Rescued Chu gets a make over [Archive]

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Chu-Jerry

09-17-2005, 04:23 AM

I got this neglected horn from ebay a couple months ago. It was so badly tarnished that it was hard to tell that it was actually a two-tone slver and gold finish. Here's a pic of how it first looked:
[/url]click picture for larger image

I just got through with the full cleaning and overhaul today and it's quite an improvement. It was a bit rough to start with. A lot of the gold has worn off and the keys had a lot of wear and some pitting. This must have been someone's favorite horn because it sure has been played. Once I got it done and brought back to life I know why it must have been loved. What a sound! This horn sings! I spent a couple hours playing it today just enjoying it.
Here's a couple of the latest pics:
(http://www.gomodelrc.com/saxophone/Chu_2tone/old2tone01.jpg) [url=http://www.gomodelrc.com/saxophone/Chu_2tone/2toneChu03.jpg]

It'll be going up for sale soon after I finish the fine tuning (and get to play it a bit 8-) ).

richthesaxman

09-17-2005, 06:59 AM

Chu-Jerry

09-17-2005, 01:33 PM

Nice job!

For interest, I noticed another Chu (1926) on ebay yesterday.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CONN-CHU-BERRY-ALTO-SAXOPHONE-BEAUTIFUL-CONDITION_W0QQitemZ7350531113QQcategoryZ16232QQssP ageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

All the bestHmm.. a nickel plated one. That's the one finish I haven't had in a Chu yet. Yes, I've seen that one on ebay before months ago. Looks like it still needs at least a repad. It's interesting to see so many vintage horns get bought and sold but never repaired and played. Hence my reference to "rescueing" the two-toner. Very likely if someone else got it it would have languished, changed hands again, and never gotten rebuilt.

Chu-Jerry

09-26-2005, 01:22 AM

This horn is up for sale on ebay now: http://cgi.ebay.com/Rare-Silver-Gold-Vintage-1925-Conn-Chu-Berry-Alto_W0QQitemZ7353492778 Reserve is $650.