Repairman's Overview: Selmer Radio Improved Alto Saxophone

[@patrickmarino8601]

So nice to see that history of those horns. Really beautiful instruments. With the name selmer bringing so much on todays market i was surprised at such a low price for them. Thanks for the view from the past.

[@Blijdenstein]

Great overwiew Matt, very interesting, and a beautiful horn. Thanks for sharing!

[@willgilson]

Hello Matt! I've just watched your video, as I was looking around for help with changing the neck Cork and maybe some pads... And this is my exact sax! I played it as a teenager, and in a few (rock) bands too. Haven't touched it, sadly, for the past 23 years... And have just started playing again. I love it so much, my grandad, 1st violin in the Birmingham symphony orchestra, bought it when he worked on cruise ships for a few seasons... And needed a second instrument. It's very worn, though in solid condition. I've just been inspecting it, according to your checklist, everything is straight and true. Main serial: 19061 and the other little one is: 12337. 2 questions (then I'll watch the rest of your vids), looking at the interior, it's black, crusted with gunk, and stinky (young me didn't clean it once, I think). How do I clean that, and what with? Then pulling the mouthpiece off the cork came off with it... Grrrr... What do I clean the mouthpiece with? And what glue should I use to replace the cork? (I've ordered some cork) I'm very handy and fastidious, and have a well equipped workshop... But I've never worked on a sax before, and it's precious to me. Thanks for the greatly appreciated videos mate.

[@JiveDadson]

The delayed action when worn gears reverse directions is called "backlash."

[@joelpowzyk5295]

Matt, Have heard of a typewriter sax? Joel B

[@panjandrum.conundrum]

Those gears are fabulous.

[@phooesnax]

Nice job Matt. I saw what I guess was our working edits so I will repeat my comment here. I did not know about the geared mech....very interesting. I assure you that there is at least you and me and many more who are absolutely fascinated by the different ways horn makers accomplish the same thing. Thanks for the effort and time it takes to make this information available. Both of those horns are crazy nice by the way. I like the silver plate horn the best. To me silver plated horns ring clearer than lacquer.

[@StohrerMusic]

CORRECTION: The geared octave mechanism is not restricted to only Radio Improved saxophones, and not all Radio Improved saxophones have it. See here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKvGhmuBpJVmb6c

[@Cantbuyathrill]

The TV- improved was never made due to resolution issues.

[@theblueriverjazzbandmusic2540]

Terrific video! Matt can the left hand pinky table be improved ergonomically? And is it worth spending approx. $1,500 on one that needs a complete overhaul( pads/springs/felts/corks)?

[@jdbarrera]

Love your videos! It's a little disorienting to see them upside down. Seeing your hands coming from the top of the screen is a little strange. I flip my iPad upside down and it's all good. Anyway they are very informative!

[@EddieHaskelll]

Matt, were there any later Radio Improved altos that didn't have the geared-toothed octave mechanism but instead had the same type used on the Balanced Action horns?

[@StohrerMusic]

Yes. I have found since doing this video that the geared mechanism exists only between about serials 18650-19450, so its actually a very small number of horns!

[@EddieHaskelll]

***** Thanks, Matt. I was looking at one on eBay, serial 203xx and it doesn't have the geared tooth octave mechanism. Instead its octave key seems to work more like the BA horns. Now it makes sense.