Nickel rods and keys on the Super 20

[barksguru]

When did they start using nickel rods and/or keys on the Super 20? I have an Eastlake #466,000 and it definitely has nickel keys. And the guage seems pretty thin at that. In fact, the keywork almost has a "plastic" feel to it, especially the LH pinky cluster. Overall this gives the horn kind of a cheapy feel (the keywork makes a fair amount of noise when the horn is played vigorously), even though the body and bell seem very substantial. Does anyone else know what I'm talking about?

I would like to pick up a Super 20 with all brass keywork, if there is such a thing. What serial number range should I look at? It's funny, the horn (Eastlake) sounds better than anything I've ever owned, but the composition of the keywork sometimes makes you feel like you're playing a toy saxophone--or something made in Tawain. I guess the thing is more substantial than it feels, however, considering that it's as old as I am--34 years!

[goodsax]

Did you see the Silver Sonic Super 20 alto on eBay? You can see it at
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2367514762&category=16 232&rd=1 . I don't think this one has nickel rods or keys, but don't know for sure. Serial number is 488515.
8)

[Mike W]

I have an Eastlake Super20 tenor (underslung neck version) that SaxDaddy rebuilt. It has the nickel rods and plays quite well. The keywork is fast, quiet, and smooth now, thanks to SaxDaddy. This horn just flat beats anything I have ever played for the tone I want (and I have played a fair number of different tenors). I suspect if yours is noisy, a rebuild would fix much of what you dislike. I think that everything but the tone, which you have already said you like, can be made to play your way by a good tech. Why not just have it rebuilt?

[Mike Ruhl]

I have a 364xxx (1959, same as me :wink: ) Super 20 tenor, and it has nickel rods and brass pad cups. Not sure when they went with nibkel rods. www.saxpics.com is down at the moment - when it comes up again, we should check there for some history. The keywork on my Super 20 is a little noisy, too, but it's been a loooong time since I had it in the shop.

[barksguru]

Thanks, guys. I think I'll look into a rebuild.

[shmuelyosef]

I don't know about the very late horns, but all the Kings from somewhere in the 200K region on had nickel rods...very distinctive. They had brass keycups throughout until the Zephyrs at the Eastlake switch which were the first to get the nickel plate on the brass cups. I don't know about the later S20s...The nickel rods are very tough, and also give the Kings a distinctive look. The S20s got brazed on keytouches when they discontinued the full pearls.