C Melody Saxophone Forum

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C Melody Saxophone Forum / Repairs and Refurbishing / Missed anything obvious ?

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alan (uk) '08
User ID: 1731514 Feb 14th 1:37 PM
Well, you wanted new topics.

I get quite a lot of useful info by reading the topics in the Saxontheweb "Repair" section, but don't like to comment much as I'm not that expert (by comparison to some) - or so I thought.

There was a topic about someone dismantling a Conn New Wonder, but had problems with stuck rods/screws.. After reading all the useful proferred 'freeing up' suggestions, I privately mailed the young dismantler and asked an obvious question - wanting to spare his blushes by asking on an open forum.

The question was "You do know about the little locking screws on the side of the pillars ? Are you trying to unscrew locked screws, by any chance ?"

He was, he hadn't notice the locking grubscrews, another Conn innovation........... Talk about experts missing the obvious.

So, what have you guys ever said "Doh !" about ?

ukebert
User ID: 7928263 Feb 19th 10:25 AM
I should add that we have absorptive panels in our bell-chamber and ring using a simulator (bells silenced and infra-red sensors used instead) when practicing. Even when living next door to one as it sounds like you did at one point one wouldn't notice the bells at all.

jazzbug1 2008
User ID: 0735934 Feb 19th 12:05 PM
I once played a jazz concert in front of a church. It was 6:00 sharp, the crowd had gathered, and I heard the Carrillon (spelling?) chiming. I thought I'll start warming up my saxophones so I'm ready to play. All these people started shushing me and I thought WHY? It turned out that a world famous chime player (chimist?) was bonging out the time, followed by a song played by hand. No one had warned me that they were the opening act for the jazz. So there I was honking a C Melody part way into this beautiful bell solo that I thought was just the usual pre-recorded blurb. JB1=Red faced Geezer.

Captain Beeflat 2008
User ID: 1738604 Feb 19th 12:54 PM
Anyone with half a brain would have provided counter balances.
As these myth pedlars deny Darwin, why should they be expected to take note of, or even understand, Newton?
I am pleased that your pointless practice no longer annoys others...perhaps my campaign involving a VW Split Screen bus, a Honda generator, an H&H 100 watt amp, a Marshall 4x12 Slant Cab and a tape of AC/DC's Hells Bells at full chat outside my neighbouring church one Sunday morning in '91 had some effect.

jazzbug1 2008
User ID: 0735934 Feb 19th 1:30 PM
My Studebaker has a two piece "windscreen". I think they ought to bring them back to punish people who don't wear their seat belts. That center strut could provide the victim with a "Dual Personality".

bruce bailey 2008
User ID: 9690803 Feb 19th 11:58 PM
I had a girlfriend named Carolyn. Does that ring a bell?

Mal-2k8
User ID: 9335603 Feb 20th 12:53 AM
I believe the name of the guy playing the bells is "carilloneur", at least if he's playing it from a keyboard and not pulling every rope himself.

alan (uk) '08
User ID: 1731514 Feb 20th 3:58 AM
'Campanology' rings a bell....

(therefore I assume 'campanologist '?) We has a 'massed handbell-ringing orchestra' at Grammar School !

The sort of thing Cornish Schools excelled in. That, and Maypole dancing (uuuggghhh !) I await Lewis' comments with interest...

Captain Beeflat 2008
User ID: 1738604 Feb 20th 3:59 AM
Mal-2k8.
I am sure that you are right...however, I have a more colourful name for them; the action is similar. :-)

alan (uk) '08
User ID: 1731514 Feb 20th 4:39 AM
Mal - I think carilloneur is also correct, probably more European origins, since the 'camp' in 'campanology' acquired a slightly different meaning... Much like 'gay' used to be a happy word - and ornithologists went through being 'twitchers' and are now called 'birdies'...

