Non standard shape/size Pearl replacement.

[Melissa]

Would anyone please have any thoughts on replacing non standard finger pearls? I would like as original as possible and do not do plastic, I had thought of epoxy mixed with something, I guess it is specialist to have a real piece of mop cut to size, or is this a relatively easy fix?

 

[griff136]

Hi Melissa,
You don't need a specialist to cut them to size, you can if you have the right tools make your own, lathe etc for circular pearls. jewellers saw for cutting flat angular pieces and files for finishing, and a polishing compound.

Bear in mind some pearls are set into position using a crimping tool or fitting die to press the thin metal edge of the pearl holder (the metal disc the pearl sits in) flush and tight against the mop disc. Nowadays they're generally glued in.

What dimensions are we talking about here? including thickness. If the touch piece is flat and angular like on a Low Bb key or on the left hand pinky table of a full pearl King Super 20 I have Mother of Pearl sheet I use for this type of pearl touch.

If you want flat blanks of MOP to work on try ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Guitar-lu...?pt=UK_Guitar_Accessories&hash=item19ca8a44b1
you can also use this http://www.jlsmithco.com/BRASS/Pearl-Powder-1-2-oz - I've not tried it so can't comment on how the finished article looks.

if you can let me have the dimensions I may be able to make you some. better still if you can send me the keys I'll fit them.

 

[Melissa]

Thank you Griff, pm sent

 

[Steve Marshall]

It's a bit of a faff making pearls. You should be able to get the size to suit but if it is different it is easier to turn down an over sized pearl than make one from scratch IMHO.

 

[griff136]

It's a bit of a faff making pearls. You should be able to get the size to suit but if it is different it is easier to turn down an over sized pearl than make one from scratch IMHO.

Yes Steve but a real faff if the pearls you want to make are not circular! The pearls Melissa is talking about are 1 for a left hand palm key -which is a sort of rounded oblong with a slight convexity to it, and the other is for an angular Low Bb spatula .

 

[Melissa]

Indeed they are. These are of my previous one.

 

[Steve Marshall]

Those are a real faff! ;o)

The powder stuff would seem to be easier but I would prefer to cut from a solid sheet. It can take quite a bit of time getting a good fit.

 

[ProfJames]

You should see my Martin Master "Typewriter"! That has more pearls than Blackbeard!

 

[DavidUK]

Indeed they are. These are of my previous one.

Have you damaged one or more? If not, why are you changing them? They look great!

 

[jbtsax]

This thread is of great interest to me since I have in the shop a Conn New Wonder Virtuoso Deluxe tenor for restoration that has pearl keys throughout some of which are broken and need replacing. The one that concerns me the most is the one that is pearl on the RH thumbrest that bends to fit the contour of the rest. Does anyone know if a sheet of mother of pearl can be bent?

 

[DavidUK]

This thread is of great interest to me since I have in the shop a Conn New Wonder Virtuoso Deluxe tenor for restoration that has pearl keys throughout some of which are broken and need replacing. The one that concerns me the most is the one that is pearl on the RH thumbrest that bends to fit the contour of the rest. Does anyone know if a sheet of mother of pearl can be bent?

Quick Google..... and.... NO:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110418060754AALmmLW
http://www.marquetry.org/mop_demo_p1.html
http://www.knifehandles.com/mother-of-pearl-types/working-with-mother-of-pearl
You'd have to shape it by removing material by the looks of it?

 

[altissimo]

or find a whole shell that has the right curvature and cut a piece out

 

[jonf]

Nice sax, Melissa, I can see why you don't want a plastic bodge.

 

[Melissa]

You should see my Martin Master "Typewriter"! That has more pearls than Blackbeard!

Picture!! PLeeeease

 

[Melissa]

I was going to have a go myself, purchased some real mop- thanks to help of the cafe and a jewellers saw, I have been given great technical advice, not sure whether I can accomplish it, but shall add pics if any of the finished result.. If I fail, Griff's getting it

 

[ProfJames]

Pictures of my Martin Typewriter

 

[Melissa]

Pictures of my Martin Typewriter

Oh how gorgeous, Thank you Prof, you must be very proud of this!

 

[ProfJames]

Yes, very proud to be her guardian for a while! Original mouthpiece with her as well. What a beautiful sound!

 

[kevgermany]

Pictures of my Martin Typewriter

I'm missing the ribbon and roller.

 

[ProfJames]

Kev......what you put in your hair is your own business. This is a thread about saxophones!