CONSTRUCTION: Dark Pearls

[Beagles]

Can anyone shed some light on the dark pearls found on older SML's.
I have seen them on Supers and other older models. They appear
randomly and some older horns are all white.

[StevenW]

8)

[jotteff]

These black pearls aren't really black when you "shed some light" :wink: on them (and look from different angles). It's an iridescent dark green to purple.
That's no discoloration due to chemical processes or such, it's a variety of the natural pearl shell which seems to have been "en vogue" at some point in time. Known as "black pearl" or "Tahiti pearl" (do a web search on black pearl shells).

[Beagles]

Are the newer (say Rev D) horns synthetic. I found this pic. Others
may just have one or two dark keys.
http://www.saxpics.com/the_gallery/sml/super/Super44/alto/silver/5382_super44/

[Rev. D]

There was a discussion of this issue on the old board some time ago. I recall someone claiming that both SML and Selmer used black MOP during WW II. Maybe it was a sign of a Vichy horn! Anyway, I have a nice Rev. B tenor of that vintage with mixed black and white pearls. Does anyone know if black pearl use was confined to these French manufacterers in the 1940s?

[Tom Fisher]

I think black pearl is called Abalone. There is a UK site that deals in this and normal mop and makes inlays for musical instruments of all kinds. If I find the site, I'll post the address.

[Tom Fisher]

Here it is. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the different varieties: Gold Lip, Abalone and Black lip mop.

http://www.pearlgifts.bizland.com/mother_of_pearl.html