In this episode, Wes works on a vintage Selmer tenor sax. Topics include: Breaking corrosion Silver solder joint setups Leveling pads Light finger touch method Thanks for watching.
Пікірлер: 153
@Quadstriker3 жыл бұрын
From what I’ve seen on KZfaq, folks who repair instruments all seem to have a relaxed calm demeanor. Maybe it’s a natural talent for staying patient and chill that helps with the work. Enjoyed the vid keep em comin.
@wesleemusicrepair98203 жыл бұрын
Never thought about that until I read this, but you may be on to something. Frustration does happen and then you have to go take a walk or work on something else while you think of the next course of action. But definitely have to stay level headed. Thanks
@estudiosopprus2 жыл бұрын
Ola amigo. Faço esse trabalho no Brasil. Realmente exige muita paciência.
@SianaGearz2 жыл бұрын
I can think of a few who are among angriest people around. Maybe they are the exception, maybe there's no rule. You'd also think machining and engineering professions must have that element to them that you must be patient and display attention to detail, and yet people with a short fuse somehow make it there as well, a lot of them actually somehow. Anyway no point wasting time on KZfaqrs who aren't innately pleasant. Wes is a treasure.
@Pazair-nq6gl2 жыл бұрын
@@SianaGearz yeep, un tipo agradable. Salud 🤙
@CristobalSanPedro2 жыл бұрын
I have no idea how I ended up here watching your videos...but I like where I am! 👍🏻
@dickward10902 жыл бұрын
the attention to detail applied to each project I’ve seen really speaks to the pride you take in your work and the love you have for each and every instrument you touch. certainly a level to aspire to in any field.
@bobblues11582 жыл бұрын
I always have respect and admiration for everyone with these abilities that keep my horns playing!
@dougberrett80943 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this informative video. It is hard to beat a Selmer, and I think you did it justice.
@wesleemusicrepair98203 жыл бұрын
Nothing like em!! Thanks for watching.
@tumenihits54382 жыл бұрын
I love watching craftsmen at work, especially on saxes.
@57Banjoman2 жыл бұрын
My grade school band director smoked a pipe-that tells you how long ago that was, and he kept a box of pads-he would use his lighter, and melt the shellac that held the keys, and replace the pads-no charge-I thought it was awesome! Thank you for these videos-very interesting!
@JiveDadson2 жыл бұрын
I still smoke a pipe.
@stevehennessy35882 жыл бұрын
I just love watching masters of their craft work. I don't have any musical talent or instruments, but I could watch you work all day long.
@whotknots2 жыл бұрын
Thanks again, and again Wes.
@gerrycappuccio41862 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing this repair work Wes !
@drorbengur3 жыл бұрын
Love your videos. Thanks.
@patrickmarino86019 ай бұрын
Glad you mentioned the silver solder. Lots of band directors use the lead and it's not as good. I really enjoy your excellent repair work. So nice to see a really great repairman at work. Thanks .
@HappyJ2 жыл бұрын
Having a blast getting caught up with all your videos.
@derekkuhl2 жыл бұрын
Beautiful work Wes. I love the care and attention you put into these beauties!
@jetcarddude2 жыл бұрын
What a great job to have, true artist craft.....Thanks for sharing.
@bilgls52 жыл бұрын
Thanks Wes a real craftsman at work , enjoyed your video.
@josemanuel62672 жыл бұрын
Brother, you are awesome. Thank God for people like you. Thanks!!!
@alphabeets2 жыл бұрын
I’m so impressed with your work and your work ethic. Great work, brother.
@anthonyvancampen67294 ай бұрын
Sweet! Going from good to GREAT!
@martyg3742 жыл бұрын
Nice job. It's good to have the tools and know how to use them. I admire your skills and experience.
@Vinodsharma-ez9rr2 ай бұрын
Excellent work man ship and workshop
@fangospucklovesveena4642 жыл бұрын
Hey man, good stuff I watched 2 episodes and am learning all sorts of stuff by watching you work. 1st time to hear and see. Thank you.
@jacquesdeghorain31622 жыл бұрын
un des plus détendus et des plus intéressants travaux que j'ai eu le plaisir de regarder . Je viens d'apprendre plein de petites choses nouvelles pour moi mais intéressantes et même souvent essentielles . Je reviendrai souvent vous voir Wes Lee ! Ca en vaut vraiment la peine :j'ai appris en passant un très bon moment en votre compagnie . Que demander de mieux !!!
@OneGuyOnline22 жыл бұрын
Amazing work, amazing sound!
