Tech/maintenance New right thumb hook -- bare brass or silver plate?

[wakyct]

Hey all, I'm going to swap the right thumb hook on my alto for an adjustable one soon. Music Medic has one in bare brass or silver plate. At first I was thinking bare brass but now I'm wondering if the silver plate would be more sensible, finish wise. As far as looks go I don't mind either. Thoughts?

 

[lydian]

Neither. Both will tarnish. Who wants a green or black thumb. I'd get a lacquered one. Last one I got from eBay was only $10 shipped and has held up great.

 

[Alex]

Hey all, I'm going to swap the right thumb hook on my alto for an adjustable one soon. Music Medic has one in bare brass or silver plate. At first I was thinking bare brass but now I'm wondering if the silver plate would be more sensible, finish wise. As far as looks go I don't mind either. Thoughts?

Gold and platinum are preferable! )

 

[Tonehole]

Forza | Ton Kooiman
These are expensive but I have had a gold one on my Series III tenor for over 20 years. Picked up a silver one for my Jupiter Artist tenor a couple years ago. They are very comfortable but expensive but they come up on eBay at times which is how I bought mine.

I have had the this model on my Concerto clarinet for 26 years, a real thumb saver.

Maestro | Ton Kooiman

tonkooiman.com

I also have ones similar to the M Medic on my altos but made in Italy years ago. Very good if you have large hands and your thumb hangs over the edge of the hook like mine does.

This will work well.. Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[PigSquealer]

Hey all, I'm going to swap the right thumb hook on my alto for an adjustable one soon. Music Medic has one in bare brass or silver plate. At first I was thinking bare brass but now I'm wondering if the silver plate would be more sensible, finish wise. As far as looks go I don't mind either. Thoughts?

Why ??
The plating doesn’t make a rats bottom difference. A new adjustable?? Why not just have your tech reposition the one that’s currently on your horn?? ? A new “ adjustable” will be locked to your needed position…. Then never moved again.
How is this this different and a savings ? Your tech will still need to install the new one !

 

[dexdex]

Anodized aluminium could be a cool alternative. I haven’t seen them though.

NEW! Anodized Thumb Hook — The Boston Sax Shop

Improve the comfort of your playing and decrease right hand strain with our lightweight anodized aluminum thumb hook. For soprano, alto, tenor and bari. Available for *Selmer/Yanagisawa/Selmer Style and Yamaha *’selmer style’ includes all major brands of Taiwanese and Chinese saxes **please note

www.bostonsaxshop.com

 

[Colin the Bear]

Playing regularly any plating will wear through. Raw brass makes your thumb smell. I like plastic.

 

[Dr G]

Hey all, I'm going to swap the right thumb hook on my alto for an adjustable one soon. Music Medic has one in bare brass or silver plate. At first I was thinking bare brass but now I'm wondering if the silver plate would be more sensible, finish wise. As far as looks go I don't mind either. Thoughts?

Not all plating is equally durable, nor is the chemistry of everyone’s skin the same. The silver plate on my Forza has held up remarkably well. I had no issues with a bare brass thumb hook on another horn. Pick one. Whether it gets funky looking or smelly comes down do how you take care of it. Clean your horn occasionally if you like.

 

[wakyct]

How is this this different and a savings ? Your tech will still need to install the new one !

You're right of course, I just like the shape of the music medic one.