Caring for the Artist Series

[silversaxnh]

I just got a used Artist Series Tenor for a pretty good deal on Ebay. The horn sounds great, but has some more tarnish than I was expecting from the pictures. My question to you, the more experienced Jupiter users, is how can I clean up this tarnish? Also, how should I care for the horn to prevent more of it. I've never had a silver horn before so any tips regarding that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Jerry K.]

I used to own lots of silver plated horns and they all required some effort to keep them looking nice and shiny. I always used 3M anti tarnish strips in my case, available at Woodwind & Brasswind, Ferrees and elsewhere. These strips slow the process a lot, as long as you keep the horn zipped up in the case when not un use. There are also some good polishes out there. I like Hagerty and they make cloth polishing gloves and a spray you apply to the gloves from time to time. These are easy to use and don't make a mess. Here's a link to a place that sells their products:

http://www.silverqueen.com/SUPPLIES/supplies.asp

[AirForceSax]

I use a cloth called "Blitz" metal polishing cloth. It was recommended to me by a good brass repairman, our trumpet players had a lot of luck bringing back some pretty badly tarnished silver plated trumpets. I found it worked very well with minimal elbow grease on my Artist bari.

[Bossman]

On my solid silver flute I use a Leblanc silver cloth after every time I play it. Works great except in those hard to reach places. I also second the recommendation of those 3M strips. I keep a couple in my flute case and they work well.

[Kareeser]

I have an 869 as well, silver plated...

It's not too hard to keep it looking great, especially when you wipe it down every time you finish playing. However, it's the tarnish that gets in the keywork that gets to me... I can't get at it with the cloth that Jupiter provides...

Would a q-tip dipped in some silver polishing solution work?

[Martin Williams]

Kareeser, Nice to see ya, haven't noticed you on SOTW in a while.

As for polishing the tight places, yes a Q-tip works fantastically. Patience is the big factor here. Also remember those places are small and it won't take much.

For those across the pond or where have ya, Q-tip is a brand name, we're talkin' about the good old cotton swab, the doo-hickey(technical term) many of us clean our ears with.

[Kareeser]

Mm... nice to see you too! Once I left high school (for a Science Program), I stopped playing sax for a bit... but worked my way back up and transferred to a university for music now. Still playing the same sax as when I bought it way back when.

Now I need to find a silver polishing agent...

[Martin Williams]

I usually use Wright's Silver cream, comes in a tub with a sponge. Works great!

[McTenor]

Biker´s advice: THE ORIGINAL NEVR-DULL MAGIC WADDING POLISH

[whaler]

It didn't come with cleaning gloves?
I used to have a silver horn. I kind of liked the way it looked tarnished, but that could be because I got tired of wiping it off.

[Kareeser]

Nope... it came with a standard care kit, like the ones you'd find at any local music store. Micro-fibre cloth, and two swabs (body and neck).

I think they're standard with all Jupiter Saxophones, so the sterling silver ones are no exception, but things could've changed since I bought mine.

Thanks Martin, I'll give the product a try :)