Political correctness and fashionability... 8-))

Captain Beeflat 2008
User ID: 1738604 Feb 20th 6:17 AM
Alan. The English Language has to evolve in order to accommodate new situations and technology...the need for the words "Digital" and "Bungalow" being good examples.
Sad, however when the Politically Self Opinionated change the meanings of words as euphemisms to assuage the delicate sensitivities of groups such as homosexualists, bell ringers, and bird watchers.
If a word exists to define, then why change it? It only leads to un-necessary confusion.
Homosexualists and those of the accepted sexual persuasion who choose to live together, but are not married, now have "partners"...the real word is s**g.
My father was a Partner in a Consulting Engineering Company. If he were alive now he would not be able to introduce his colleagues by their correct title of partner without suffering extreme embarrassment and sideways glances....it really is not fair.
Have the courage please to say things how they are...the correct word is there...use it.

With regard to the strange (and unsurprising) practices at your Cornish school, I am amazed that you came through unscathed (weeeel, relatively :-))...at least they had the decency to stop short of Morris Dancing.

ukebert
User ID: 1300074 Feb 20th 7:24 AM
Campnology refers to the art of bellringing, and is still commonly used. I don't think it applies to carillon players, as they are really musicians...

alan (uk) '08
User ID: 1731514 Feb 20th 9:02 AM
"...at least they had the decency to stop short of Morris Dancing.... "

Oh no they didn't ! But as I had taken up the clarinet, that was my obligatory 'performing art' - so I was spared the 'dance' and poetry classes (phew !) - including the Cornish version of Highland dancing (Lowland dancing ;-)

Captain Beeflat 2008
User ID: 1738604 Feb 20th 10:06 AM
ukebert.
The "art" of bellringing...another word debased...Leonardo would turn in his grave.
The correct phrase is Inconsiderate Noise Vandals...let this please be the last word on this truly loathsome subject.

jazzbug1 2008
User ID: 0735934 Feb 20th 2:37 PM
I knew a baker who was loafsome.

Mal-2k8
User ID: 9335603 Feb 20th 10:52 PM
I knew a biker who was Meat Loaf-some. I think his name was Eddie.

alan (uk) '08
User ID: 1731514 Feb 21st 8:31 AM
My grandfather was a Baker, but he wasn't a biker (well, maybe he did cycle to work...), and he certainly wasn't called Eddie !

(Well, it was my thread before it wandered off the topic...)

dch
User ID: 7810373 Feb 21st 6:48 PM
Hello folks,
How do I get into this discussion? I notice you all have ID #'s

dch
User ID: 7810373 Feb 21st 7:00 PM
I see, that easy eh? Here's my story. I haven't played since High School many many years ago. I played Tenor sax. My teacher was a great guy, Jack Bigelow. He passed away, but what a legacy he left. He played trombone in Tommy Dorsey's band, and Glenn Miller attempted to steal him away from Dorsey... He was 93 when he died a few years ago.
Anyway, my daughter is now learning alto sax at school. That has inspired me to get my tenor out and join my church band. It's a 1969 Selmer Bundy Tenor sax. I got my daughter a Selmer Bundy Alto, just like mine, with pearl octive thumb rest and everything. Got it on ebay, and that's a story in itself.
I never knew there was such a thing as a C Melody until I looked around on the internet. I was totally fascinated with the idea of not having to transpose so I could play more in the church band. Turns out my wife's great aunt has a 1923 Conn C Melody... she sent it to us and of course it's in terrible condition. So I'm having it overhauled for about $600. Can't wait to try it out.
Just curious... hope this isn't too sacreligous of me to ask, but has anyone ever thought of producing synthetic pads that seal and are waterproof?
I'll let you know how the C Mel turns out. By the way, I am not a good player, I am a duffer. I was much much better in high school. Anyway, that's what church bands are for I guess... acceptance for the fun of it and not necessarily for the performance skills. Sorry for the long story. Next post will be short. Thanks!

Mal-2k8
User ID: 9335603 Feb 21st 8:10 PM
There is no sacrilege in using synthetic pads, if you get good ones. I haven't given them a shot myself, though it may be worth it the next time I have to re-pad a larger instrument.

You may find that more modern pads make the horn less stuffy -- not just because of the better seal (though that will certainly have a lot to do with it), but because of the resonators in the middle of the pads that a lot of instruments lacked. The less exposed leather (or whatever is used on the synthetic pads, it's still soft) to absorb the sound, the better!

