[Windblown]

Hello,

I just acquired a mostly bare-brass Buescher soprano. On the outside, it has a visible seam in the metal showing as a straight line along the entire length of the sax. I didn't know that the line is also visible inside the sax until I took possession of it several days ago. Since moisture could eventually get inside of the seam from the inside, I am concerned.

Do I have a serious problem here? Would the long-term usability of this horn be affected by this condition?

There are also a few dark tarnish spots. Will they also become a problem if left alone? I actually like the way the horn looks as is, and it is a good player. I bought the sax thinking it wouldn't need any major work and the seller did offer a trial period.

Can someone advise me here?

photos:
http://home.earthlink.net/~lnauman/TT_sop/P1010021.JPG

http://home.earthlink.net/~lnauman/TT_sop/P1010027.JPG

http://home.earthlink.net/~lnauman/TT_sop/P1010025.JPG

 

[paulio]

Beaut horn.

You have nothing whatsoever to worry about there, the discolouration of the seam is simply the brass alloy filler rod used in the joining process having a different ratio of alloys to lower the melt temp and avoid the whole horn ending up as a puddle on the floor. The different constitution of the alloy having a different tarnish / oxidisation characteristic and hence colour. All saxes have a seam, it is just less obvious on a shiny horn.

Unless you don't like it in which case i could take it off your hands for say $2.5

Paulio

 

[TenTenTooter]

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?t=48268

 

[Windblown]

Thanks...I've been too much in a hurry these days to use the search button. Sometimes I have better luck using Google search to find information here.

My lesser concern was those dark spots. What causes them to appear and will they get bigger?

I read a recent thread about these old bare brass finishes, but, if I can recall, not a whole lot was mentioned about cause and prevention. I guess making sure the horn is somewhat dry before putting it away would help.

Thanks again