C Melody Saxophone Forum

Swirve.com Links: Swirve.com Free Email Games Fantasy Sports E-Cards Movies Horoscopes Freebies Web Search

NOTICE: Beginning July 10th, 2008, this message board service will no longer be active or available for use.

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

Back 20 Messages Next 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 ?

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!

Steve.
User ID: 1007814 Feb 21st 8:30 PM
Excuse my ignorance but...
Don't they only ring them on sunday mornings?

Captain Beeflat 2008
User ID: 1738604 Feb 22nd 4:34 AM
dch.
I do hope that you have not committed yourself to a $600 overhaul. Take a look at eBay & you will find C Melodys, in good condition for less that the cost of your overhaul.
I take it that you live in the Americas (church bands, and the fact that a relative owned one) where there are plenty available.

dch
User ID: 7810373 Feb 22nd 6:34 AM
Thanks Capt.
for your concern. No, I'm not committed yet, and yes, I've seen what's on ebay, and have also noticed that if it's in the shape I expect and want then I probably couldn't get it for much less than 3 - 4 hundred... and then that doesn't guarntee that I wouldn't need to have it adjusted and overhauled anyway, for something like 1 - 2 hundred.

Here I've got a straight neck, Conn 1923, with no dents, great carcass... for free. It would seem a shame not to resurrect the old girl,(are horns girls, like boats?).

If you have time check out www.deansanfordmusic.com and you can see what will be done, (if I do committ). Seems like a fair price for all that will be done.

I really do appreciate your advice and counsel...
I'm obviously a babe in the woods compared to all you guys.

Captain Beeflat 2008
User ID: 1738604 Feb 22nd 8:24 AM
dch.
It pleases me that, in your decision, you will return a long defunct & lovely horn back to it's rightful place.
Good choice...I just wanted to be sure that you knew the score...clearly you do. My very best wishes.
The Conn is possibly not the most robust sounding horn but it is built like a tank with arguably the slickest keywork.

ukebert
User ID: 1300074 Feb 22nd 1:51 PM
All instruments are female. How baby grands come about i wouldn't like to guess however...

alan (uk) '08
User ID: 1731514 Feb 23rd 3:38 PM
"How baby grands come about i wouldn't like to guess" ?

Well, a Daddy piano and a Mummy piano play a little music together, and the tempo gradually increases until some sawdust from the Daddy piano passes into the Mummy piano - and then a little Baby piano is made....

Captain Beeflat 2008
User ID: 1738604 Feb 24th 6:19 AM
In principle, I agree that instruments are female; but Alan's "Big Ugly" and my Grassi tenor are at the bearded lady end of the spectrum....they wear dungarees, have hairy legs, read the Guardian and roll their own cigarettes.

alan (uk) '08
User ID: 1731514 Feb 24th 5:35 PM
And both give off a peculiar odour, with complete disregard for their surroundings...

dch
User ID: 7810373 Feb 24th 10:09 PM
you guys are so funny. Clearly, in the history of bands, men, have ruled. But are there any women, chicks, that have outdone, out played men? Are there any women who play sax and are known for it? Can't think of any. Wonder why? On another subject, What about the old greats? Who was one of the better, or best categories? I vote for Tex Beneke. Forget his corney vocals, just his tone, his intonation... ah. And Glenn Miller?... What a great band and a great patriot... Do you realize what he gave up to serve his country in a great time of need? What do you guys think? Am I way off base? Out of date? Of course I am... I'm only 48 but I still have a great respect for those who came before us and paved the way. Let me know what you all think. Boy, from reconditioning and repairing to the old greats... I guess it connects. Who do you vote for in the old greats category?

Captain Beeflat 2008
User ID: 1738604 Feb 25th 7:31 AM
A trick that always works against over ardent, in your face, feminists is to ask them to name five:-
Architects.
Painters.
Racing drivers.
Lead guitarists.
Saxophonists.
Sculptors...etc
When they have answered these with ease, ask them to name five female architects, painters...etc.
They usually become violent, burst into tear or use the age old excuse that " we do not have the same opportunity"....

alan (uk) '08
User ID: 1731514 Feb 25th 9:03 AM
dch - you may not know many of these players, they're from this side of the pond... Kathy Stobart, Candy Dulfer, Barbara Thompson, Josephine Davies, Alyson Cawley, Karen Sharp - just from memory.

