reference 54 problem???

[devanabigia]

8 months ago i bought a new ref 54 (mat) when i took it home i noticed a few black dots on the finish but the feel was smooth under my fingers. Now 8 months later the black dots are easier to see and you can feel them when you touch the horn, i took it for service and adjustment and i told to the repair man about the dots (on the bell) he told me that its nothing to worry about but he never have seen any other horn like that but he will ask his boss about this. Notice that the repair man works to the shop i bought my sax from. My sax is there at the time and i will go the day after tomorrow to see what happened. The guarantee is still valid what should i do? i believe that they will tell me that the horn wont get worse but i believe the opposite. I need your opinions soon please.

[Dr G]

If the horn plays well, don't get wrapped around the cosmetics. They might replace the horn with one that doesn't play as well and then where would you be???

Those spots are not unknown - they tend to come from impurities left on the horn before lacquering.

[devanabigia]

Thanks but is it possible for the the horn to oxidize under the lacquer?? i really don't care about the cosmetics and the sax sounds great but.... i don't know....you know its brand new. I don't intend to sell it but if at some time i have to???? ...thanks George!!

[Dave Dolson]

I'm thinking that for the money this horn cost you, there should be NO cosmetic blemishes. And, I also suspect those imperfections will only become worse.

Maybe you should PM saxmanglen who also had discolorations on his Ref 54. Whether the problem was there when you bought it OR it developed afterwards, if under warranty, I'd return it.

I bought a new Ref 54 a while back and it is still in pristine condition with no problems, playing or cosmetic. I wouldn't have accepted the situation you describe. DAVE

[Dr G]

Yes, it is possible. It is believed to be from solder flux residue when it appears near solder joints. On the matte finishes, it may be from particles left in the brass when the horn is brushed.

For what it's worth, both of my last two new Selmers (Serie III and Ref 36) had some sort of such cosmetic "beauty mark" - both at the bell-to-bow joint. Both played great and were not at all compromised by the blemish.

"Beauty is only skin deep but ugly goes all the way to the bone."

[Gandalfe]

Hmm... no blemishes on any of my three Ref 54s or Ref 36 (thanks Kessler Music (http://www.kesslermusic.com/sotw/sotw.htm)). It's a pain, but you might want to talk to your sales rep about this. Very frustrating situation if you ask me. :shock:

[devanabigia]

i totally agree with all you guys...I will try to contact the shop owner tomorrow about the "blemish" but i am afraid that they will insist that there is no problem at all...anyway tomorrow is not long from now....I will inform all of you about the results... I also will try to contact with saxmanglen (thanks Dave)

[themacintrasher]

If the horn plays well, don't get wrapped around the cosmetics. They might replace the horn with one that doesn't play as well and then where would you be???

Those spots are not unknown - they tend to come from impurities left on the horn before lacquering.

Agreed.

[saxmanglen]

My situation is pretty much the same as Dr G's above.

[devanabigia]

The result.....I went today and the informed me that they will fax at selmer paris about the lacquer there is the possibility to ask me to send my sax for re lacquering at the factory of course this will take time.... Unfortunately i believe that re lacquering is not a good option possibly will change the characteristic sound of it. My sax is a very good sax and i am thinking keeping it the way it is. They will call me after the communication with selmer so i will know for the options. But in the end i believe that MY selmer is the best in the world in MY world. Thanks everybody for your answers and suggestions i am still open for more, nothing is over yet.