[kenmctall]

Hello all,

I'm a longtime followers, but this is my first post.

It's time to overhaul my 189xxx Mark VI tenor, and my excellent repair guy has recommended I order Roo pads and resonators (cheaper if I get them direct.) I currently have the 'star' type resonators, but I didn't buy them the last time. So, I'm looking at Musicmedic.com and am confronted with an array of resonator metal options. It seems unlikely to me that the metal would make a difference, but does anyone have thoughts about or experience with the performance differences between brass, copper, silver-plated or gold-plated resonators?

Thanks in advance,

Ken McCall

 

[datsaxman]

Hey Ken,

Welcome!

No discernable sound difference. Including the nylon resonators.

 

[lydian]

And here's a scientific study to back that up:
http://www.music.mcgill.ca/caml/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=publications:isma2014_eveno.pdf
Conclusion says it's the rigidity, not the material that makes a sonic difference. Personally, I'd go with nylon (plastic), same as I've had on my MkVI for 40 years. I'd avoid metals that can corrode/tarnish because low Eb and the palm keys definitely will.

Even more discussion, in case Milandro doesn't see this thread
https://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?246135-What-type-of-resonators-should-I-use

 

[lesacks]

adamantium

 

[Dr G]

It seems unlikely to me that the metal would make a difference, but does anyone have thoughts about or experience with the performance differences between brass, copper, silver-plated or gold-plated resonators?

Welcome, Ken.

Material doesn't matter - size does. I haven't seen copper resos, but they will corrode even faster than bare brass, so I wouldn't go there. Plated resos will corrode less quickly. Color is up to your aesthetic preference.

I think nickel plate is most common, and that's what I recommend if you prefer to go with metal resos.

 

[1saxman]

Plus, the standard brown nylon tone boosters are the lighter than the 'boutique' metal ones, which makes the horn a little lighter but mainly reduces the weight of the moving key assembly for faster action. As already said, they are of course non-corrosive which is another plus often overlooked. The original MK VI of 1954 had metal tone boosters but they were quickly replaced for many reasons with the brown plastic ones. On a recent overhaul of my '71 VI, I got the thicker roo pads with the brown plastic booster. On another overhaul of a Selmer USA tenor, I got the polished metal boosters because that's what it came with. The results were very satisfactory in both cases. I don't see any reason to 'doctor' a MK VI that's in good condition and playing properly - if you need more power, change your mouthpiece.

 

[turf3]

I'd go with the brown plastic ones, not only because they're closest to what was on there from the factory (just a little OCDism) but also because they're a common style readily available everywhere. Even though I know perfectly well that it won't affect playing characteristics to have pads with slightly different boosters, I still prefer replacement pads to be the same as the other pads.

 

[kenmctall]

Thanks everybody! This forum is terrific!

Ken

 

[milandro]

I haven't seen copper resos, but they will corrode even faster than bare brass,.

I have tenor madness raw brass resonators (or rather reflectors) for many years not there is not one spot of corrosion or oxidation anywhere not even byt the dirtiest of the pads (the palm keys) , having said this I have seen beautiful bronze reflectors on black or chocolate brown pads.

 

[Sacks Of Phones]

I have tenor madness raw brass resonators (or rather reflectors) for many years not there is not one spot of corrosion or oxidation anywhere not even byt the dirtiest of the pads (the palm keys) , having said this I have seen beautiful bronze reflectors on black or chocolate brown pads.

I have the same ones. There is a little discoloration on a couple but no pitting/corrosion.

 

[PigSquealer]

adamantium

I think Vibranium is a better choice. Big acoustical difference. Light weight too.

I have tenor madness raw brass resonators (or rather reflectors) for many years not there is not one spot of corrosion or oxidation anywhere not even byt the dirtiest of the pads (the palm keys) , having said this I have seen beautiful bronze reflectors on black or chocolate brown pads.

You actually have to play it to induce corrosion or dirt.

Ken, pick a color combination you like. I'm not overly crazy of plastic look on a nice Mk Vi.