TT Tenor front "F" ?

[tsaxy]

Thanks to SOTW participants, I have finally got this mid 20s horn percolating. My question now is: Can this early TT be modified to accept a front F and articulated G#/Ab without too much hastle,or is that a no,no?
I love the sound and playability of this horn,but miss dearly the front F/split high E fingering, as well as the later G# pinky feature.
For Bootman and others who gave me mpc. suggestions...I have settled on my C.Lakey Metal (gold/brass,.110tip)It works fine and gives a good modern sound that I am pleased with.

Thanks,Bob, AKA tsaxy

[paulwl]

Adding front F should be a fairly straightforward mod for an experienced tech. I think Bundy parts even fit (at least for altos).

The G# fix is even simpler -- just soldering a tab on the back of the touch to allow C#/B/Bb to press it down. If you have the round pearl touch, it might have to be replaced with a plate type touch.

[paulwl]

Adding front F should be a fairly straightforward mod for an experienced tech. I think Bundy parts even fit (at least for altos).

The G# fix is even simpler -- just soldering a tab on the back of the touch to allow C#/B/Bb to press it down. If you have the round pearl touch, it might have to be replaced with a plate type touch.

[Pastor Rob]

You can check this link to see pictures of a True Tone that had the f key added. The parts are from a Bundy and the work was done by Tim Glessman at saxalley.com.

hometown.aol.com/rgpurdy/index.html

God bless,
Pastor Rob

[paulwl]

#227k? That's a late horn not to have a front F.

So is what I've sometimes heard true? Was this key optional on T-Ts for awhile?

[Pastor Rob]

I don't know the exact S# that the key was optional, but on my sax was produced with the mounting posts for the key, just no key.

God bless,
Pastor Rob

[MusicMedic]

The G# fix is even simpler -- just soldering a tab on the back of the touch to allow C#/B/Bb to press it down. If you have the round pearl touch, it might have to be replaced with a plate type touch.

I don't know Paul... I have added the Tab many a TT and New Aristocrat. Although the idea is simple, the mechanics are not always so simple. That C# is going to be a bear to press once the tab goes on.

The real fix (if you have money to burn) is likely to put an Aristocrat system on there. The problem you run into is the Fork Eb. The Aristocrat system uses a swinging lever that will hit the fork Eb pad if take directly from an Aristocrat and put on a TT. I have tried several fixes for this and found a few (labor intensive) ways to make the C# feel as easy to press as the other keys on the table.

I continue to search for an answer to this problem because I like the TT's and Trannies but so many people need that tab. Mr. Rascher told his students to put their finger between the G# and C# and press them both at the same time, when necessary.

If you do just put a tab on there, be sure to use a level pad and level the low C# tone hole. Ad Teflon to the mechanism, be sure the pivot screws are straight and working properly, and keep it oiled. This will help to a degree.