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I purchased a new low A bari from a well-known and highly respected dealer and SOTW member. The sax was shipped from the dealer’s shop hundreds of miles away. I am confident that it arrived in the same condition as when it was shipped.
A major aspect of this dealer’s reputation is the professional set-up that all instruments get before being shipped. I was surprised, then, to find that the none of the felt bumpers on the low A, Bb, and B keys touched the keys at all. When those keys are released they fly open and bounce a few times, because the bumpers appear to have been radically shortened. The keys never touch the bumpers. The A-key bumper is essentially not there, as it is about flush with the underside of the key guard (see photo below). The other two bumpers actually extend below the bottom of the key guards, but not enough to engage the keys and dampen the keys’ movement. The bumpers are screwed fully in.
View attachment 241628
I find it difficult to believe that this sax was set up with anything approaching care. I would understand if there was a reason to set these keys high, but I believe that the bumper should still serve to dampen the movement of the key, so it comes to a quick stop rather than bouncing to a stop. If this obvious issue was overlooked, what confidence should I have in the rest of the set-up?
My question for SOTW members is, am I correct in viewing this as a botched set-up? Is there any legitimate reason to ship a brand-new sax with bumpers in this condition when professional set-up is part of the sales pitch (or even if it isn’t)?
I emailed the dealer this morning, but have not received a reply. I plan to wait for an explanation and solution from him before revealing his name. This is due to his great reputation, and to the fact that I can envision an acceptable resolution being offered. I am just looking for assurance that my opinion of this issue is reasonable.
A major aspect of this dealer’s reputation is the professional set-up that all instruments get before being shipped. I was surprised, then, to find that the none of the felt bumpers on the low A, Bb, and B keys touched the keys at all. When those keys are released they fly open and bounce a few times, because the bumpers appear to have been radically shortened. The keys never touch the bumpers. The A-key bumper is essentially not there, as it is about flush with the underside of the key guard (see photo below). The other two bumpers actually extend below the bottom of the key guards, but not enough to engage the keys and dampen the keys’ movement. The bumpers are screwed fully in.
View attachment 241628
I find it difficult to believe that this sax was set up with anything approaching care. I would understand if there was a reason to set these keys high, but I believe that the bumper should still serve to dampen the movement of the key, so it comes to a quick stop rather than bouncing to a stop. If this obvious issue was overlooked, what confidence should I have in the rest of the set-up?
My question for SOTW members is, am I correct in viewing this as a botched set-up? Is there any legitimate reason to ship a brand-new sax with bumpers in this condition when professional set-up is part of the sales pitch (or even if it isn’t)?
I emailed the dealer this morning, but have not received a reply. I plan to wait for an explanation and solution from him before revealing his name. This is due to his great reputation, and to the fact that I can envision an acceptable resolution being offered. I am just looking for assurance that my opinion of this issue is reasonable.