View Full Version : C-mel Restoration
I'm looking to get my C-mel restored. I've been poking around and this Guy named Bear www.Cybersax.com , looks like he would be able to do a good job but I've also looked at www.worldwidesax.com. Any suggestions?
Saxaholic
08-21-2006, 11:09 PM
Go with www.worldwidesax.com. Faster and cheaper, with same quality of work.
Saxaholic
richardc7167
08-22-2006, 01:28 PM
I had a repad done on my Wurlitzer by Steve Epperson at Lowkey Music http://www.lowkeymusic.com. He has good prices and is sympathetic to C Melody saxophones.
bradshawm
08-22-2006, 01:57 PM
I had some work done by http://members.tripod.com/jandj_woodwinds/index.html
and it was good. He has a lot of experience with C-mel's, and has a good handle on the proper key heights for one.
One of the things that drew me to cybersax was the wash restoration. My wash is slowly losing beginning to fade. What are your experiences with washes from these companies? Below is a few pictures of "Julia" for you to get an idea of the work that I will need to have done.
danarsenault
08-22-2006, 04:00 PM
I decided to take my 1920 TT cMel down by hand instead of washing or chemistry. Besides spring poking, the results were good.
Randall
08-22-2006, 05:07 PM
Go with world wide sax....he IS the best out there and the only guy I use in the USA.
BTW, "goldwash" in the bell is a misnomer. It is gold plating....and you can get it done expertly at WWS. Just check out a few of his "finest" works and you will see this.
When I first got the instrument I had done a good bit of research on instrument restoration and did like WWSax a lot. (Although I think someone may need to proof read their website sometime) I had them give me an estimate about 2 years ago and I'll think I'll go and email them again.
As service tends to go with WWSax, how does it tend to be? How long? How is their quality with packaging and that kind of thing?
Also since I'm having the sax redone how about the case? It's in good condition but it is after all 84 years old. So is there a way I can have it restored?
SAXISMYAXE
08-22-2006, 08:51 PM
Steve of WWS is tops in all regards. He trained, in part, with an old Conn master technician who worked for Conn during it's glory days. Steve specializes in vintage horns, and knows what they require to play and look their best. His workmanship, packing and turnaround time is tops. When you get your horn back from Steve's magic, not only will you be delighted with the appearance, you will be astounded that your horn could feel and play that great.
You will be put on a project list that you can view on his site, with an accurate idea of when it will be finished.
Steve also has an apprentice working with him (really now in the journeyman stage as a tech in his own right) he personally trained who does extremely fine work also. You might want to inquire about having him do the restoration as well. All this info is on the WWS website.
I can honestly say that if I owned one of Bird or Prez's own horns, I would have no reservations about sending it to Steve for repairs, I trust him and his work that completely.
saxismyaxe, I think you forgot the line where you have someone say "this is not a paid actor but an actual customer." :toothy7:
In all seriousness I think WWSax is probably where I will go. In fact a lot of the expectations I have are actually based on some of the images off their website. So with that in mind typically how to the posted images on the site compare to the actual thing? Do they really look that good in person?
Saxaholic
08-22-2006, 10:16 PM
No, they don't look as good as the pictures.
They look better. Just do it already; you'll be glad you did.
Saxaholic
SAXISMYAXE
08-22-2006, 11:50 PM
No, they don't look as good as the pictures.
They look better. Just do it already; you'll be glad you did.
Saxaholic
Just as Saxaholic so succinctly put it, nothing short of wonderful. I'd like to stress that Steve's work isn't simply cosmetically great (although, of course it is) but his mechanical set ups are tops, and this is where the main concerns of a real musician should lie with their ax. Steve really knows how to get the most from any vintage sax keywork design.
How do I know this first hand, from the prized horns I have purchased from him.
Gandalfe
08-23-2006, 12:02 AM
I've had Steve at WWS do both my Conn straightneck C mel (http://groups.msn.com/GandalfesSaxCorner/conncmelodysax.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=297) and Conn C soprano (http://groups.msn.com/GandalfesSaxCorner/conncsopranosax.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=294). Both play very well and Steve also worked with me on the mouthpieces and reed recommendations. His price was in the middle of the price range that I checked nationally.
Fortunately Steve is 20 minutes from my house so I can't tell you about his packaging. But I can tell you that Steve is a straight shooter and a very approachable guy. He does all my vintage horn work. I just hope he will consider helping with the next instrument I'm looking to get, a bass sax. 8-)
saxmong
09-22-2006, 09:37 AM
I just want to register caution!
Steve did an overhaul for me on a curved soprano.
When I got it back it looked great and it played much easier than ever before.
It was even louder than before!
However it cost more than quoted and the case was not closed properly when shipped back.
I think his work is good! Check the cost.
vBulletin® v3.6.9, Copyright ©2000-2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.