@tsunamas2 жыл бұрын
hey I really enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing
@grahammorgan963510 ай бұрын
Thanks Wes, you are a true master with a subtle touch and seem at one with your instrument, really informative video.
@general5104 Жыл бұрын
THANK YOU FOR YOUR VIDEO !!! Wes, I'll pass an old electricians de-soldering trick on to you. Clamp a piece of pine wood close to where you're working, either vertical or horizontal. In whatever position you need it That's close to what you're de-soldering. Grasp the item to be un-soldered, with pliers in one hand and your torch in the other. Make sure no one is next to you. Heat up your metal till the solder starts shining and quickly hit the wood with your pliers. The solder will keep going and your metal will come to a fast halt! The centrifugal force makes the liquid solder fly on out. Spread a damp rag in the "Spray Zone" so you won't have lead BB's up in things, like motors or equipment. Hope this helps you de-solder.
@fl31622 жыл бұрын
Nothing else like this on YT … that’s why it’s so interesting.
@DaveBassDotCom6 ай бұрын
1953... wire neck key (prior to the Mk VI solid plate with the S logo)... and split (offset) keyboard... must be a Super Balanced Action... just before the Mk VI. Nice!
@SadboiUrmom3 жыл бұрын
The best youtuber ever
@wesleemusicrepair98203 жыл бұрын
That’s a mighty lofty compliment, but thank you.
@motorsported Жыл бұрын
Solid work
@thomaskipfer10082 жыл бұрын
Craftsman- needed now more than ever. Excitement welled up inside when you played the low b, c#, b flat. I loved the soldering but even more, the grinding, not leaving the solder blubber on the inside. My tech excites me in the same way. I brought a Kohlert 55 alto, with oval tone holes and dents top of dents. We did resurrection- plays now like 1955 with roo pads. Thanks- good time!
@udos.76112 жыл бұрын
Vielen Dank für das interessante Video. Tolle Arbeit 👍🏽
@ML-rm3vk2 жыл бұрын
Fine work sir thank you wonderful insight to you craft.
@bobb.48072 жыл бұрын
Wes, I tried you leather strip tip for leveling pads. I have to admit it works quite well , not for everything but, now they are the first thing I grab on my bench. Thanks so much !
@lotsabirds3 жыл бұрын
I had a few things go through my head! One is the brilliance of your solder work. It's not my favorite thing to do and you make it look easy. The next was your attention given to the light show and finally, I was thrilled that whoever did the previous pad job didn't use weldwood contact cement! Again, beautiful work!
@sansocie2 жыл бұрын
Have had a few weldwood pads.......hate that junk.
@lunasjg652 жыл бұрын
I like it saxophones, so it's interesting to me how building and how fixing the saxophones problem,thanks for the video.
@keithcampbell6806 Жыл бұрын
I can watch you all day Sir .I do repairs in Guyana South America. We don't have shellac in this country so we have to use contact cement and it works just fine. Keep up the good work Sir.
@peterkauffmann68002 жыл бұрын
Great work
@ShowCat12 жыл бұрын
Brought back good memories. Thanks. New sub.
@marcwolman27197 ай бұрын
"chorus of angels" hooked me🎷
@sexylover7802 жыл бұрын
What a great old horn........................lucky owner to have it..........................lucky owner to also have a repairman with such special skills. You have got the touch for sure! I'm a guitarist but I love Jazz trumpet and sax players. I could name off the greats but I'm sure you are familiar with many of them already. Guitar repair is working with different types of materials but to do it right you still have to have the chops and personality to do it right........................patience is a must, anything that is done right has taken time to do it that way. I'm amazed by your work.............so I'm going to follow and watch more. That is some shop you have there...............you could build and repair many things in there, not just musical instruments.
@secondwindmusicproductions2 жыл бұрын
Loved this video. I had a Selmer pretty much like that. I bought it new in 1960 or so and played it in a dance band for several years. Sadly I sold it after I quit the band.
@jeromemorris34502 жыл бұрын
Awesome work
@giovacman12 жыл бұрын
Beautiful tone .
@robinchrist7172 Жыл бұрын
Loved it, thanks you
@squidkid22 жыл бұрын
Great instrument and a great repair. Like your v-notch for the braze. Gotta get those pads dialed in. If it don't play it don't matter how shiny it is!
@janviljoen7001 Жыл бұрын
Nice work.
@jibguy20032 жыл бұрын
Awesome. Thanks for having me.
