Teflon octave system Both ends of the octave key axis rotate in a receptacle that is coated with teflon to insure a smooth operation every time

Rocking table mechanism The C# and Bb keys have a rocking table mechanism that allows for optimal speed and fluidity between these pitches

Double connected table key Not only are the C# and Bb keys connected with the oscillating table mechanism, but the C# and B have also adopted this same motion

F-auxiliary key mechanism Insures a proper seal of the pads when playing in the low range of the saxophone

"Indented" white shell keys A player's fingers will rest comfortably in the indented white shell keys. The white shells also enhance the beauty of the instrument while also preventing the player's fingers from slipping during technical passages

Ribbed construction Posts are connected to a single metal rib that is soldered to the body of the saxophone - this adds to the durability and longevity of the instrument

Metal thumb rests Both thumb rests on the saxophone are metal to match with the style of the saxophone and the right hand thumb hook is adjustable so that the performer can customize the feel of their saxophone

Pointed pivot screw The pivot screws that are used have a pointed end which facilitates an accurate center and precise action

Air-tight waterproof pad The pads are completely air-tight which supports stability in playing and their life is extended thanks to being waterproof

Blue steel springs Blue steel springs give the player quick response and are much more resilient than stainless steel (they also last much longer)

Double braced arm Two separate arms connect to the pad cup to ensure proper seating of the pad and improve the durability of the instrument

Tri-point balanced bell brace The bell and the body of the saxophone are firm connected by a tri-point balanced bell brace

Material • Different combinations of metals are used depending on the model of saxophone. Body Tube Welding

• A single brass sheet is welded into the body tube component of the saxophone by an automated machine. Welding

Bell Welding Welding • Each metal is treated differently in the bell welding process, so a craftsman does this step by hand to ensure a consistent finish.

Bell Shaping • The bell is smoothed and shaped by hand. Bell contraction

Tone hole drilling and pulling Tone hole processing • Elliptical holes are drilled into the body tube of the saxophone so that a metal ball can be pulled through to create the tone hole.

Tone hole finishing • The tone hole is shaved down to ensure proper height. Tone hole processing Key making

Press Press • Manufacturing of the keys begins with placing the metal into a machine that applies pressure down onto the metal and forms the key shape.

Press Parts Parts • There are as many as 300 different parts that have to be made to complete our different saxophones.

Soldering • The different portions of the keys (cup, arm, rod, etc…) are soldered together with silver. Welding Welding Pads and Corks Pad, Cork • The pad and the cork are attached to the keys and sprayed with lacquer.

Pad, Cork Initial Assembly

Post Attachment Attachment • The posts are soldered onto a metal rib that is then attached to the body of the saxophone. Surface Processing

Buffing Buff polishing • After the posts are attached each component of the saxophone has to be buffed multiple times – each time using a softer buffer. Buff polishing Buff polishing

Buff polishing Lacquering Process Lacquer blowing attachment • After the buffing is complete, each portion of the saxophone has to be cleaned using various chemicals and ultrasonic waves. • The lacquer is then sprayed onto all portions of the saxophone (including keys) and heated in a 120 degree oven. Lacquer blowing attachment Final Assembly

Bell Soldering • The bell and bow are soldered to the body tube. Attachment Keys Attachment • The keys and springs are then attached to the posts. There are about 15 different people involved in this process.

Hand Engraving • Each saxophone is skillfully engraved with one of our 5 artists. This process takes place at different times depending on the type of saxophone. Attachment Inspection Inspection • A light is used to make sure that each pad is seated properly and that the spring tension is correct through-out the saxophone.

Shipment • The musical instruments are shipped after wiping and packing carefully. Shipment » Artists

ROCCO BARBATO

TIA FULLER

MARK GROSS

ANTONIO HART

MEL MARTIN

MARION MEADOWS

STEVE NELSON-RANEY

SAPPHRON OBOIS

STEVE SLAGLE

FRANK THIBEAULT

BRIAN ULRICH

WARREN WIEGRATZ

BRUCE WILLIAMSv EDGAR WINTER

ED WYNNE

DAN YODER

GLENN ZOTTOLA