C mel or Tenor ?

[keithm]

This may seem a dumb question, especially from a returning tenor player BUT... are ther visual differances between a C mel and a tenor. I have just bought a 'tenor' from ebay, looks to me like a tenor but it is about 2cms short for the case. I have never seen a c mel in real life . Also none of the fingering I learnt all those years ago produce the notes they are meant to although it plays clear as a bell from top to bottom in both octaves. May be it's just me and I've 'lost it' or I'm missing something.
Thanks in advance,
Keith.
Just had a CT scan so the 'missing something' is not that :lol:

[singlereed]

Gve us the ebay number so we can see the pics. I was sold a C melody as a tenor on eBay. Glad to say I was able to sell it on at a profit for what it actually was.

Seriously, if you have a C-melody it will almost certainly be a Conn, Buescher or Martin from the 20s or 30s, with the keywork you'd expect from the period. Often as not, a silver matte finish, and the bell flare looks too small for the horn. Many have a S-curve in the neck like a tenor (though less pronounced) though some are 'straight' like an alto. Have a look at saxpics.com to see some C-melodies, they are fairly easy to spot.

[Roger Aldridge]

The length a c-melody body (ie, without the neck on) is around 24 inches. Whereas, a tenor is closer to 29 inches. This is a pretty good way to tell the difference between them.

[cmelodysax]

Also with a C-Mel -

a) the back lip of the bell is literally in line with the G# pinkie Key- a 'frontal' pic should show this, tenor lip is much lower, plus
b) a C-Mel bell 'B'guard is at least an inch up from the seam, on tenor one of the guard legs is literally 'on the seam'
c) C-Mel bell diameter is under 5", tenor is over...

Fingering is the same as other saxes, but a fingered 'G' will produce a concert G, as opposed to concert F on tenor - or Bb on alto.

Regards, ALan.

[Media Lint]

Make and the stamp info would help. My Conn C-Mel is clearly marked "C" above the SN an "L" below (low pitch, which you'd want). It is usually stamped below the thumb rest.

[keithm]

thanks for the help guys, definately a tenor. length 29" and the note problem I've traced with the help a leak light, all fixed and plays fine. It's an Elkhart by the way (buescher stencil from the 20s)
Thanks again,
Keith. :D

[bruce bailey]

2cm is not much difference. I usually figure a C Melody at 25-27" and a Tenor 28-30". On the tenor, the bell is more conical and larger at the opening whereas a C Melody tends to be straighter.

[cmelodysax]

Easy-peasy if they come in a case, just measure the case length, 26-27" = C-Mel........