Tech/maintenance Just a general question to sax maintainers and repairers

[Reedswinds]

When I was managing the big shop, we had to ship a lot of instruments off for refinishing or back to the manufacturer for warranty work and had several claims denied on very expensive mistakes by the carriers, so it is always stressful. Right now I just prefer not to do business that way, but of course there are always exceptions. I just try to not make it an option publicly anyhow, but I do have a hard time saying no when I get pressed. I did have a touring musician that I have known forever, do it not too long ago, needed his tenor fixed and doesn't trust anyone else. He was able to get his group to pay for all of the shipping and repair costs, overnighted both ways. He was an exception and a long time friend.

 

[Grumpikins]

Haha, on baking a chicken no!

But your, @Reedswinds and @JayeNM's comments on my 'sax lady' are very perceptive.

Yes, I have a long-term 'service relationship' with with her. But only as far as 'quick (free) fixes' go. Over the years, I've regularly asked her to sign up to a (paid) annual annual maintenance contract. But she's refused, citing problems such as 'stuck screws'. etc.

I do still completely trust her honesty and integrity on things like accessories, reeds etc. But TBH I don't (in retrospect) think she's much interested in taking on an 'in-depth' evaluation and/or 'refurbishment' of my sax (to the extent that it need to be refurbished!). She probably prefers (my guess) to do light/routine regular maintenance on clarinets and saxes.

That's why I'm looking for a 'good local tech' who is prepared to do a more 'in-depth evaluation and refurbishment'. Giving attention to the points that @JayeNM mentions in Tech/maintenance - Should I get a full saxophone overhaul or just put in top playing condition

I already have few reliable local addresses/phone numbers for ''good sax techs' (given to me by other -vintage- sax players). So I'll phone around and listen to what they say. I'm happy to rent a sax for a couple of months while my current sax is evaluated and 'restored'.

Again, many thanks for all your advice and recommendations!


Mike

to avoid burning any bridges or hurt feelings, I would go to your regular lady and say,

"I want a more in depth examination and maintenance of my saxophone. If you're not in a position to do that, is there someone you can recommend?"

Then move forward from there. That way she knows what you want, and can respond. No ill feelings on either side.

 

[Grumpikins]

your original post also sounded to me like you were more interested in the difference in ergonomics between your vintage saxophone and the modern jp saxophone rather than the playing condition... Almost like you are considering picking up a newer saxophone because of the difference in engineering....

Maybe I mis-interpreted that...