Dolnet Belair

[Helen]

One of my students brought a Dolnet Belair alto sax to her lesson yesterday. This horn was given to her by her Aunt to use. The Aunt used to play sax, but doesn't anymore, so the horn has been sitting in a closet for a number of years.

It is in beautiful conditon. Lacquer is 100%. Key action is lightening quick and suprizingly the horn does not have too many leaks. It has all but 2 of what I'm assuming are the orginal red leather pads. The only real damage is the D# key guard has been bent in and the top solder joint has come undone. We've made arrangements to get it in to the repair shop this month.

I've checked out the Dolnet info. on Saxpics' site, but was wondering if anyone here had any further info. on the Belair model specifically, or Dolnets in general. I promised my student's mom I would do a bit of research on the brand, since until yesterday I had never seen a Dolnet.

Thanks for any and all info!

[Henry]

I have a silver-plated Dolnet alto that I bought new in the Netherlands in the mid-50s. Great horn! Except for two of them, it still has all its original red pads. After a long hiatus, I recently started playing again. In all this time, the horn may have been played intensively for only 15 years maximum. Perhaps the aunt's Dolnet (how old?) has been sitting in a closet for most of its "life" as well.
Henry

[Helen]

I don't know it's age, but the serial number is: C7XXXJ.

There is no doubt this was a closet horn. The original red felts and the corks look brand new. It is a beautiful horn. I played it, and it responded really well to my Runyon Custom m/p...Seemed to have no intonation issues. I think once it has been regulated, it will be a kick a#$ horn.

[Henry]

Helen:

My alto's SN is 44XXX, without any letters. On the bell it says "Dolnet, Paris, Made in France" and it has rather fancy engraving. No other identifying marks.

Does your student's horn say "BelAir"? I know from www.saxpics.com that BelAirs incorporate letters in the SN but I have seen no example of two letters, both at the start and at the end. Are you sure that the first symbol was indeed a C, rather than another number? Could you please check? I am very interested in the history of Dolnets.

Henry

[Helen]

Yes, I'm 100% sure of the number and letter combination in the serial number. I took two looks at it to make sure, and double checked my numbers, because I was hoping to find out its age. Also, it does say Belair, Dolnet, and either Paris France, or just France (that I can't remember which) on the bell.

I'll find out about when her Aunt bought it, and if it was new or not...I suspect it was.

[Saxrose]

Hello Helen, Yes, I agree that two letters is unusual. Follow the links on "Vintage Saxophone Gallery" at www.saxpics.com/ My tenor I bought recently is 35XXXC which makes it 1953. The C refers to the month I believe. It is strongly build, heavy and has a very gutsy sound with my otto link mpc. No intonation problems. Known for fast action. Have read disparaging remarks on SOTW under miscellaneous French saxophones. But in my view the horn is as you find it. Mine is excellent. Cheers David