[beezer]

Just acquired this yesterday (attack of GAS). S/N 499XXX. A couple of questions, and I have just spent the last hour searching this forum with no definitive answers.
I am getting the octave splitting at G2 which Series 3 are supposed to be prone to. Does anybody know the correct dimensions of both octave pip holes which seem to have a bearing on this problem. I think the keys are opening about right.
I don't have this problem on my 6,sba and 54 tenors.

I think the horn has been well played, but it is in superb cosmetic condition, with NO plating wear. Could it be solid silver, and how do you tell. There are no hallmarks that I can see.
Lastly, I'm afraid that compared with the above horns, it plays OK, but.............., but it certainly looks very nice.
Cheers, Dave

 

[SuperAction80]

It is hard to identify this problem without seeing the horn, mouthpiece/reed combo, and the player. If you have a Mark VI, SBA, and 54 tenors, I can assume that you are a proficient player who has experience with tenor saxophones. Before looking for the octave tone hole dimensions, I would check to make sure that the pads on both octave key holes are sealing. In fact it's a good idea to check for leaks everywhere in the horn. I'm assuming that this horn was shipped and not purchased in a store. In that case the horn may have been damaged (octave mechanism most likely) during shipping. The best advice I can offer is to find a capable local tech and have them give the horn a once over. If you're feeling really experimental, try using the Reference 54 neck as some players swap necks with interesting results.

As far as the Tenor being solid silver, I do not believe that Selmer offered solid silver horns until the series III. Congrats on your purchase and a once over by a tech should have this horn playing wonderfully. Hope this helps.

 

[beezer]

Found the problem. Worth looking at for anybody with similar symptoms.
The skin on the lower octave pad is sound but very loose, meaning that although the pad appears to lift about 1/8 inch the loose skin was still obstructing the pip hole. Fixing this has transformed the horn. Still not quite up to the others though. It might have to go.
Regarding the silver, the neck tenon is definitely brass, therefore I assume that the horn is plated. Ah well.
Cheers, Dave