Some Kohlert stencil features

[hornimus]

Last year I purchased a Kohlert stencil tenor project horn, engraved "Regal Special" on the bell. Seems identical in most details to the Regent or Bixley model.

A couple of curious things I've discovered as I prepare to restore this one: the articulation tab under the G# key on the LH spatula cluster has a screw that allows it to be moved out of the way, disabling articulation.

The toneholes on the upper, LH stack are in line with each other (normal) but about 15-20 degrees to the left of a vertical axis through the lower stack toneholes. Haven't seen this before, but would assume it makes for a more comfortable fit in the hands.

All the springs are a high-quality stainless steel variety. Wondering if that's original equipment, though.

Looking forward to getting this one back together.

[hornimus]

One problem though: most of the tonehole rims on the lower stack are "saddling," but the high spots are east-west, low spots north-south. It's hard enough with the tools I have to get any leverage on leveling rolled toneholes anyway, let alone on the lower stack, and especially when the north-south edges are low. I know the drill, but the RTH on most of the horns I've worked on to date usually had their low spots along an east-west axis. Has me thinking about new tool ideas ... Wondering if this is a factory "flaw"? The horn is fairly straight.

Before taking this one apart last year, I recall the mechanism had a very fluid, yet solid, massy, convincing feel, and the horn had a husky, smokey flavor to its tone despite its set of petrified pads ... (ah, maybe I should leave 'em in?)