honkytone
08-17-2006, 03:48 PM
I'm looking at a gorgeous '53 SBA alto here that was obviously well cared for. The owner has had it since '62 and played it in high school but not since. Everything about the horn looks very original to me, but I have a couple questions:
1. Pads have small rivets with no resonators. Did the larger metal screw-in resonaters start with the Mark VI or would this horn have had them as well?
2. Lacquer is beautiful dark gold, engraving is crisp. However, I see some worn lacquer on the pearl key touches. I know this can be a sign of relacquering, but I've also been told a protective coat of clear lacquer over the entire horn, even after engraving, was standard practice at Selmer.
It's a European engraved horn, BTW, if that makes any difference.
Anyone know? Thanks.
1. Pads have small rivets with no resonators. Did the larger metal screw-in resonaters start with the Mark VI or would this horn have had them as well?
2. Lacquer is beautiful dark gold, engraving is crisp. However, I see some worn lacquer on the pearl key touches. I know this can be a sign of relacquering, but I've also been told a protective coat of clear lacquer over the entire horn, even after engraving, was standard practice at Selmer.
It's a European engraved horn, BTW, if that makes any difference.
Anyone know? Thanks.