Modification LH pinky plateau Buescher 400 bariton saxofoon

At the request of a customer MRO saxophones performed a modification to the left hand pinky plateau of Buescher 400 baritone saxophone. This instrument was already completely overhauled by us a few years ago, the customer wanted to carry out a scheduled maintenance check to keep his instrument in top condition.

Normally speaking the left hand little finger plateau of almost every vintage baritone saxophone causes problems because it is heavy to operate. This is caused by the long axes and thick springs, in conjunction with direct transmission to the keys. Modern saxophones have another system and run a lot lighter.
The modification carried out by MRO Saxophones ensures that the keys of the left hand little finger plateau are optimally adjusted to each other, and the friction between the keywork is as small as possible.

The basic principle is that the keys are snugly adjusted. Then we will optimize the tension of the Gis key mechanism. It consists of two springs that counteract each other. Of course, the Gis key should open normally, but often profit can be made by adjusting these springs lighter. The spring of the actual Gis key should still open itself when the saxophone is held flat with the lid up. The spring of the transmission key (see picture) can then be adjusted accordingly. This is important because this spring is always operational when pressing lower Cis, b, and Bb keys. The lighter the Gis mechanism, the lighter the entire LH plateau mechanism.

Now we can adjust the individual springs of the lower Cis, B and Bb keys. These are thick springs and it takes a little more effort to adjust, but often they are more tightly tuned as needed. Optimal adjustment; the keys may not bounce or close automatically during normal operation.

Now that the spring tension is corrected we continue minimizing the friction between the keys of the plateau. The problem is that the amber rollers of the lower keys touch the bracket on the Gis transmission key. This is a design failure from Buescher± this bracket is way too large. This can be solved in two ways: to shorten the bracket on the transmission key so that the roller no longer will be hit, or to install a thin strip techkork topped with a teflon strip on the bracket (see picture). To leave the saxophone in original condition original the customer choose for the second solution. Also all the keys of the LH plateau are aligned at exactly the same height due to this solution.

The end result: the LH  pinky plateau is much smoother and faster and can now be operated without any trouble.

This modification can also be carried out at MRO Saxophones for your saxophone !!!