I restore vintage saxophones as a hobby. I don’t do this for income, I enjoy the process and so once restored I am generally only looking to get the money back I have spent. I have listed all costs below and have set the starting price low.

I bought this True tone from eBay and it was in an unplayable state.

Initial faults:

• All the pads were completely shot.
• The lower stack was stiff.
• The Eb/C rod had been jammed into its post as there wasn’t a thread on it.
• The harness ring was almost worn through as I assume the previous owner used metal hook.
• The corks were missing in a few places, and the saxophone was completely unbalanced.
• The crook cork was completely shot.

Remedies:

• Full set of music medic pads retaining the snaps that were left, I reckon there are about 65%. Where the snap ins were missing the pads have a small hole in them, please see photos. This does not seem to affect it playing but please watch the video for a sample of its tone. There are very little leaks as evidenced by the video showing she now plays top to bottom.
• Recorked the crook.
• Recorked the saxophone and regulated the stacks and action.
• Oiled where necessary.
• Cut a new thread on the Eb/C rod and adjusted the two posts as there was wear making the Eb and C rattle. These now play smoothly without noise. Please note that there is no screwdriver head on this rod and as such this rod needs to be unscrewed with a pair of plyers, please see photos.
• I’ve reversed the spring on the forked Eb (aka Eb trill). This is a common thing to do as these are notorious for causing intonation issue and its rarely used. There is a new pad in the cup and it’s been floated without leaks so I can get it working for you if you wish, or add a cork so it can be slid out.
• Cleaned and polished

My costs:

• Saxophone bought for £215
• Full set of music medic pads from the states £95
• Cork: £7

I’ve probably spent 20 hours on it to date.

Starting price £275. Grab yourself a bargain!

General notes:

The horn has been relacquered at some point in its life and is generally in great condition for her age, despite the engraving being a little difficult to make out.

After the above she now plays beautifully with a warm rich sound these true tones make. I’m very pleased with the outcome of this saxophone considering the condition she was in.

About 65->75%% of the snap ins are present.

Serial number 237170 puts her around 1928 and a series IV.

I was going to get a new harness ring made, but with the costs of everything else it would have made it prohibitive to sell on. As long as a plastic clip is used on a harness going forward it should be OK. A good brass tech could probably make a new one for around £50->£75.

Comes with a fairly tatty but functional gig bag.

Stand, harness and mouthpiece not included. Just the saxophone crook and case.

Play tests welcomed (and encouraged!).

Please see the photos and video as they make up the description of this sale.