[Graysax]

So awhile ago I picked up an early Transitional Conn Alto (exactly like a Chu except with the sculpted E key). I picked it up for a reasonable price because half the keys were off the instrument and many rods and screws are missing. I can replace those.

However, now comes the question I want to throw out to the SOTW community....

Which pads should I use to make the horn the most desirable to potential customers?

I am going to simplify the choosing process.

Lets pretend I have 4 Conn Chu Altos with consecutive serial numbers. They are identical in EVERY way except for the pads used.

One has Basic Leather with Plastic Domed resos, the next has Conn Reso pads. The next one has White Roo Pads with Seamless Metal Domed resos - and the last has Black Saxgourmet Pads with Metal Seamless Domed resos.

Which saxophone would your gut say - "I like!!" - maybe even before you play it.

Are there many people out there that LOOK for Roo or Saxgourmet pads on a vintage horn when they are shopping? Are there many people out there who value originality in using the conn reso pads? Or do the bulk of you not care and would be just as happy with a good basic standard type pad?

(note that I am not asking for any opinions as to WHY you like one more than the other)

I guess you could say that I am testing the waters as to which pads I should use in my upcoming resale project. I am really torn which pad to use - especially if it isn't for myself.

Charlie

 

[SiB0717]

black roos...

 

[Rennie]

Reso pads for sure - and flat metal resonators.

 

[baribassdan]

option 5: basic leather with seamless domes

 

[abadcliche]

There may be folks out there who look for roopads in a purchase, but they are probably in the minority. But given that, there are not a ton of new horns out there with roopads on them, so while your audience may be small your competition is scarce.

If it were mine, I'd put regular precision pads on it with flat metal resos. Flat seamless metal is the way to go on these, IMHO.

 

[simso]

Yep regular pads. Apart from the appearance of an overwhelming trend here on this forum. Ive had maybe 2 customers in 2000 that were curious to the type of pad installed, for most its like underwear, its there and it does a job

 

[guido]

Many many years ago, I had a real nice 6m overhauled with new Reso pads. It was a bear to keep sealing well from then on. I got tired of the struggle and sold it. Pitty. Nicest 6m I ever played before the damage was done.

 

[Chris Peryagh]

I wonder if MusicMedic will offer flat metal resos without the rivet through them?

 

[shootingstar]

I go 2 different ways. Sometimes I already know the cat who is going to buy the sax so I let him pick the set up. If I don't know the potential buyer and will be offering it for sale to the general public I go with black roo pads with domed plastic boosters that I have painted black with Krylon spray paint for plastic. They seem to disappear!!! It's a cool look.

 

[jbtsax]

If the sax has a silver finish, I would go with the white roos with the flat metal reso's. The white pads look great on vintage silver saxophones and the flat metal resos are close to the original Conn reso-pads.

 

[cvsimson]

As you can see there are votes for all options.
I guess most people will be happy that it has new good-quality pads, and that the service was done by someone credible. The pad choice will probably not change the price or the buying decision much.
I would go for the white roo pads for the vintage look, knowing that the quality is good.

 

[TMadness1013]

FWIW, I have my Chu over at MusicMedic right now getting black Saxgourmet pads & Maestro resonators.

I got white Roos on my 10M a few years back & they're great...but the ones in the upper stack don't stay perfectly white very long.

I'd go w/ the black. Silver + black is also a great combo!

 

[clarnibass]

At least here, I don't think normal pads would disacarouge anyone from buying it. I doubt white or black pads would discarouge anyone from buying it either, but some might think it's weird, at least at first. What could affect the price by far most would be how the sax plays for a potential buyer and possibly also the reputation of the seller (i.e. a repairer might be able to charge more than a player).