My dad is an electrical engineer, who could take a broken washing machine apart and have it up and running within hours. You would think that it rubbed off but actually, whenever I tried to fix something, he would have it out of my hands in no time and fixed, also in no time. It wasn't until I lost my temper at the age of 15 and insisted that I could fix a flat tire without intervention before things started to change. As a scientist, they have changed a lot in some respects but not when it comes to mechanical devices. I am still in awe when people possess skills for mechanics, and with my interest (understatement) in saxophones, that obviously extends to saxophone technicians. I still haven't found time to attempt a repad on my own and have accomplished nothing beyond various minor repairs and adjustment that I don't hesitate to attempt on my own.
A little while ago, I made the usual mistake of buying a used horn on the internet from someone I don't know; a horn I didn't need either. It was/is an unlacquered Yani 991(UL) alto sax. In spite of pretty pictures, I arrived covered in crud. While the horn was undamaged and the pads in good condition, it was pretty clear that the previous owner never had used a swap or at least wiped off the exterior from time to time after playing, oiled the mechanics, etc. After various mishaps in attempting to return the instrument, which the seller didn't seem inclined to go along with, I let it sit in the case for quite a while annoyed with my addicted stupidity.
A couple of weeks ago, I had enough. I disassembled the hole thing, everything save for springs and corks. I polished the horn and keys with simichrome, not quite to my satisfaction, but for a sufficient length of time that I had poked my fingers on the springs repeatyedly to deter me from continuing. Besides, I really didn't have time for this.
My wife glanced at the organized mess on the coffee table and cracked a smile. I must admit that had my worries but continued until 5AM until the horn was reassembled. At that time, I figured that my neighbors probably would appreciate if I waited until later before test driving it. To my surprise, it actually played OK down to the low Eb. So I went through the mechanism and found that I had forgotten to engage the spring for the neck octave lever. This doesn't quite make sense to me but probably will have some meaning for techs etc. Anyway, now the horn also played well all the way down to Bb. Strikingly, when I put a leak light in the horn, there appeared to be none. Perhaps this is beginners luck or maybe logical if the horn was tight before disassembly. If anyone has insights, they would be much appreciated. Rather curious about why it is still seals well.
On the domestic side, I asked my wife if she had seen the horn after I reassembled it. The response was something to the effect of "so what". I tried to redeem myself arguing that it hadn't been entirely trivial for me. To this I received the response that "women don't marry guys, who cannot get themselves and their near and dear ones out of a sticky situation". Thank you very much. I wouldn't like to know what had happened if I had failed. At least wives are replaceable, which is more than I can say for two of the horns that I own.
A little while ago, I made the usual mistake of buying a used horn on the internet from someone I don't know; a horn I didn't need either. It was/is an unlacquered Yani 991(UL) alto sax. In spite of pretty pictures, I arrived covered in crud. While the horn was undamaged and the pads in good condition, it was pretty clear that the previous owner never had used a swap or at least wiped off the exterior from time to time after playing, oiled the mechanics, etc. After various mishaps in attempting to return the instrument, which the seller didn't seem inclined to go along with, I let it sit in the case for quite a while annoyed with my addicted stupidity.
A couple of weeks ago, I had enough. I disassembled the hole thing, everything save for springs and corks. I polished the horn and keys with simichrome, not quite to my satisfaction, but for a sufficient length of time that I had poked my fingers on the springs repeatyedly to deter me from continuing. Besides, I really didn't have time for this.
My wife glanced at the organized mess on the coffee table and cracked a smile. I must admit that had my worries but continued until 5AM until the horn was reassembled. At that time, I figured that my neighbors probably would appreciate if I waited until later before test driving it. To my surprise, it actually played OK down to the low Eb. So I went through the mechanism and found that I had forgotten to engage the spring for the neck octave lever. This doesn't quite make sense to me but probably will have some meaning for techs etc. Anyway, now the horn also played well all the way down to Bb. Strikingly, when I put a leak light in the horn, there appeared to be none. Perhaps this is beginners luck or maybe logical if the horn was tight before disassembly. If anyone has insights, they would be much appreciated. Rather curious about why it is still seals well.
On the domestic side, I asked my wife if she had seen the horn after I reassembled it. The response was something to the effect of "so what". I tried to redeem myself arguing that it hadn't been entirely trivial for me. To this I received the response that "women don't marry guys, who cannot get themselves and their near and dear ones out of a sticky situation". Thank you very much. I wouldn't like to know what had happened if I had failed. At least wives are replaceable, which is more than I can say for two of the horns that I own.
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BTW, thanks a lot for your bari advice, Gandalfe. 