Cork problems on Antigua sop

[rapabq]

Antigua owners,

I've really enjoyed my new (4 months old) 586BC, but I've recently encountered a small problem with the cork on both necks. On one, a small portion appears to be swelling and about to peel away, on the other, the cork has a very slight fold-like swell. Neither affect playability yet, but I am concerned that the cork will need replacement much sooner than one would expect. I have used cork grease very liberally all along. Any other owners seen this problem?

Rick

[stevesklar]

I just played my 582 1-piece this morning, several months old like yours. My cork is nice and smooth with no sign of bubbling. Though my Selmer S80 mpc is a super tight fit I worry about that mpc damaging the cork. My Keilwerth, Couf and Otto mpcs fit better w/o having to shove it farther down.

If I played only Selmer mpcs I would sand the cork down so that I wouldn't have to shove it so hard.

But, no problems here. cork grease liberally used too.

[xuanvu]

I don't have any problem with both necks after 9 months of playing...

[Russ]

The only problem I have with mine is getting my Yanni metal m/p off !! So much so, that I leave it on the straight neck permanently. I just treat them as one piece when it comes to cleaning as they are both silver plated.

Back to the original post, I would not worry too much. Cork replacement is very cheap and considering how much these horns cost in the first place, it is a very minor concern :D

[xuanvu]

Well, i sanded my cork down a little since it doesn't fit my mpc (doesn't leave the mpc on like Russ does), it it worked perfectly fine.

[Paul Coats]

It is quite common with any new sax to have the cork too large, and require sanding for a particular mouthpiece. There is no standard bore diameter. This is why repairmen ask to have your mouthpiece when replacing the neck cork.

When sanding the cork use electrical or other vinyl tape to protect the finish of the neck while sanding. I find the best material for sanding neck corks is not regular sandpaper, but "drywall mesh". Concentrate on creating a cylindrical shape, not conical shape, to the cork. Test mouthpiece fit often. When you think it is almost right, stop, use cork grease, and try the mouthpiece.