Back 20 Messages Next 20 Messages Newest 20 Messages

alan (uk) '08 User ID: 1731514	Feb 14th 1:37 PM Well, you wanted new topics. I get quite a lot of useful info by reading the topics in the Saxontheweb "Repair" section, but don't like to comment much as I'm not that expert (by comparison to some) - or so I thought. There was a topic about someone dismantling a Conn New Wonder, but had problems with stuck rods/screws.. After reading all the useful proferred 'freeing up' suggestions, I privately mailed the young dismantler and asked an obvious question - wanting to spare his blushes by asking on an open forum. The question was "You do know about the little locking screws on the side of the pillars ? Are you trying to unscrew locked screws, by any chance ?" He was, he hadn't notice the locking grubscrews, another Conn innovation........... Talk about experts missing the obvious. So, what have you guys ever said "Doh !" about ?
ukebert User ID: 7928263	Feb 19th 10:25 AM I should add that we have absorptive panels in our bell-chamber and ring using a simulator (bells silenced and infra-red sensors used instead) when practicing. Even when living next door to one as it sounds like you did at one point one wouldn't notice the bells at all.
jazzbug1 2008 User ID: 0735934	Feb 19th 12:05 PM I once played a jazz concert in front of a church. It was 6:00 sharp, the crowd had gathered, and I heard the Carrillon (spelling?) chiming. I thought I'll start warming up my saxophones so I'm ready to play. All these people started shushing me and I thought WHY? It turned out that a world famous chime player (chimist?) was bonging out the time, followed by a song played by hand. No one had warned me that they were the opening act for the jazz. So there I was honking a C Melody part way into this beautiful bell solo that I thought was just the usual pre-recorded blurb. JB1=Red faced Geezer.
Captain Beeflat 2008 User ID: 1738604	Feb 19th 12:54 PM Anyone with half a brain would have provided counter balances. As these myth pedlars deny Darwin, why should they be expected to take note of, or even understand, Newton? I am pleased that your pointless practice no longer annoys others...perhaps my campaign involving a VW Split Screen bus, a Honda generator, an H&H 100 watt amp, a Marshall 4x12 Slant Cab and a tape of AC/DC's Hells Bells at full chat outside my neighbouring church one Sunday morning in '91 had some effect.
jazzbug1 2008 User ID: 0735934	Feb 19th 1:30 PM My Studebaker has a two piece "windscreen". I think they ought to bring them back to punish people who don't wear their seat belts. That center strut could provide the victim with a "Dual Personality".
bruce bailey 2008 User ID: 9690803	Feb 19th 11:58 PM I had a girlfriend named Carolyn. Does that ring a bell?
Mal-2k8 User ID: 9335603	Feb 20th 12:53 AM I believe the name of the guy playing the bells is "carilloneur", at least if he's playing it from a keyboard and not pulling every rope himself.
alan (uk) '08 User ID: 1731514	Feb 20th 3:58 AM 'Campanology' rings a bell.... (therefore I assume 'campanologist '?) We has a 'massed handbell-ringing orchestra' at Grammar School ! The sort of thing Cornish Schools excelled in. That, and Maypole dancing (uuuggghhh !) I await Lewis' comments with interest...
Captain Beeflat 2008 User ID: 1738604	Feb 20th 3:59 AM Mal-2k8. I am sure that you are right...however, I have a more colourful name for them; the action is similar. :-)
alan (uk) '08 User ID: 1731514	Feb 20th 4:39 AM Mal - I think carilloneur is also correct, probably more European origins, since the 'camp' in 'campanology' acquired a slightly different meaning... Much like 'gay' used to be a happy word - and ornithologists went through being 'twitchers' and are now called 'birdies'... Political correctness and fashionability... 8-))
