Forum of the Saxes

Bariman · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 6:42 pm Post subject: Buescher True Tone Restoration!

I thought i'd start a thread about a Buescher True Tone alto I am working on restoring over a period of the next couple of months. I got her (of course) off eBay a few days ago, and have just gotten to taking her apart.

The damage isn't too bad, only one sizable dent, and I think a screw is missing from the lower stack (I believe it is the G#, but can't remember). The most noticable thing is the complete and utter lack of the Low C, low Eb and forked Eb key guards. I am working on getting some fabricated, but it might be a while. She also needs a neck, so if anyone has a spare, pm me. Serial is around 80xxx, so about 1920's vintage.

One extremely high note is that the silver on her appears to be 100% intact on the body, and I can easily replate the keys myself. I think she'll turn out well. I'll update with pics of my progress when the time comes.

Bariman

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Bariman · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 3:50 pm Post subject:

So I did a little polishing (still have a lot to go) and she's looking great, got a detail of the bell and the Low Bb key. Enjoy.

Bariman
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JPSaxMan · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 5:06 pm Post subject:

Wow...b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l!
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Bariman · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 5:38 pm Post subject:

Thanks.

Bariman
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WorstViceAdvice · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 15

What an undertaking! Please go into more details about how you do each step. I may want to try this someday and it'd be a handy reference. For instance, what kind of polish did you use to get that shine? Is there anything I should know before I start removing keys? What tools do you need?

Bariman · Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 5:07 pm Post subject:

You can do all of the key removal work with a small screw-driver set (just check out the slots on your screws to get a good size idea). If you've never done it before, just jump right in and start disassembling parts that are less connected to others first, then tackle the big clumps of keys. To remove pads and/or extra shelac ('glue' that holds in pads), use a small flame like a butane torch to heat up the back of the key cup, and pull out the pad. The shelac should liquify when only slightly hot.

For a silver polish, you can go with really expensive stuff from silver-care shops, or you can go by Walmart and pick up some rim polish in the automotive department. I do the later. Silver polish will also usually work on Bare Brass.

I usually use a paste-like polish pared with a towel/rag to remove the tarnish. Tip: for the tight places (boy are there a lot of them), use Q-tips to remove tarnish from tight spaces to get a professional look.

I will continue to update with as many details as possible along with pics, but the going is slow, i'm still polishing the tight places.

Bariman
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Resident Conn Aficionado, Baritone Saxophonist
Currently Moderating 'Vintage Horns', and the Usergroup for Bari Saxophonists!

acdcgraphics · Joined: 02 Jan 2006 Posts: 64 Location: California

Bariman:

I can just imagine my old True Tone Alto, still half black with tarnish, looking like this. I am just too scared to do it myself. I hope to have mine restored maybe next month... Can't wait to see your progress, very exciting!!!
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Bariman · Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 4:02 pm Post subject:

Very cool to hear about your own TT, they are some very nice horns.

Bariman
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Currently Moderating 'Vintage Horns', and the Usergroup for Bari Saxophonists!

dunebug222 · Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 12 Location: arlington texas

What method do you use for replanting? I have a silver bari and c melody ebay specials I would like to start and Plating repair is the first hurdle for me.

Thanks Dave in Texas.

CMelodyMan · Posted: Sat May 26, 2007 9:09 pm Post subject:

That looks really nice Bariman. Good luck with the restoration!
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Alto: Yanagisawa (880), Morgan 6M w/ Rico
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York soprano

Doc Frazier · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 12:44 pm Post subject:

I can help you with the plating! Very Happy

HIS servant,
Doc

JandJ_Woodwinds@bellsouth.net
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dunebug222 · Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 12 Location: arlington texas

What method is best for instruments?

This is what I am working with.

Doc Frazier · Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 11:11 pm Post subject:

Are you needing them replated or cleaned?
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