@drewdemien4812 жыл бұрын
That sounded like 1978 band class. Clean. Just nice horn
@andreasgilgenberg55882 жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot , wonderful insight
@pascalzlatintsis85296 ай бұрын
Συγχαρητήρια για το πάθος που δείχνεις για την τέχνη σου και ευχαριστώ που το μοιράζεσαι μαζί μας !
@olafstenzel26844 ай бұрын
Good job!
@hubertheeringa2443 Жыл бұрын
Nice work dude
@andyreet2 жыл бұрын
One of the last SBA's. Very nice.
@ericmelvin102 жыл бұрын
Nice work!
@JohnLeaf2 жыл бұрын
this sax has an amazing sound
@brianjohnston98222 жыл бұрын
Thanks for playing it.
@jeffmurphree29372 жыл бұрын
Wow! You are amazing! Questions What is the oldest instrument you have worked on? What instrument has been your most challenging? What repair has been your most rewarding? Thanks again!
@samuellopez33272 жыл бұрын
Mestre!! É assim que vejo você, um grande mestre dos instrumentos de sopro, sou seu Fã, aprendo muito com você, muitíssimo obrigado, quero fazer um curso com vc, se possível, mas acho que isso seria um sonho difícil de realizar , Deus abençoe você a cada dia!!
@johnkelleh70542 жыл бұрын
Love the videos Wes! I use Zep industrial purple degreaser (basically lye) to break down silver solder flux so there's no etching like with acid. I also use it for darkening the brass to match patina or if left in long enough to strip lacquer. Something I picked up from a friend and I've been loving the results!
@vdavis47852 жыл бұрын
Looks like that poor sax had some really questionable repairs in the past. Really nice to see it get the TLC it needed from a tremendously gifted repairman! A vintage sax can last for a long time if it's properly cared for.
@tonysales36872 жыл бұрын
Great job man. Tony, tenor/alto and piano
@cactus40492 жыл бұрын
I play saxophone and I thought this was really cool!
@oakhurstaxe63922 жыл бұрын
Getting the band back together!
@danderibas2640 Жыл бұрын
GOOD JOB
@larryg.91872 жыл бұрын
..... Very cool job and tips ... Am thinking of a Buescher true-tone, and not being a player yet was worried about bad pads ... But now, I can perhaps bring a small light and like you showed, check for gaps and light showing when I lightly press the notes ... Perhaps I can expose reason to lower the price a bit if the gaps are present .....
@stevenboyd5932 жыл бұрын
After all your work recuperating wonderful to hear them sing a few notes €;-)}
@captainjirk95642 жыл бұрын
I have a 1933 Selmer Paris that I got for $200, it was my first sax. It was corroded as heck though, but played quite well, despite being used in marching band by the previous owner.
@scootermacarthy59902 жыл бұрын
Wes: the sax should never be lifted out by the bell. Especially tenors. Lifting like that bends the bell brace area causing the bell keys to be out of alignment. The bell winds up pulling upwards and has to be aligned again so the keys close. Near 100 percent of my sax repairs have this issue so the customers have to shown how to lift out by the middle of the sax or support the sax at the top. This common problem is well known to my repair friends. I'm surprised you lifted that out like that. I am thinking of making a video to help folks out and prevent this issue. Thanks making a video on repairs.
@DFWAI2 жыл бұрын
I'm impressed. Was wondering if you played also. Guess you do. That's a sweet old horn.
@JiveDadson2 жыл бұрын
I had one of those tenors in the mid 80's. It was an OK horn, nothing special. But the "SBA" altos from the same era are unequaled. Paul Desmond knew.
@bobbo07082 жыл бұрын
Wes I'd really like to see a shot of how you clamped that band to keep the curvature before you soldered it. Thanks.
@Joe___R2 жыл бұрын
The best way to have repaired that broken ring was not soldering it but welding it with a laser welder with some fine filler wire. You would have still prepped it the same but welding it from the backside with just a little going through to the top. After some light filing & buffing the joint would be invisible and as strange as new.
@peggywilliams86162 жыл бұрын
I have a 1916 selmer. I think it has all original pads on it. I am new to music and want to take care of it.
@stephenrobinson79452 жыл бұрын
I found my grandson a Cleveland alto sax. Tech said it needs a complete overhaul. The pads were dead and coming out, and the whole thing needed cleaned.
@wilhelmbeck84982 жыл бұрын
Regarding brazing : Prepping parts - does not require beveling, - unlike welds. One can tape/masks / then sandblast the narrow contact area.A costum jig often needed for exact positioning of parts - aiming for smallest possible gap before flux /heat/brazing. The solder will, by capillar effect, be sucked into the gap - ( if properly, cleaned, fluxed and heated. ) Best Regards
@danielr.schafer95042 жыл бұрын
cool stuff' Weslee! frist vid on brass horn repair....%)
@garycook53476 ай бұрын
nice clean repair & work, wish ya showed that small adjustment to get that lower stack pad to close with out using an ice cream stick to bend teh key to level I know that s WRONG just saying what ive observed in my 50 years of watching hackers hack a horn!
