Selmer Mark VII Alto Saxophone Restoration: Part 1

Selmer Mark VII Alto Saxophone Restoration: Part 1

The Selmer Mark VII alto saxophone is a legendary instrument known for its rich sound and exceptional playability. But like any instrument, it can suffer from wear and tear over time. If your Mark VII is in need of some TLC, you've come to the right place! This blog post will guide you through the first steps of restoring your Mark VII alto saxophone. This is a multi-part blog series that will break down the restoration process into manageable steps. In this first part, we'll focus on disassembling the instrument and identifying areas that need repair.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools:

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Small wrench
• Corkscrew (for removing the neck cork)
• Cleaning cloths
• A container for storing small parts

Step 2: Disassembly

Now, let's take apart the saxophone. Here's how:

1. Remove the neck: Use the corkscrew to carefully remove the neck cork. Be gentle to avoid damaging the cork.
2. Remove the neck strap ring: Unscrew the neck strap ring from the body of the saxophone.
3. Remove the bell: Unscrew the bell from the body of the saxophone.
4. Remove the key guards: Remove the key guards from the keys. These are usually held in place by small screws. Be careful not to lose the screws.
5. Remove the keys: Remove the keys from the body of the saxophone. The keys are typically held in place by screws or clips. Again, be careful not to lose any small parts.
6. Remove the octave key mechanism: This mechanism is located on the top of the saxophone. It is held in place by a few screws. Remove the screws and carefully lift the octave key mechanism off the saxophone.
7. Remove the body rods: These rods run through the body of the saxophone and help to hold the keys in place. Remove the rods by unscrewing the nuts at each end.

Step 3: Inspection and Identification

Once the saxophone is completely disassembled, it's time to inspect the individual parts for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. Pay close attention to the following:

• Pads: The pads are the soft, leather-like pieces that seal the holes in the saxophone. Check for wear, tears, or leaks. You may need to replace worn-out pads.
• Keywork: Inspect the keywork for signs of corrosion, bending, or loose screws. You may need to adjust or replace damaged keywork.
• Solder joints: Check the solder joints for cracks or leaks. You may need to resolder these joints if necessary.
• Body: Inspect the body of the saxophone for dents, scratches, or other damage. You may need to repair or refinish the body if needed.

Step 4: Cleaning

Once you've identified the areas that need repair, it's time to give the saxophone a thorough cleaning. Use a cleaning cloth and a mild cleaning solution to remove dirt, grime, and fingerprints. Be sure to rinse the saxophone well with clean water and dry it completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 5: Repair

Now it's time to address the repairs you identified in Step 3. This step will vary depending on the specific issues you're dealing with. For example, you may need to replace pads, adjust keywork, or resolder joints. If you're not comfortable performing these repairs yourself, it's best to take the saxophone to a qualified repair technician.

Conclusion

This blog post has provided a comprehensive overview of the first steps in restoring a Selmer Mark VII alto saxophone. By following these steps, you can ensure that your instrument is in top condition and ready to produce its beautiful sound for years to come. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll delve into the specifics of pad replacement and keywork adjustment.