[nlfose]

I want to disassemble clean and restore my 1921 Beuscher C Melody and replace the needle springs. I dont want to wait until I have it disassembled to measure and order the springs. Can anybody tell me a general reference of the spring sizes? I dont mind if I have a few extra of one or two sizes but dont want to waste a lot of money buying a ton of useless springs either. Also any opinions on whether stainless or blue steel are best would be helpful.

 

[hornfixer]

What is wrong with the springs?
What do you hope to acomplish with new springs?

Thanks, Paul

 

[nlfose]

One of the springs has broken off and others look weak like they are about to. The springs have corroded over the last 90 years.

 

[nlfose]

By the way, thanks Paul, I knew I could count on you. It's been a long time since I have been back here. Life seems to get in the way.

 

[Stephen Howard]

The springs are likely to be in the number 1 to 4 range, with perhaps some 001s required for the larger springs.
I'd stick to like-for-like and replace them with blued steel springs.

Regards,

 

[nlfose]

Thanks again. Not sure what the reference 1-4 and 001 are.....the ones I was looking at are sold by dimension, thickness and length in mm and yes the one that broke is a somewhat larger one near the bow (dont have the sax handy to tell you which key and dont remember off hand)

 

[Stephen Howard]

Here's a size chart:

http://www.windplus.co.uk/supplies/needle_springs.html

Regards,

 

[saxtek]

One broken spring does not dictate a complete replacement of springs. Often, the springs manufactured today are in inferior to springs manufacured 50-90 years ago. Clean the springs, oil them, and examine them. If they are not deeply rusted or pitted, keep the old ones that are good and replace only the springs that look doubtful

 

[nlfose]

Thanks for the tip saxtek I will heed that

 

[Gordon (NZ)]

The only sure way to know what size to buy is to measure the current ones (or the stump extracted from the post). Diameter is quite critical.
Use preferably a micrometer.