@jazzyjake992 жыл бұрын
It looks like a relaq judging on the fading of the engraving.
@abdulk34882 жыл бұрын
I get instruments like these where customers says (i only need this to be re fitted), after inspecting the instruments i found most pads leaking or missing silencers...but still dont want to fix that...only fix what i told you😂 I end up fixing everything and only charge them what they requested to be repaired...just cannot send the instrument in that condition no matter what
@hamjohn87372 жыл бұрын
lol @ the 10:25 mark...."Ouch! That's hot!"
@brianboucher78642 жыл бұрын
Hi Wes what cemicals do I need to clean the inside of a brass instrument really injoy your lessons on KZfaq hope you can help
@chriscozart06202 жыл бұрын
Would love to know how to get a quote for repairing some old Trumpets I played back in the 90's during my high school band days. And I hate to say it especially after watching a video where you mention it....but my high school age repair skill for fixing broken joints was....superglue. 😞 I've always wanted to get them fixed in case my future grand kids want to play or maybe to donate to a local music group that has a need for them. Thanks for the great videos.
@ms-mac5212 жыл бұрын
👍👍👍
@alphabeets2 жыл бұрын
I can see how sax work can tie you up for a full day or two.
@joshuahamby69102 жыл бұрын
I always hate to see these older horns in such a state... I work on horns from middle and high-schools and some of them are so bad that they go in the parts pile. It's a shame. But, love the repairs you did on this old Mark VI.
@hincapiej42 жыл бұрын
It's not a six.
@brentcwong2 жыл бұрын
Looks like this was owned by someone that went to Mississippi State ... Just saw the second sticker. I was right! Which makes sense since I see you're based in MS. Hmmm, I wonder if you ever worked on my horn back in the day . . .
@COLCJM22 жыл бұрын
I’d like you to have a look at my dads Selmer..
@gearheadwes2 жыл бұрын
Wes, this is Wes Ricketts. Nice first name! I have a 1971 Selmer Mark VI by serial number look up. What's the real value on this Tenor horn? I keep seeing all kinds of prices being asked for. The lacquer isn't in great shape and there are some small dings. I'm gonna check out the pads and light leak check it. I'll also check the keys as well for action.
@MegamanGaming4 ай бұрын
They really need to get a proper case for that horn. The amount that thing is rattling around in that old case is going to destroy that horn.
@raefblack79063 жыл бұрын
How is it that you can get your horns to Pop. I am still struggling on that. What is the thickness of leather that you use for respading?
@wesleemusicrepair98203 жыл бұрын
Tone hole has to be level, pad cup has to be level, pad has to fit in cup correct with the correct amount of exposure, finally, I unhook the spring on whatever key to check how the pad seats with no touching. All of the basic techniques but with thought to perfection. Then I never touch to check the seat using a grip, always push lightly with no opposable pressure. No horn from the cheapest of the off shore stuff to vintage horns leave my without that pop. This is a skill that takes time and dedication to develop, but you can. To your question about thickness, I stock 3 different thicknesses of pad and use what is appropriate for each instrument.
@raefblack79063 жыл бұрын
@@wesleemusicrepair9820 Thanks, can you show how to setup the Fork F ? I keep on getting it wrong . As a consequence my horn always sounds stuffy.
@barbbeckett47872 жыл бұрын
Need an apprentice? My son would Love this type of work.
@colinricgmailcom2 жыл бұрын
I like your idea of great shape?
@jimmyjazz782 жыл бұрын
Lemme get some of those mini-eggs!
@John-Laird2 жыл бұрын
That horn is built very similar to my Selmer Alto, though I think mine is from the 80s not the 50s.
@mikerichards63112 жыл бұрын
👏🏻👍😁
@jamesburnett70853 жыл бұрын
About 20-25 years ago I read Louis Armstrong played a Selmer (he was already dead then). Were the old Selmers anything special? I never hear of anyone playing a Selmer trumpet these days.
@severinocarbone39282 жыл бұрын
Hey, typically how much do you charge for work like this?
@jamesearly25872 жыл бұрын
New to your channel. What type of gas do you use for your mini torch?
@wesleemusicrepair98202 жыл бұрын
blazer torches are butane. Little torch is propane/oxy