Wooden key touches?

[DavidUK]

I wondered about abalone key touches for my Grassi tenor, but I also have some wood knocking about from a couple of rifle projects. There's some 30 year old English walnut I used to make a stock for my Steyr, nice grain...

I could turn up a small amount into a spindle, then size the diameter and cut slices to be polished and finished for each size of key touch.

I'd have thought polished walnut would be quite tactile, similar to the grippiness of MOP. What does anyone else think? Has it been tried? Would it look naff!?

Not desperate to do this, just my mind wandering off again....

 

[griff136]

some guys do have wooden touchpieces on their saxes

This picture is of a conn new wonder sax being modded to the extreme by Anders Bak-Neilsson

 

[DavidUK]

Oh... rollers too, there's a thought!

 

[Taz]

some guys do have wooden touchpieces on their saxes

View attachment 2020 This picture is of a conn new wonder sax being modded to the extreme by Anders Bak-Neilsson

Griff that looks absolutely amazing!

 

[Hubert OG]

Others go even further...

 

[Plod]

David, The Rifle stock looks like its an 'oiled finish', that would look nice, also doesn't the R&C 'Two Voices' saxophones sport oiled key touches?

 

[DHM]

doesn't the R&C 'Two Voices' saxophones sport oiled key touches?

Yes, Olive wood ☞ http://www.ramponecazzani.com/eng/two-voices.html

 

[rhysonsax]

My Keilwerth SX90R Anniversary alto has wooden key touches, although my tenor doesn't. I like the look and the feel is OK too.

Steve Howard has reviewed my horn here (and he takes good photos): http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Saxes/Alto/Keilwerth_sx90r_anniv_alto.htm

Rhys

 

[DHM]

My Keilwerth SX90R Anniversary alto has wooden key touches, although my tenor doesn't. I like the look and the feel is OK too.

Steve Howard has reviewed my horn here (and he takes good photos): http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Reviews/Saxes/Alto/Keilwerth_sx90r_anniv_alto.htm

Rhys

Now you've made me wanty for wooden key touches on my silver Yanagisawa.

 

[DavidUK]

David, The Rifle stock looks like its an 'oiled finish', that would look nice, also doesn't the R&C 'Two Voices' saxophones sport oiled key touches?

Yes, I use CCL Gunstock Condition Oil after finishing the wood with 1500 grade wet'n'dry used dry. I'd have the same finish on key touches as it gives a slightly grippy finish, very similar to MOP.

 

[DavidUK]

Griff that looks absolutely amazing!

Now you've made me wanty for wooden key touches on my silver Yanagisawa.

Right you are... production line starting...

 

[Jeanette]

Can't wait to see the pics, I think it'll look great


Jx

 

[altissimo]

now you'll have to get a matching wooden neck and ligature - http://www.georgeparaschos.com/wooden-sax-necks.html

 

[old git]

Looks wonderful but not recommended for Akai 4000s.

 

[Ads]

I like the sound of wooden key touches, Grenadilla or light ash on Silver horns .. I liked that Slovenian wooden straight sop , looked like a big rosewood clarinet, shame the price made an Andy Sheppard tenor seem bargain basement.

What this has to do with Vintage open reel tape machines must be a mystery to all but OG

 

[DHM]

Whether or not I can justify the purchase to myself as improving tone, there's at least one of those in my future; I think they're beautiful.

 

[DHM]

I like the sound of wooden key touches, Grenadilla or light ash on Silver horns

Or maybe ebony…and black Roo pads.

 

[griff136]

Whether or not I can justify the purchase to myself as improving tone, there's at least one of those in my future; I think they're beautiful.

I purchased Parachos neck from George at the MusikMess 5 years ago - He demonstrated their strength and resilience by throwing the one I had chosen from a group of 12, onto the carpet !
Nice crooks.

 

[Ads]

Hmmm, when he throws one off the top of blackpool tower with a B&M Champion tenor on the end of it , I`ll be impressed

 

[kevgermany]

I like the sound of wooden key touches, Grenadilla or light ash on Silver horns .. I liked that Slovenian wooden straight sop , looked like a big rosewood clarinet, shame the price made an Andy Sheppard tenor seem bargain basement.

So here we go again - wooden key touches improve you sound


Seriously, look for a taragato. Basically a wooden sop. Interesting sound.