Super Dynaction repad options

[L1]

I'm contemplating embarking upon some repadding for my all-original Super Dynaction alto (with original 34 year old pads). I don't want to turn this lovely lyrical sax into a screaming jazz/rock monster so I definitely don't want Noyek resonators. I notice that only the pads below G# appear to have resonators at all in the original pads. The upper pads have little dome-shaped "rivets". What repad/resonator options have others tried for the Super Dynaction and what do you think of them? (How did it turn out?)

[Jerry K.]

L1, I would probably go with flat metal like it has and put them on the upper and lower stack as well as the bell keys -or- I would go with the "Selmer Style" pads with plastic resonators. Either option shouldn't impact the wonderful warm sound that these horns have. I have and play an SDA alto that also has the original setup.

[madav]

I have good quality, waterproof Selmer 's on my SDA with no problems. It might be worthwhile however to check for the optimal pad thicknesses (i.e thin v fatter)

[Jerry K.]

I looked at mine and it looks to me like the .160"-.165" thickness on the pads would be a good match. Some techs only have the .185 thick pads but those would probably be too thick. Get the tech to take out a couple pads and check thickness. You can also have them hand fit a couple on the bell keys and see if they are more or less level with the tone holes. If the pad hits the edge of the tonehole nearest the pivit point first leaving a significant gap on the other side, it's too thick. Insist that the correct size is used or the horn will never be right!

[Bill Mecca]

My SDA tenor (c.1961) had all original pads save for two that had been replaced with domes. The originals were flat screw in resonators. I found a great tech, who removed and cleaned the original resos and manufactured replacements for those that were missing. (even the palm keys have screw in resos).

an incredible horn.

[BlessedSax]

:D Two years ago, Sent my alto SDA to Steve Goodson for a complete overhaul. Had the works done,expect the cryo since the horn had no dents ever. Steve install Prestini black goat skin pads 65 rockwell hardness felt and oversized domed resonators. We talked about the noyecks and determined they were not right for this kinda horn. THe horn is awesome and a joy to play, it remained dark, expressive, and willing to scream or whisper. As I play mostly in Chuch(Pentecostal) I can go from hymns to comtemporary to screaming hard effortlessly. Steve Goodson's work is worth the money. 8)

[MojoBari]

I saw and played Ray's sax. I was very impressed with the work done to it. Everyone sould treat themself to the luxery of a well set-up sax.

[L1]

I took the SDA alto into the closest repair shop earlier today (not exactly local, but close enough to drive there and back so I didn't have to ship it). Turned out the sax was leaking from top to bottom! (It still played pretty well though, amazing!) The repair guy seemed quite knowlegable and he likes the SDAs, so I decided to let him do the repad. We discussed pads and resonators. He assured me he would put in the correct thickness and I decided to stay with the flat metal resonators. I'll get it back in a couple of weeks, so I'll let you know how it turns out.

[Jerry K.]

L1, what was the outcome on the return trip to the shop?

[hornimus]

The resos are screw-in? Does that mean they screw to something brazed onto the inside of the keycup, or that they screw into a spud-type rivet that's not part of the keycup? Sorry to resurrect way-old thread here, but I just had to snipe an SDA tenor @ ebay and been poring over the old SDA chatter (and now I have to mull what I'm going to sell to pay off my mounting sax debt ...) Seller stated it has the original metal tone boosters, but I haven't a clue what was original on an SN 104xx SDA, or how he knows the boosters are original or not.....


My SDA tenor (c.1961) had all original pads save for two that had been replaced with domes. The originals were flat screw in resonators. I found a great tech, who removed and cleaned the original resos and manufactured replacements for those that were missing. (even the palm keys have screw in resos).

an incredible horn.

[hornimprovement]

The screw-in resonators are fastened to the pad with a screw rather than a rivet so they can be retained when the pad(s) are changed. Selmer did this on SBA's and many VI's. I prefer to call them screw-back. Currently I have a SDA tenor in for overhaul. It had an assortment of pads and resonators in it. I will be installing black Saxgourmet roo pads with new screw-back resonators by Reso-tech. I look forward to the test-drive.
I have seen a vintage Olds (made by SML?) that had screws and washers holding the pad to the cup like a flute (or a Buescher gone mad?).
Hope that helps! -Jeff

[hornimus]

Interesting that you mention the Olds... those were what I had in mind when I read this thread. Still not clear on which side of the pad the screw head is, but I'll know this time next week....

[Bill Mecca]

yeah they were screw in,,, you can see the screwhead... I will try to snap a pic for you it you want.

PM me.

[hornimus]

Thanks Bill, I peeked over at saxpics and found a couple snaps that show some resos up close. I can't believe I finally will have my hands on an SDA next week! Since it's an ebay thing, I feel certain it'll need an overhaul, but the seller said it plays pretty good as-is. That sparkle lacquer is probably peeling/flaking off here and there, wondering what to do to slow it. Any tips? (True, I'm just speculating negatives as it's not here yet....)

[Bill Mecca]

I'm not the one to talk to about lacquer...:lol: I think my horn had a spot relac at some point, there is a drip inside the bell, and a few years back I left it in the trunk, when I pulled it out, a few big flakes of lacquer fell off the outside of the bell. ;) it's a player's horn for sure...and play it does.

Thanks Bill, I peeked over at saxpics and found a couple snaps that show some resos up close. I can't believe I finally will have my hands on an SDA next week! Since it's an ebay thing, I feel certain it'll need an overhaul, but the seller said it plays pretty good as-is. That sparkle lacquer is probably peeling/flaking off here and there, wondering what to do to slow it. Any tips? (True, I'm just speculating negatives as it's not here yet....)

[hornimprovement]

That deep gold lacquer has a lot of dye in it which seems to make it not bond so well. If you have it overhauled, ask that it be cleaned with detergent, not acid or you will have it coming off in bigger sheets. In the mean time, just handle with care. -Jeff

[hornimus]

Oh ho ho! Got the SDA tenor in, heavy little sucker, uhummm. All the top palm-key pads are shot, can't be reseated, but all the rest are sealing light-tight, and could be original. Screw-in resos on them all, and I plan to re-use. Played this thing a little last night and where have I been? Am already planning to sell my Yani (love it, but must've been puppy-love) so I can buy one more Buffay widda' oomphay! Am I mistaken or is the neck on this thing meant to align straight up with the bell (always play standing up, so I likes it)?

Someone spot-lacquered some clear nitrocellulose lacq over the really worn/corroded areas around the toneholes on the lower stack and bow, now flaking profusely, but elsewhere the finish is the original sparkle stuff. This should be another thread, but what should I use to protect? Lemon Pledge? Wax?

[hornimus]

The resos are screw-in? Does that mean they screw to something brazed onto the inside of the keycup.....

To finally answer this question myself..... Yes, fool! They have a spud (with a screwhole) soldered to the center of the keycup--just like a plateau-style flute keycup. Found this out last night, replacing the palm-key pads. This is what I had suspected....