Captain Beeflat 2008 User ID: 1738604	Feb 20th 6:17 AM Alan. The English Language has to evolve in order to accommodate new situations and technology...the need for the words "Digital" and "Bungalow" being good examples. Sad, however when the Politically Self Opinionated change the meanings of words as euphemisms to assuage the delicate sensitivities of groups such as homosexualists, bell ringers, and bird watchers. If a word exists to define, then why change it? It only leads to un-necessary confusion. Homosexualists and those of the accepted sexual persuasion who choose to live together, but are not married, now have "partners"...the real word is s**g. My father was a Partner in a Consulting Engineering Company. If he were alive now he would not be able to introduce his colleagues by their correct title of partner without suffering extreme embarrassment and sideways glances....it really is not fair. Have the courage please to say things how they are...the correct word is there...use it. With regard to the strange (and unsurprising) practices at your Cornish school, I am amazed that you came through unscathed (weeeel, relatively :-))...at least they had the decency to stop short of Morris Dancing.
ukebert User ID: 1300074	Feb 20th 7:24 AM Campnology refers to the art of bellringing, and is still commonly used. I don't think it applies to carillon players, as they are really musicians...
alan (uk) '08 User ID: 1731514	Feb 20th 9:02 AM "...at least they had the decency to stop short of Morris Dancing.... " Oh no they didn't ! But as I had taken up the clarinet, that was my obligatory 'performing art' - so I was spared the 'dance' and poetry classes (phew !) - including the Cornish version of Highland dancing (Lowland dancing ;-)
Captain Beeflat 2008 User ID: 1738604	Feb 20th 10:06 AM ukebert. The "art" of bellringing...another word debased...Leonardo would turn in his grave. The correct phrase is Inconsiderate Noise Vandals...let this please be the last word on this truly loathsome subject.
jazzbug1 2008 User ID: 0735934	Feb 20th 2:37 PM I knew a baker who was loafsome.
Mal-2k8 User ID: 9335603	Feb 20th 10:52 PM I knew a biker who was Meat Loaf-some. I think his name was Eddie.
alan (uk) '08 User ID: 1731514	Feb 21st 8:31 AM My grandfather was a Baker, but he wasn't a biker (well, maybe he did cycle to work...), and he certainly wasn't called Eddie ! (Well, it was my thread before it wandered off the topic...)
dch User ID: 7810373	Feb 21st 6:48 PM Hello folks, How do I get into this discussion? I notice you all have ID #'s
dch User ID: 7810373	Feb 21st 7:00 PM I see, that easy eh? Here's my story. I haven't played since High School many many years ago. I played Tenor sax. My teacher was a great guy, Jack Bigelow. He passed away, but what a legacy he left. He played trombone in Tommy Dorsey's band, and Glenn Miller attempted to steal him away from Dorsey... He was 93 when he died a few years ago. Anyway, my daughter is now learning alto sax at school. That has inspired me to get my tenor out and join my church band. It's a 1969 Selmer Bundy Tenor sax. I got my daughter a Selmer Bundy Alto, just like mine, with pearl octive thumb rest and everything. Got it on ebay, and that's a story in itself. I never knew there was such a thing as a C Melody until I looked around on the internet. I was totally fascinated with the idea of not having to transpose so I could play more in the church band. Turns out my wife's great aunt has a 1923 Conn C Melody... she sent it to us and of course it's in terrible condition. So I'm having it overhauled for about $600. Can't wait to try it out. Just curious... hope this isn't too sacreligous of me to ask, but has anyone ever thought of producing synthetic pads that seal and are waterproof? I'll let you know how the C Mel turns out. By the way, I am not a good player, I am a duffer. I was much much better in high school. Anyway, that's what church bands are for I guess... acceptance for the fun of it and not necessarily for the performance skills. Sorry for the long story. Next post will be short. Thanks!
Mal-2k8 User ID: 9335603	Feb 21st 8:10 PM There is no sacrilege in using synthetic pads, if you get good ones. I haven't given them a shot myself, though it may be worth it the next time I have to re-pad a larger instrument. You may find that more modern pads make the horn less stuffy -- not just because of the better seal (though that will certainly have a lot to do with it), but because of the resonators in the middle of the pads that a lot of instruments lacked. The less exposed leather (or whatever is used on the synthetic pads, it's still soft) to absorb the sound, the better!