Anyone with the silver soprano?

[Jbroad572]

Are these plated or is there lacquer over the finish? I hated how my old tenor used to tarnish and promised I wouldn't do another silver horn, but low and behold I am considering the silver r1 jazz.

[Dave Dolson]

I had a silver-plated R&C alto for a while. I'm not sure whether or not it was lacquered over the plating. It appeared not to be, but . . .

It did not tarnish, although some of those 3M anti-tarnish strips were in the case when I acquired it. DAVE

[jivemutha]

I had a silver-plated R&C alto for a while. I'm not sure whether or not it was lacquered over the plating. . . . It did not tarnish, although some of those 3M anti-tarnish strips were in the case when I acquired it.

I don't know how effective the 3M strips are, but other than that, silver always tarnishes if unprotected. It's probably the main reason gold is more valuable than silver. Thought plate and Sterling take on slightly different looks as they tarnish (they also start out looking different from each other) both tarnish. Unless the 3M strips are miracle workers, 'sounds to me like the horn must have had laquer to protect it.

An unlaquered silver horn would be almost as much of a pain in the butt to keep shiny as would an unlaquered brass horn. On the other hand, while some people like the look of "aged" brass, I never heard of anyone preferring the look of tarnished silver.

[dave1953]

The Rampone silver soprano does not have lacquer over the silver, that would defeat part of the reason they use the silver in the first place.

Sulfur is the cause of silver tarnish and depending on where you live and other conditions there may be a major problem, or very little. My wife has silver jewelry that never tarnishes in the case but as soon as she wears a piece it turns black with tarnish in a few hours. On the other hand, most people do not have a problem with this.

I have had my silver R&C soprano for two years and with the 3M strip in the case and I have not had a problem.

[Dave Dolson]

I've posted the following comment before but I guess it needs repeating. I have owned many silver-plated saxophones (and a metal clarinet - Silver King). One that I know of has a clear-lacquer coat on it (an after-market application before I bought it). The only horn that tarnished was a Yamaha soprano (YSS62S). The others, polished and matte, have not tarnished. I have no explanation why one horn tarnished and the others didn't - in the same house handled by the same player - me. But it clearly tells me that not all silver-plated instruments tarnish automatically. DAVE

[-88-]

I bought Dave's silver alto back in December of 05, and can state that it continues to be un-tarnished to this day. Beautiful instrument. Thanks Dave.

Lastly, all this talk about silver tarnish. Hmmm. I love silver and always value it in my personal universe over gold. I also have a silver R1-J Tenor R&C (silver body, gold keys) , now almost a year ago and no tarnish on it either. Interestingly the gold keys on the horn have a slight haze on them but not the silver.

[Captain Beeflat]

Jbroad 572. If you are buying the horn new; just ask for lacquer over the silverplate if that is what you prefer.....Rampone & Cazzani are the most obliging Company, & will do whatever you ask. On my R1 (tenor) they even fitted a "flying butress" neck brace at my request; to give a vintage appearance.
I am not convinced that lacquering will make any difference to the sound.....I too, became became tired of cleaning my old silverplated Buescher & had it lacquered.....Neither I, nor my doubting friends could detect any difference. If, however, more sensitive ears could detect anything, it would be less than the tonal difference between two reeds from the same box. The simplistic part of me says that the lacquer is on the outside & all the sound bounces down the middle.......Were you to lacquer the INSIDE of the bore it would perhaps be a different story! :)

[Corkster]

I recieved my R1 Jazz Straight from saxforte about 3 months ago I love it, The tone, the feel, the heavy well made feel.

The 3M sheets do not help much but I really dont care about looks much I have been playin cheapo pawn shop horns for so long tarnished and scratched doesnt matter consistant tone, playing matter MUCH.

[txsphere]

The fabric is treated with chemicals that help keep the metal from tarnishing. Just wrapping the horn in one of these before putting it in your case can really help you avoid tarnish. You might find this stuff at a shop that sells silver.

[Randall]

mosplace sells a special wrap for silver horns that is supposed to keep your horn in good shape...check with her....

[Yellowhorn]

Jbroad -

In addition to the cloth made for silver-plated horns that several folks have mentioned here, go to a horn shop and ask for a silver-cleaning cream. It will make your horn shine like new.

Besides, it takes a long time and a lot of uncarelessness for a new RC horn to tarnish.