[byas-a-drink]

Hi ,
i have a tenor selmer (sn 187xx) without front F, and as i'm used to having a front F i'd like to have a extra key put on.
I was thinking of getting a yamaha front F key, because it's the easiest way to put a extra front F key.
My technician could buy the key, but he cannot get the "feet" that are soldred on the body.
Any idea where i could get those?
or any suggestion on how to add an extra front F key on a tenor?
thanks

 

[kryz]

I would find a better tech!

I wouldn't trust a tech to do the job, if he can't even get the parts!

 

[Jonathan C.]

I would suggest sending it to a Saxophone Tech. for this repair.

 

[JerryJamz2]

Which model Selmer?? I would assume we're talking about a Mk VI tenor here, but specifics matter. Lots of "Selmer" models which have the Selmer name on them also ie, Selmer Signet, Selmer TS300.

Mk VI parts are very difficult to find if not impossible. These you can not order from the manufacturer. Later models you can, though the older the model, the more likely parts are and will become an issue in terms of availability.

 

[mike_s]

i have a selmer alto, serial 10,000 that had no front F. i ordered through a music shop a yamaha front F key and it came with the key and the craddle to solder onto the horn.

the yamaha mechanism works fine. the other option is to use a craddle and post from a parts horn and then silver solder on more rod and a pearl etc....

you might also post in the parts wanted sectioned that youa re looking for a yamaha 23 tenor front F assembly, surely someone has a parts horn.

i assume your tenor has the regular F palm key and not that weird one that they used on some tenors where it pivots like the high E key?

 

[byas-a-drink]

Thanks mike for your answer.
Yes my tenor has the normal palm F.
I'll try to get a key here in the forum as you suggest.
Do you remember where did you get the key from, in case i don't get one through SOTW?

 

[abadcliche]

Which model Selmer??

Selmer SSS = Selmer Super Sax = http://www.saxpics.com/selmer/sss.htm

 

[abadcliche]

A front F from a yts-23 would do the job fine, but it won't look great. Where are you located, Byas? What about finding a tech that can make you a nice looking front F in the style of the later Selmer front F either using modified spare parts or making one from scratch? It might then add to the value of the horn vs. detract, and will certainly be easier on the eyes.

 

[byas-a-drink]

i'm located in germany. it's hard to find a creative tech who is ready to do a good job. adding a front F in the selmer style would mean soldering two new keys on the body, which is not a simple work to do.

 

[abadcliche]

I disagree, and I think many of the techs around here will disagree as well. Soldering posts on to the body is something every tech has to do fairly often. If your tech regards this as difficult work, I suggest trying out another one.

FWIW, I recently added a front F to my main alto in about two hours, and that included silver plating parts. I didn't have to make anything, but I did have to cut down the A key to make room on the rod, move the spring saddle down on the A key (it was on the part that got cut off), plate the new parts (off a parts horn of the same make), fit the front F pearl key on the rod so there was no play in the upper stack, solder the rocker mech. in exactly the right spot, and then cork and adjust everything.

Picture:

 

[byas-a-drink]

Hi Matt,
that looks very good. i whish i could have you work the same on my horn...
I'll contact you if i come to NYC.

 

[abadcliche]

Thanks! But honestly, a lot techs here on the board could do it just as well if not better. Keep on the lookout for a better tech. I know there are a few folks here on SOTW that live in Germany, and I'm sure they might have a recommendation for this type of work.

 

[kymarto]

This is odd...I have a Selmer Super alto, serial 16xxx, and it has a front F. Did they not put them on the tenors until later??

Toby

 

[mike_s]

there seems to be no rhyme or reason to it. i have had two largebore alto's, both around 10,000, one had a front F and the other did not. the horn without the front F had the higher serial number (they were within about 500 of one another).

i think selmer started adding them around 6000 or so.

 

[MusicMedic]

i'm located in germany. it's hard to find a creative tech who is ready to do a good job.

Some of the finest work I have seen done came from this shop:
http://www.sax-o-phon.de

Hey Matt, Nice Job on that Front F!

 

[AMASAX]

The front F was a delete option on the Selmers up through the Radio Improved series. Have never seen any later Selmers without the F.

The front F became somewhat standard later in the Modele 26 run, altho the delete option is more common on the earlier horns than on the later, Super models.

I have an old Selmer booklet by a guy named Andy Sanella(Sanello?, don't remember exact spelling), who was evidently kinda famous on the NYC scene in the late 1920's. Anyway, he actually recommends -not- having a front F key, for some reason. Claims it's not needed and not authentic, whatever that means.

 

[wilsaxo]

Nice job Matt. I've made front f keys that fit over an extended hinge rod of the high eb key so that no soldering to the horn was done and it was removable for "authenticity". The touch piece in the photo is a vegetable ivory tagua nut.
View attachment 2619

David

 

[ZephyrSax]

This is odd...I have a Selmer Super alto, serial 16xxx, and it has a front F. Did they not put them on the tenors until later??

Toby

Oh, I was wondering that myself. I've been testing an alto in the early (very early) 15xxx range, and it has a front F.

 

[abadcliche]

Darn it, I can't view Davids photo through Firefox or IE. Anybody feel like either emailing it to me or posting it via imageshack.us?

 

[byas-a-drink]

a pic for me please!

Hi,
i'd like a pic too...
thanks