Dolnet lacquer

[sax-ony]

Hello

I have just bought a Dolnet alto (S/N 390xx). It has a two-tone finish and is in reasonable shape (minor dent on the bell, slightly bent keyguard, very slightly bent octave link). The obvious defect is the lacquer. The old red leather pads are sealing OK but worn so it will be going to my repair man for a repad etc. I would appreciate views on the pros and cons (musically and in terms of value) of having it relacquered. The plating of the keys is virtually perfect, but only about 50-60% of the lacquer remains on the body, and this is badly spotted, particularly along the lines of the bell engraving. It could look very smart, and I'm tempted to have it relacquered, but only if it's appropriate. What do people think?

[I. Fallon]

Hi Sax-ony.

The lacquer used on French saxophones of this vintage do not take heat well, so you are lucky that that the keys and valve covers are plated. Otherwise, the heat used to seat the new pads might also result in further lacquer damage or loss.

Conventional wisdom is to enjoy the Dolnet without attempting to renovate the lacquer. A re-lacquer job is expensive, may alter the sound quality of the horn, and would reduce the resale value to other players.

I would enjoy the horn as nature aged it. Certainly invest in good pads and regulation. The Dolnet is a nice playing horn.

[sax-ony]

Hello, I. Fallon

Thanks for the advice: sounds as though I should count my blessings! Any recommendations as to the best kind of pads/resonators for such an instrument?

[I. Fallon]

I would be completely out of my area to comment on specific pads. A post under pads or repairs may be of more help.

The Music Medic site (that has a little ad on the top of this forum) has been formulating a pad using kangaroo leather that I am very excited about for an old Conn Alto I have. Kangaroo leather is extremely durable and pliable.

Vintage American saxophones often nickel plated keys on student horns to resist wear on school instruments and perhaps for marketing. French and German horns also plated keys for the same reasons. The Dolnet is definitely NOT a student horn, but your repairman may not be aware of them.

Any case designed to fit a Selmer Paris (which is all of them) should work fine for a Dolet.