Saxophones Buescher True Tone 1926 C melody sax possible to play without repad?

[PigSquealer]

@PenelopeTX if you plan on removing any pads to clean & reuse. Just make sure to index mark the pads orientation. It will need to be replaced in exactly the same position. Just a little dot on the edge with a sharpie will do. Shoot for middle of key arm.
This example below is excessive but you get my meaning.

 

[LostCircuits]

I would think if you have to remove pads to clean them, there is really no point in re-using them, dontcha think?

 

[Woodpad]

It doesn't hurt and sometimes it helps, It happens that old glue suddenly realizes its age.

 

[PenelopeTX]

@PenelopeTX if you plan on removing any pads to clean & reuse. Just make sure to index mark the pads orientation. It will need to be replaced in exactly the same position. Just a little dot on the edge with a sharpie will do. Shoot for middle of key arm.
This example below is excessive but you get my meaning.
View attachment 28006

Ugh. Thank you!

Music Medic mentioned that the resonators are often missing on these old snap on pads and sure enough I have at least one resonator missing. The rest seem to be intact. Haven’t taken anything apart yet. Waiting on my screwdrivers to arrive. I’m not in a hurry. 🥴😅 I figure worse case scenario I botch the job on the pads, but at least the saxophone will be bright and clean for display.

 

[PigSquealer]

If the mounting “spud” still exists in the cup you will only need the snap / booster. Somebody will have one of these laying around. Maybe even the shop you visited. They are different sizes.

If you have the patience understanding and the desire to achieve success. You have at your disposal a global technical support system here. Everyone here will help you step by step.

Here’s a little historical information on what you have. Not that you’re short on the evening entertainment😉😉

Do you crochet ?

Making a springhook for woodwind instruments

How to make your own springhook.

www.shwoodwind.co.uk

I would think if you have to remove pads to clean them, there is really no point in re-using them, dontcha think?

I’ve never removed and reused pads. The chances are high (99%) that failure will occur. Still I will not discourage someone attempting to do so. It’s a good learning experience.
I’ve also thought about spraying old pads with acrylic enamel. I’ve got better things to do….like feeding the dogs.
Just looked. Yep, she’s starving hungry!

 

[LostCircuits]

Ugh. Thank you!

Music Medic mentioned that the resonators are often missing on these old snap on pads and sure enough I have at least one resonator missing. The rest seem to be intact. Haven’t taken anything apart yet. Waiting on my screwdrivers to arrive. I’m not in a hurry. 🥴😅 I figure worse case scenario I botch the job on the pads, but at least the saxophone will be bright and clean for display.

For the resonators, the same idea applies as for the metal discs. make sure you identify where each one is coming from. In theory, there are only 2 (maybe 3) spud and resonator sizes but it is still easier to mark them or "replace them as you go", that is, take one key/cup, take out the pad, pull the metal disc and re-assemble everything before moving on to the next one.

FWIW, one other neat trick is (you probably read it already) to take the stacks apart and stick each piece back on the rod in the exact order as they came off the horn. That way you don't have to play detective as in which part might fit "here"?

You may also get yourself a "dummy rod" that is a thin rod that you only use to keep the parts threaded on in their native sequence.

Then you can use the real rod to fit each cup individually back on the horn (without the rest of the assembly getting in your way.

If you find that the original pads no longer have the metal discs and your pads are too thin, buy either some canned catfood, the lids are as substitute for new discs (as long as they are flat and not corrugated or else strawberries etc, in those clear plastic containers, they also work, all you need is a pair of scissors. Once you get to the point of the missing snap, let me know, I have a few spares.

 

[PigSquealer]

canned catfood

I know what you’re having for dinner

 

[LostCircuits]

I know what you’re having for dinner

All I can tell you is you should try it!

 

[PenelopeTX]

Thank you @PigSquealer @LostCircuits.🙏 Your advice is very much appreciated! I can see myself getting parts mixed up so I will definitely use the methods you mentioned to keep everything organized. Our house is pretty crazy at the moment with cat, dog, quarantined chicken plus wild boys so I need to find a safe spot (probably a bedroom/big closet) to work where little hands and paws will stay out of the way. The cat is the worst and loves to knock important things off tables.

