[Jolle]

Sorry to invade again with a stupid question, but I couldn't find a satisfying answer on this one yet :

I have done two instruments to the same tech, and a friend of mine one. Mine were a tenor and a soprano, and his was an alto. The three instruments played good when they came back from the tech.

But after one to two weeks, we both noticed that on every instrument the low register suddenly became unplayable again. Check up with our backup instruments showed it wasn't us or the reed.

Is it normal that after adjustment a sax deregulates again in such a short time? I'm going with my tenor to a different tech soon who is a lot more expensive and about 150 km further, but who has a solid reputation. I'm just wondering whether it's worth the cost if this is a normal problem.

Thank you in advance.

 

[hornfixer]

Is it normal that after adjustment a sax deregulates again in such a short time?

No.

 

[Gordon (NZ)]

...Is it normal that after adjustment a sax deregulates again in such a short time?..

No!

Something has been done incompetently.

Typical example: After non-existent, or shoddy adjustment (especially if it involves non-level tone holes, sloppy pivots, or poor quality pads), the keys are clamped closed. This compresses the felt sufficiently to maybe get a better seal, but unless this 'compensation' is minute - of an order less than say 0.0005", the felt gradually reverts to close to its original state, which was that of poorly sealing. This is a common syndrome with brand new instruments.

And to be blunt, if this is the case, then you are unlikely to suddenly teach such a shortcutting tech new tricks.

 

[Jolle]

thanks for the answers. So I have to find yet another tech.

Good techs are hard to find here in Belgium. grmbl...

 

[milandro]

well I can advise on a couple of good technicians in Holland!

I always get that with my car....when I bring it to the shop for a check up or fixing something it is almost guaranteed to show some OTHER faults days after that....so I started being present while my car was serviced.. .

Seriously, if you need a couple of addresses....

 

[Jolle]

I'm going to give Adams a try (they have a Belgian departement in Diest).

But if you have some other names, always welcome.
Thanks in advance

 

[milandro]

No doubt they are very big, very neat, not particularly personal and...... not cheap.

On the other hand, there are many other ones too... but they are further away from Gent. De Saxofoonwinkel in Deventer is very popular among our eastern neighbours in Germany they are toptone specialists (Adams does install them too), Amsterdam winds in Amsterdam and Matthew's in Edam are very good too. Matthew's really impressed me lately with how friendly they are besides being capable. De Saxofoonwinkel is friendly too.

Tim Brennan in Haarlem (two AA's for the American readers... ) is very competent and cheaper than most, runs a repair only shop at home in Haarlem and will do very good and no nonsense work for you. I personally would recommend all of these shops.

 

[Jolle]

thanks for the adresses. Unfortunately, that's about 2h30m driving for me...

 

[Grumpie]

thanks for the adresses. Unfortunately, that's about 2h30m driving for me...

PM

 

[milandro]

my pleasure.....on the other hand, you shouldn't do this very often but once in a couple of years or occasionaly for major work and you could keep ordinary maintenance done locally.