Steve Sklar of Saxmaniax.com

[Stacey]

I probably should have posted this here, rather than over in the dealer evaluations... Moderators, feel free to delete the one over there...


I wanted to put in a plug for our very own SOTW member Steve Sklar of Saxmaniax.com. Steve recently gave me a great deal on an overhaul, when I complained that I couldn't afford my local guy. Steve is in Michigan, and I'm in Arizona, but I decided to take my chances with Fedex, and things worked out great.

I sent Steve my Mark 7 alto, the one I bought new and had never so much as had the pads replaced in its entire 25-year life. Steve did a great job of keeping me informed as to its progress, and about a week ago I got the horn back.

My VII now has a vaguely familiar feel to it... because it feels and plays like it did 25 years ago, when it was new! The horn is tight, solid as a rock, and easy to play. The low end seems less stuffy and much easier to play, the middle range doesn't start leaking and squeaking after 30 minutes of play (before the overhaul, life was frustrating), and the high notes are are easy and clear as ever. If it weren't for all of the lacquer wear, it would be hard to tell this horn apart from a "new" Mark 7 (if such things existed).

I was also impressed that when Steve resoldered the support post for the "rod guard" that came off in 1984, the solder job had almost NO impact on the surrounding lacquer - it was EXTREMELY well done.

I must disclose that I consider Steve to be a "friend", as well, even though we've not met. However, I gladly recommend him for good, solid overhauls and repads, and I wouldn't do that if I weren't happy with his work - friend or not.

My horn is now set, for many years to come, at a great price. Thanks, Steve!

[Mark R]

I am actually a bit belated in adding this post of praise for Saxmaniax.com. I bought a very nice playing Keilwerth New King Tenor sax from them. It only need minor adjustments and it plays very nicely. Got it at a great price too. All in all Steve and Ed are top notch to deal with and do some decent work too. Communication and delivery was very swift. It was a pleasure doing business with them and I will certainly go to them first when I am in need of anything saxophonic to see if they can fill the bill. I also found them both to be quite honest and nice guys.

[Stacey]

Indeed. I was so pleased with my Mark 7 alto that I have now sent both my Cannonball tenor and my Conn C-melody to Saxmaniax, with the vague instructions "Please - do something!" Such is my level of trust in both their abilities and their honesty. I even trusted them with my beloved Morgan mouthpieces for each horn, so they can playtest with the same setup I use.

[EZ]

Thanks for the kind words! Stacey - I can't wait to try those Morgans! Been considering getting one myself...

- Ed

[stevesklar]

Thanks Mark & Stacey.

I would also like to mention that if I'm going to be doing an overhaul for an established customer and s/he can't do without a horn for that amount of period, I will ship out a horn for them to use. They only pay shipping to and fro.

Right now I have an alto & tenor sax and a clarinet on-hand for those occasions.

[Stacey]

Steve did indeed send me a loaner alto during my overhaul. I didn't mention it publicly, because I didn't know if that was a personal favor or not. My only complaint was that I really liked the loaner, and had a hard time convincing myself that I really didn't need to buy it as a backup alto.

[anchorman]

Look no further for top knotch mouthpiece modifications, refacing, repair etc.
Ed took two of my metal mpc's that had so many problems that they should have gone to the scrap barrel. He brought them to new life, excellent appraisel, prompt service, fantastic communication and a genuine concern for me and the finished product. I now have that Priceless Link and Lawton that I'll take to my casket. Contact Ed at zed@saxmaniax.com for the finest service you can obtain anywhere. You will be astonished at this mans integrity and honesty. If it's possible, he's the man to do it. Craftsmanship not seen in many places these days. You will also retain your arm and leg.

Thanks ED

[Kritavi]

Ed did a superior job on several pieces for me as well, including two damaged at the tip tonalins that another professional pronounced as unrepairable. Ed did a spectacular job on both, they feel solid, look great and play great too.

[Stacey]

I have now received my Cannonball BBGS tenor back from Steve, and he did some wonderful things to it. I've always loved the horn, but some of the keywork did have kind of a loose, sloppy feel to it that caused me to describe the horn as "a train wreck waiting to happen". Steve took out ALL of the slop, did some swedging where required, fixed a few leaks, replaced a couple of pads, and also made the side C/Bb mechanisms a lot faster. The result is a horn that feels like it is a whole lot better made, a whole lot less likely to leak, and a lot faster responding.

As usual, the price was unbeatable, and the workmanship wonderful.

I'm now looking forward to seeing what good things Steve can do for my poor C-melody!