Back 20 Messages Next 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 ?
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!
Steve. User ID: 1007814	Feb 21st 8:30 PM Excuse my ignorance but... Don't they only ring them on sunday mornings?
Captain Beeflat 2008 User ID: 1738604	Feb 22nd 4:34 AM dch. I do hope that you have not committed yourself to a $600 overhaul. Take a look at eBay & you will find C Melodys, in good condition for less that the cost of your overhaul. I take it that you live in the Americas (church bands, and the fact that a relative owned one) where there are plenty available.
dch User ID: 7810373	Feb 22nd 6:34 AM Thanks Capt. for your concern. No, I'm not committed yet, and yes, I've seen what's on ebay, and have also noticed that if it's in the shape I expect and want then I probably couldn't get it for much less than 3 - 4 hundred... and then that doesn't guarntee that I wouldn't need to have it adjusted and overhauled anyway, for something like 1 - 2 hundred. Here I've got a straight neck, Conn 1923, with no dents, great carcass... for free. It would seem a shame not to resurrect the old girl,(are horns girls, like boats?). If you have time check out www.deansanfordmusic.com and you can see what will be done, (if I do committ). Seems like a fair price for all that will be done. I really do appreciate your advice and counsel... I'm obviously a babe in the woods compared to all you guys.
Captain Beeflat 2008 User ID: 1738604	Feb 22nd 8:24 AM dch. It pleases me that, in your decision, you will return a long defunct & lovely horn back to it's rightful place. Good choice...I just wanted to be sure that you knew the score...clearly you do. My very best wishes. The Conn is possibly not the most robust sounding horn but it is built like a tank with arguably the slickest keywork.
ukebert User ID: 1300074	Feb 22nd 1:51 PM All instruments are female. How baby grands come about i wouldn't like to guess however...
alan (uk) '08 User ID: 1731514	Feb 23rd 3:38 PM "How baby grands come about i wouldn't like to guess" ? Well, a Daddy piano and a Mummy piano play a little music together, and the tempo gradually increases until some sawdust from the Daddy piano passes into the Mummy piano - and then a little Baby piano is made....
Captain Beeflat 2008 User ID: 1738604	Feb 24th 6:19 AM In principle, I agree that instruments are female; but Alan's "Big Ugly" and my Grassi tenor are at the bearded lady end of the spectrum....they wear dungarees, have hairy legs, read the Guardian and roll their own cigarettes.
alan (uk) '08 User ID: 1731514	Feb 24th 5:35 PM And both give off a peculiar odour, with complete disregard for their surroundings...
dch User ID: 7810373	Feb 24th 10:09 PM you guys are so funny. Clearly, in the history of bands, men, have ruled. But are there any women, chicks, that have outdone, out played men? Are there any women who play sax and are known for it? Can't think of any. Wonder why? On another subject, What about the old greats? Who was one of the better, or best categories? I vote for Tex Beneke. Forget his corney vocals, just his tone, his intonation... ah. And Glenn Miller?... What a great band and a great patriot... Do you realize what he gave up to serve his country in a great time of need? What do you guys think? Am I way off base? Out of date? Of course I am... I'm only 48 but I still have a great respect for those who came before us and paved the way. Let me know what you all think. Boy, from reconditioning and repairing to the old greats... I guess it connects. Who do you vote for in the old greats category?
Captain Beeflat 2008 User ID: 1738604	Feb 25th 7:31 AM A trick that always works against over ardent, in your face, feminists is to ask them to name five:- Architects. Painters. Racing drivers. Lead guitarists. Saxophonists. Sculptors...etc When they have answered these with ease, ask them to name five female architects, painters...etc. They usually become violent, burst into tear or use the age old excuse that " we do not have the same opportunity"....
alan (uk) '08 User ID: 1731514	Feb 25th 9:03 AM dch - you may not know many of these players, they're from this side of the pond... Kathy Stobart, Candy Dulfer, Barbara Thompson, Josephine Davies, Alyson Cawley, Karen Sharp - just from memory.