Tech/maintenance Grading your tech on a complete overhaul

[jbtsax]

Below is a pdf file of a checklist to help evaluate how well or complete an overhaul has been done to your saxophone. It can also be used to determine how much your instrument could be improved by a competent professional overhaul.

 

[old git]

Griff passed this with flying, should that be sailing colours, seeing where he is.

 

[kevgermany]

jbt, great article. Couple of additions -
Check normally closed keys at point of closure as well as in closed position under spring pressure.
G# - check doesn't move/open when it's pressed and D/E/F are already individually lightly pressed closed (shouldn't if it closes properly, but...)

 

[jbtsax]

jbt, great article. Couple of additions - Check normally closed keys at point of closure as well as in closed position under spring pressure.

I like this addition. It is the way I actually seat spring closed keys since an area that seals at the moment but is "light" at the point of closing can develop a leak over time---especially if the pad swells due to repeated exposure to moisture.

G# - check doesn't move/open when it's pressed and D/E/F are already individually lightly pressed closed (shouldn't if it closes properly, but...)

This is a common test, however I have found that the closing of the G# with the lever pressed by the F or E key is a more sensitive criterion. In most cases a pretty well adjusted G# will stay closed if it is in the closed position to begin with and the right hand is down when the G# lever is pressed, but will not close completely when the right hand keys go up and then back down. There is always a slight difference which I believe is attributable to the opposing spring tensions at play. Thanks for your comments and critique. Things can always be made better by adding different points of view.

 

[kevgermany]

Interesting. My tenor passed your G# test, but failed mine. And was having problems getting below D with G# pressed. (Don't frown, it was quicker in one ´tune). But.... The keys need swedging, maybe that's the cause of the difference.

 

[jbtsax]

You can waste a lot of time "chasing your tail" trying to get a perfect adjustment in this area of the sax with key work that has a lot of "slop" in it. Don't ask me how I know this. ;}