Couesnon Bari re-lacquer opinions wanted

[David Spiegelthal]

I'm about to restore a Couesnon Monopole Conservatoires bari sax (range to low Bb), originally in gold lacquer with nickel-plated keywork, a color combination I don't like on any instrument.

So, I'm trying to decide how to refinish the horn. I've done a tenor and a couple of altos (all having nickel-plated keywork, none were Couesnons) in black lacquer, and I really like the way the end products look -- but I fear that such a treatment might reduce the market value of my bari, as I'm planning to sell it after completion of renovation.

What's the word on the street? Would the renovated bari be more desirable in the original-type gold lacquer, or in black lacquer, or in silver-plate (which I can also do, although it's considerably more work and expense)?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

[NissanMarkVII]

Here ya go :) . I linked the threads for ya. The moderators/admins can do the rest :) .

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?t=110876

[JayeSF]

The two recurring replies of that thread were ~

1) leave it with it's original lacquer

2) strip the lacquer and leave it bare brass


I agree with either. If the lacquer on it is so bad that it's butt-ugly, then strip it to bare, polish it up with Hagertys 100, and it'll look absolutely...smashing. Really good.

If you do black, you would reduce its value as a vintage instrument. Plus, black is such a hit-or-miss. Remember, if your intent is to just turn it around, and not keep it...you have to play to a wider audience and not necessarily to what your personal tastes may be....