I see some wicked looking springs/black pointy wires on this saxophone. I’m wondering if I should wear cut gloves when I disassemble? 😅

 

[Ghr9204]

I see some wicked looking springs/black pointy wires on this saxophone. I’m wondering if I should wear cut gloves when I disassemble? 😅

Just use your common sense. Everyone has different luck with gloves, I generally don't use them on fine work, because it interferes with my hands. Those points easily penetrate gloves anyway. The straight needle tipped springs, just be careful around them.

If you have never disassembled saxophone keywork, before you take a dive into purchasing pads and the accessories, if you have a jeweler's screwdriver set, you can try removing a screw or two, then put it back in.

This will also help you to assess whether such screws are corroded to the extent where they can or cannot be removed. Above all, use the proper width jeweler screwdriver that is the width of the screw head slot, to prevent from damaging the screw head slot surfaces. In general, the hinge screws are of a softer steel, IMO like grade 1 or 2, not hardened like grade 5, or grade 8 used in automotive engines.

Because the keys are interwoven amongst each other in certain places, I've had to remove up to say, a half dozen hinge screws. It is not difficult but tedious. There should be no reason to bent key/pad work to remove or get things to fit.

Every person differs in their ability to take stuff apart and then get it properly put back together again. Getting the key/pad work back together again, in some cases requires considerable patience. I've had to even take a breather and step away, tackle it when I am ready, again.

(Pet and feed the cat, water plants, check the mail, do a little gardening, go shopping, call someone, etc. I no longer have pets, but I think you know what I mean. And, your cat has a rather serious look on its face through its cute hazel green eyes. - Do you really want to do this? Rub my tummy and I'll let you know. )

Not saying do not try, but like I said, a little experimentation first to get familiar would be helpful before you take the dive. Then you'll know if it would be more prudent to seek a skilled technician for this work.

 

[thomsax]

I have some Feerree's Snap-On-Pads (metal back) Buescher original style. Let me know if you want some. You need to mesure up the keycups. The thickness of the pads are 4.0 mm or a little bit thicker. I have over the years listen to lots of great Texas Rock & Roll Saxophonists. So some kind of payback .... .

 

[Colin the Bear]

Before removing anything and at every stage as you go, take pictures, from at least a couple of angles.

It's complicated enough when you've done it before, but that first disassemble can be a little intimidating.

 

[turf3]

Those needle springs WILL stick you. Get some cork, cut into small cubes, stick cubes of cork onto ends of needle springs.

 

[LostCircuits]

The problem with gloves is that they get stuck on the springs easier than skin and you may not notice it. And then you try to get off and that's where the "other spring" will do some real damage.
The good thing is that most of the "nasty" germs are strictly anaerobic, so infections directly from the springs are very uncommon, so if you get stung, don't panic.

Oh, and I like ginger cats, here is my little boy!

 

[PigSquealer]

Hands and springs don’t like each other. Don’t place your hand / fingers where springs live. Learn to handle the sax by holding from end of bell.

 

[PigSquealer]

Make a parts card.
Take a picture. Print on your copier and glue it to cardboard. That part comes off stick it into the cardboard at location.

As mentioned above. Do take lots of pictures pre-disassembly. It’s like a jigsaw puzzle. When you get stuck you can look at the picture on the box. It only goes together one way. The Pearl touches are great clues.

 

[PigSquealer]

I don’t know if anyone else has your model laying around. This one I have all the snaps have been removed. There’s a chance I could build this along with you step-by-step. Anyone out there have a project with snaps ?

 

[PigSquealer]

Oh, and I like ginger cats, here is my little boy!

View attachment 28014

What’s in that cat food? Looks like some powerful stuff. That cat is huge !

 

[Ghr9204]

What’s in that cat food? Looks like some powerful stuff. That cat is huge !

I think it has no problems with dogs, "You looking at me?"

 

[LostCircuits]

What’s in that cat food? Looks like some powerful stuff. That cat is huge !

If I told you ....

I think it has no problems with dogs, "You looking at me?"

I had a room mate with a Chihuahua and they got along just fine

But let's not derail this thread any further