Replacing Springs

[rs2sensen]

How easy our springs to replace? What is the proper procedure to do so? Where is a good place to buy springs? Do you notice a difference between the different types of springs, standard vs. blue, etc.?

 

[griff136]

Replacing springs is not necesarily a difficult job but you will need a few decent tools to do the job properly.

The way I replace springs is as follows:
Firstly the spring has to be removed, and its diameter measured so that the correct spring size can be determined. the new spring must then be cut to length then"flattened out" (usually on a bench anvil)at the post end so that the spring can be "wedged" in the post - (you really need a pair of spring fitting pliers for this) the spring must then be tensioned (by bending to the required stifffness).

I do not have a preference re springs, I have blued springs on all my selmers and vintage saxes but I also have stainless steel wire on my yamaha tenor.

I always replace like for like unless the customer wants something else.

 

[Bobby G]

Hi Griff. When you say the spring has to be 'wedged' into the post, do you mean literally wedged, or is there more to it than that? Also, I notice some springs are tapered at the end, presumably these need to be bought individually rather than cut off a length of spring wire. Isn't there also some peculiarity about springs on old Bueschers?

Cheers, Bob

 

[griff136]

Hi Bob ,

The end of the spring that sits in the post has to be flattened using a small hammer and a bench anvil ( a honed flat and hardedned surface) this splays out the end of the spring forming a thinner but wider part of the spring that is then pushed into the post and squeezed home using a pair of spring seating pliers.

the tapered end you see on the springs is probably what i have described. Springs come in lengths without the end splayed flat. the other end is usually pointed and sharp like a needle - hence needle springs.

other springs such as stainless steel used by yamaha and jupiter etc dont generally have pointed ends.

You are right re the buescher springs
on some models the springs used were called norton springs. these springs are basically a small threaded rod with a spring mechanically fixed into the rod so that the whole spring can be screwed into the post.

A good idea at the time but it wasn't accepted by the rest of the sax manufacturers probably due to cost. the norton springs are now difficult to get hold of.