[kgiles]

I was thinking about an overhaul for my series ii tenor. It includes a complete tear down and repair of springs , pads , and tone holes. Has anyone done this and used kbsax?

 

[swperry1]

If KBSax is Ken Beason, I highly recommend!

 

[Dr G]

If KBSax is Ken Beason, I highly recommend!

Kim Bock

https://www.kbsax.com/saxophone-overhaul/

 

[swperry1]

Kim Bock

https://www.kbsax.com/saxophone-overhaul/

Oops...Then I have no comment to offer!

 

[saxyjare01]

I’ve heard nothing but great things about Kim’s overhauls.

 

[Sakshama]

I had a Mark VI overhauled by him and I was very, very happy.

 

[HeavyWeather77]

Kim Bock is one of the best in the business. You will not regret having him work on your horn.

Coincidentally, Ken Beason is also one of the best in the business. I've played instruments set up by both KBs and they've all been excellent.

 

[JL]

I don't know Kim Bock or Ken Beason, but they appear to have a great reputation. In any case I can tell you that if you get an overhaul done by a good tech, you'll be absolutely amazed at how much better your horn plays (assuming of course that it needs the work). Get it done!

And yeah, I've had an overhaul done in the past and it was money well spent. Essential, actually.

 

[Ixthusdan]

I was thinking about an overhaul for my series ii tenor. It includes a complete tear down and repair of springs , pads , and tone holes. Has anyone done this and used kbsax?

How often do you have your horn serviced? Is it always waiting until its time for an overhaul or do you have it benched occasionally? I know you play more than I do, but I am curious.

 

[JL]

How often do you have your horn serviced? Is it always waiting until its time for an overhaul or do you have it benched occasionally?

That's a good point. No need to get an overhaul unless the horn needs one. I found that after getting an overhaul, due to the fact I played the horn for several years without ever taking it in for minor work, I haven't had to get it overhauled again because I take it in every year or so. The most work its needed was changing several pads. But if you let the horn go too long it can reach the point where nothing short of an overhaul will put it back into top condition.

 

[JayeLID]

That's a good point. No need to get an overhaul unless the horn needs one.

Exactly. A lot of techs will hard-sell an overhaul, but a lot of times it isn't exactly 'necessary'.

Ixthusdan.....there's a big range of servicing available. If the majority of pads aren't problematic, a tech can just do a playing condition scope. If the tech finds it needs so many pads changed that you might as well repad the horn, they can do a repad.

Overhaul = (definitions vary from tech to tech, but generally)

Complete disassembly
Complete cleaning of all parts and neck and body
Dentwork
neck work if required
Key swedging
Possible resoldering of some elements if necessary
Installation of new pads, corks, felts
Tonehole leveling
Rod straightening if req'd
Lubing
RE-assembly
Keywork regulation

(very few techs will replace all springs....unless the springs are in really bad shape)

So....maybe bring the horn to a few local techs and ask for an assessment/estimate; see if 2 techs assessments more or less align with one another... (unless you are fine with just springing for the whole-hog overhaul....in which case, if you have no budgetary constraints...why not go for it (especially given the reputation of the tech)

 

[Graysax]

repair of springs

How does one repair a spring? Replace yes. Adjust tension, Yes.

Repair?????

 

[Ixthusdan]

That's a good point. No need to get an overhaul unless the horn needs one. I found that after getting an overhaul, due to the fact I played the horn for several years without ever taking it in for minor work, I haven't had to get it overhauled again because I take it in every year or so. The most work its needed was changing several pads. But if you let the horn go too long it can reach the point where nothing short of an overhaul will put it back into top condition.

The store I purchased my horn from suggested I bring it in once per year. My previous horn I did nothing and had to have it overhauled twice in 18 years. I actually paid more for both overhauls than I paid for the horn. I would like to take better care of the Cannonball.

 

[JL]

The store I purchased my horn from suggested I bring it in once per year. My previous horn I did nothing and had to have it overhauled twice in 18 years. I actually paid more for both overhauls than I paid for the horn. I would like to take better care of the Cannonball.

Makes sense. And yeah, if you're playing the horn on a regular basis, once a year is about right for having it checked out; almost certainly at least some minor work (maybe a pad or two getting changed) will be needed. And in any case if you detect some problems, usually caused by leaks*, take it in. Find a good local tech if at all possible.

Maintaining the horn in good condition should eliminate the need for a complete overhaul.

*Because we tend to adjust to minor leaks that form gradually, by the time you really notice something wrong, it's likely to be a major leak.