With cheaper imported saxophones coming into the United States every year, the options for making a saxophone have become even more diverse than in the past. People’s opinions are strictly divided, but in general, absolution into your rock is preferred over everything else. With that said, here is a quick guide to the many limits that are becoming the norm in the saxophone world.
Bare brass
This is the absolute most important thing possible: there is nothing. The instrument is bare. Bare instruments lack much of the luster of a lacquered saxophone, but they make up for it in classy aging. Nothing accentuates a saxophone more than real notes, hand marks, and age-old dirt.
By itself, this absolution requires constant clean work, since the bare copper will tarnish (or rust, if saliva is involved). That being said, many people prefer a natural look in the end, and there are spots on the face that many people desire. In classic shows and on the train, however, this vision would be too unusual.
It also shows the “old” version of this. This chemical has been fouled for a long time. You could give it some shine with bare air, but as a developer, it’s a headache. If you like the look of old rocks, go for it.
Laquer
Lacquers now come in a variety of colors, but are usually the look we associate with air. They are clean, low maintenance, and generally considered a safe option. But the instruments wear lacquer, and when the ink burns, as they all seem to eventually, the appearance becomes somewhat “dirty” or uneven.
If you look at the used market, the uneven aspect is preferred to the re-lacquer process. Re-mastered instruments are often driven by aggressive slapping, and this process sometimes alters the classic sound of the instrument. When in doubt, don’t buy until you can test and play the instrument.
Gold Plating
Gold plating is expensive, but an awesome option. Because gold does not stick to copper, you start with silver, then gold into silver. The process is probably the most expensive finish you can apply.
The vintage gold was laced under the gold, but many of the more recent ones have drawn rocks over the plate to protect it. This is a very sharp sword, for it will come down when it wears INK. It is up to you and how much it pertains to you, but gold, by itself, does not denigrate in any significant way, much less the cause of denigration.
Silver Plating
Silver is also common to see in vintage rock. This is a thin silver plate on top of the instrument. Sometimes a mixture of washed gold is also used inside the bell, and when done properly, it is absolutely incredible.
Silver tarnishes, and requires delicate polishing to preserve the surface without damaging the instrument. If you do not know how to polish, the silver must be made beautifully. Again the new stones come in with a net, and in this case they are much less polished. On the other hand, when the lacquer is gone, it probably won’t look good.
Copper or Other Metal Plating
Other metals are generally similar to silver. If they are milky, and if milky, it is only for a time, before they are not in spots. Nothing lasts forever. However, the brass gives a prominent horn look, and looks quite rare.
Splendid Nickel
Shiny nickel plating is not so common anymore. With a common finish, it is durable and bright, quite resistant to wear and tear, and quite beautiful. The color is not quite silver, but it certainly looks classy, and many old saxophones have this finish in pretty good shape. I love this finish and wish it was easier to find tools today with a simple nickel finish.
Black Nickel
Black nickel is a dramatic finish option. This is actually a catch, since some black nickel plates aren’t incredibly durable. It is difficult to find information about how well these centuries are, since there are not many old ones with an end around. The appearance is stunning: deep, shiny black with contrasting carvings and/or keys. Some companies offer a matte version of this specter.
Mix and Match
Many companies are capitalizing on the internet and demand for mixing production facilities & the match ends. These ended up being mostly about taste. Since the production facilities are fast enough, you can usually call the company and tell you about the custom options you can choose, at cost, of course.
On Tone
People debate tone vs. Finish it, and the big part, I think, is whether you can find your voice in the instrument. Whether it’s done or not makes a difference, and we doubt that the difference can be discerned, but if you want to play rock, the saxophone is right for you. Production quality in terms of suitable, building materials, and the care put into the group are much greater than lacquer or paint when it comes to sound and playability
Sources:
Saxforte.com: Materials and finishes
Cybersax.com: Q& A
