-learn the quirks of your sax, as again, the tuning and tone will be different.

As far as the dents go, depending on how big they are and their placement in the horn, they can be pounded out (or sucked out).  The price will vary- $100 to $1000, depending on the amount of work needed.

If the scratches you describe are very small and minor- *surface scratches*- you can try to buff them out yourself.  Take a TINY bit of toothpaste and apply it to the scratch... rub with a paper towel for about 30 seconds, and wipe clean with a damp cloth... then wipe dry.  Don't use too much toothpaste or rub too long, as this can help deteriorate the lacquer.  Also, test on a small hidden area of your sax FIRST, as some lacquers will dull.

I personally just try to view the scratches as character in my horn... they don't look super pretty, but the sound of my horn more than makes up for it!  I bought my bari from a guy for $500... it was made in the 1920's, and it has been in 2 fires (a house fire and a car fire- poor thing!).  It still has the original lacquer, with the exception of where burn holes had to be resoldered!  At some point, I WILL have to get it relacquered, and that will cost me somewhere between  $3000 to $5000... but mine is a bari.  I imagine yours will cost less, but not by much!

Best of luck to you and your baby! Hope I helped, and have fun playing!

:)

Answer 2

Hi Ki4.   If your saxophone is not a vintage collectible..  like the Selmer Balanced Action, or Mark VI - or even an early Selmer Super Action 80...  or Martin...  It does not matter if it loses any value, because if it is not one of those mentioned,  it is truly only of value to you.   If you want it re-laquered,  just find a reputable service to do the job.   It is going to be expensive,  because the instrument has got to be completely disassembled which means you are going to have to have a completely new repad.   Dings and dents can be removed (though it weakens the metal underneath the dent) without much trouble, but again it adds to the cost.   I have a professional saxophone friend in Michigan who has had work done on several of his instruments.  If you are interested in knowing where he sends his horns... just send me an email.   Hope that helped without sending you to sleep.   Good Luck.