Info need on Selmer Modele 26 alto

[deliberate1]

Friends,
I have a Selmer Modele 26 alto that was made circa 1926, which I got from my teacher's family when he died. I was not playable back then, nor now. Nothing seriously broken. Just out of whack and in need of an overhaul. If this were my only alto, I would have it done. But I have a Mark IV alto, and have no "need" to use the 26. But I do have an urge to bring it back. I would be interested to hear from any of you that are using the 26 or cigar cutter models with your thoughts on the characteristics of the horn when in playing conditon. Are there any repair guys who have particular experience doing this kind of restoration work. I want someone who will be sensitive to the vintage nature of the horn, and do a job that is appropriate. Many thanks.

[Dave Dolson]

deliberate1: I'd say have it overhauled now. While I am not familiar with the Modele 26, I own a very nice '32 Cigar Cutter (original gold-plate finish) and it is a very sweet player - resonant yet focused sound, accurate scale, etc.

You don't say where you are located so I doubt if any of us can give you a recommendation about repair-techs, other than ones where you'll be required to ship your horn. The price of an overhaul will not go down in the future, that's for sure - no time like the present - and it should be done sometime. DAVE

[deliberate1]

Dave, thanks for yours. I am on the other side of the country from you - Maine. It goes without saying that I am going to have to mail the horn to someone. I am interested in the gold finish you describe, and I wonder if my horn has the same. While mt Mark Vi is quite bright , with a yellow cast, the old guy has a deep hue, reddish and almost like the color cider. It is pretty grungy. I have not wanted to use anything on it for fear of taking off the finish. What do you think. Who would you trust in LA with your cigar cutter? Thanks.

[Dave Dolson]

Deliberate1: A few years ago, my boss had his precious Balanced Action alto done by Emelio Lyons at Rayburn's in Boston. It was shipped from L.A. and then returned to L.A. when completed. My boss was totally pleased with how it turned out.

Not sure if Emelio himself worked on it, but it turned out nice. A good repair-tech will know how to clean the finish without altering it (re-lacquer, etc.). And, I don't know how yours is finished. You may want to give Rayburn's a call and then fork out the dough. It will be spendy, but worth it.

I use a local guy in the San Fernando Valley (Rheuben Allen - well known, too) but I'm not sure if he wants to get into shipping, etc. If you are interested, e-mail me privately at jazzdolsonatcomcastdotnet, and I'll pass along the contact info. You can work it out with him. DAVE

[deliberate1]

Dave, I have heard of Emilio, and know him to have a fine reputation. It is a good suggestion. If I end up pulling the trigger I will email you as you offered. I do appreciate your help. Regards.

[super20dan]

there are two versions of the model 26 .one is the small bore and the other has a larger bore . the large bore is vastly superiour. whats the serial #?

[deliberate1]

Silly me. After all these years I took a closer look and discovered that the horn is, in fact, a Modele 28. Says No7964 and the serial 2533. Same big/small bore issue? Thanks

[super20dan]

yours should be the large bore with that ser# but look at the neck-does the oct key split and go around the neck in 2 peices or is it all one peice ?

[jim70]

Hi super20dan,

I too have an original one owner Modele 26..SN is 104XX.
Would this be small or large bore and how can you tell?
Are there dimensional checks,measurements I can do?
What else may set these small/large bores apart?
Thx
Jim

[Dave Dolson]

Jim: Thanks for posting your question. Many folks put stock in this small-bore vs. big-bore thing, but I'm one who doesn't. Every time I ask the question (more or less challenging the premise), I get few, if any knowledgable replies, especially about backing up the contention that it matters.

And my question remains . . . what are the REAL differences? I once asked a respected repair-tech in my area (who did finish work for Boosey-Hawkes, and who specialized in Buffet clarinets). His reply was that we were only talking about thousandth's of an inch and that any bore-size differences were more myth than fact.

So, back to your saxophone - if it plays nicely (and I suspect it does if it is tight and well-regulated), it shouldn't matter if it is a small-bore or a large-bore (other than to satisfy your curiousity).

I welcome learned replies. DAVE

[jim70]

Dave,
Thank you.
I'm brand new to this board and truly enjoy the vast amount of expertise out there.
My "26" was a "hand-me-down" from family over in Europe.
It is a well kept horn for 75 years of age and if only the walls can speak of it's past...
I've read a fair amount on this forum about bore sizes and differences that I'd thought to ask.
Thank you,
Jim

[sethvonh]

I realize that this is probably almost a year too late, but if you haven't fixed up that modele 26 yet, i would like to recommend Ken Fornetran in Toronto. He recently worked on my modele 26 and did an excellent job. i've had several repairmen work on my saxes over the years -- ken is absolutely the best.