Saxophones Sioma alto sax

[jonf]

Two things 'distort' average wags for UK: London and high earners. In real terms, it is much easier to be able to start playing an instrument. It's a shame that access to teaching etc has dwindled so much over the last 30 years or so.

You're right about access to teachers, when I started playing in 1980, there were teachers available at nominal cost via colleges and free practice spaces available. I remember being able to use the practice rooms at the local college of further education for nothing as I was a student (even though not at that institution). Not now. So although the instruments are massively more affordable, some of that benefit has indeed been eroded by the reduced availability of good quality educational support.

 

[RichardB]

Thanks immensely to all, for your fascinating information and thoughts, especially for the adverts in RHYTHM from Alex Burns Ltd. Here is a proof for an advert from 1937.

And I'm still looking for that elusive Sioma alto...

 

[RichardB]

Am trying to upload it ...

 

[DavidUK]

I'm keeping a look out for one for you.

 

[RichardB]

Thank you, David. Much appreciated!

 

[DavidUK]

@RichardB - one here, no Alex Burns reference though...

Vintage Parisian Alto Saxophone 1920s with Carry case | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vintage Parisian Alto Saxophone 1920s with Carry case at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Hankenstine]

@RichardB - one here, no Alex Burns reference though...

Vintage Parisian Alto Saxophone 1920s with Carry case | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vintage Parisian Alto Saxophone 1920s with Carry case at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

There is one for sale here but in very rough condition.

Vintage Alto saxophone 1224 Alex Burns Ltd - needs attention | eBay

 

[RichardB]

Many thanks indeed David. Do you think this one would be worth trying to repair?

 

[DavidUK]

Impossible to say. Firstly, I wouldn't pay £500 for it. Almost anything can be repaired, at a price, but I'm not sure how happy you'd be with it. It could be the swèetest sounding horn you ever heard or a terrible sounding thing you won't get your money back from.

 

[Steve Marshall]

Horns this age likely need a full overhaul which would put the cost way above the value of the instrument.
The plating condition is a concern. There are few places now that will refinish instruments so you either put a lot of money into a horn that looks ugly or spend a fortune getting it done up - when it's just a cheap stencil horn.
Asking price is far too high.

 

[JayeNM]

Many thanks indeed David. Do you think this one would be worth trying to repair?

"It was working a few years ago..." ???? Interesting comment.

The BIG question here is...are the rods frozen ?
(ask the seller if the keys actually move up and down, or if they are slow to move or frozen in place).

If the latter...forget it. That CAN be fixed - but it would likely add 10 hours and 500 quid to the repair cost, at LEAST.

Also the missing rollers, hopefully the rods are completely missing too (as in the threaded end did NOT snap offf and remain in the key touch). Easy to replace missing rollers and rods (relatively), but not easy to ream out broken-off threaded rod from a hole that small and relatively inaccessible...

IF the keys move freely, then it IS repairable. Full overhaul, disassembly, chem/sonic bath, polishing, repad, lubing....but it's still gonna be costly, and in the end that finish condition is never going to LOOK very good. It can be made to look like a 'funky ol' vintage sax' and it can likely be put into play shape.

But 75% of techs would not want to do the work, so the estimates for repair would be high.

 

[MMM]

I may have what you are looking for, I'll have a look tonight and contact you directly.
Regards, M.

 

[RichardB]

Many thanks to you all. Deeply appreciated!

To MMM: if you do have knowledge of a Sioma (Alex Burns Ltd), that would be wonderful!

 

[MMM]

@RichardB please check your PMs

 

[MMM]

And here is an alto:

 

[Colin the Bear]

I do like seeing the photographer in the reflections of a shiny horn. I had to message one to put some pants on.

 

[DavidUK]

@MMM - is that your alto, and will Richard be having it?

 

[RichardB]

My very frst tenor sax was an Alex Burns 'Sioma'. My high school design technology teacher actually leant/gave it to me about 20 years ago... I played it for maybe a year before upgrading to a Selmer. I still have it stowed away somewhere here in my practice room. A bit awkward to give it back now!?

I'll try and dig it out and take some pictures.

Hello again Hankesntine from Richard

I wonder if you've had any further thoughts about consulting your old teacher about possibly selling this tenor that you have stowed away. If so, I'd be very grateful to find out.

Kind greetings

RB

 

[MMM]

@MMM - is that your alto, and will Richard be having it?

@DavidUK I made him an offer he couldn't refuse!

 

[RichardB]

Reaslly? David do you plan to keep this instrument, if I may cordially ask?