My hobby became my business when I realized I could
fix them better than I could play them. I do minor repairs to full repads with 172 complete repads/overhauls
done (see the list of instruments I've done in the table below) and working on more. I also do work and repads
on clarinets and flutes but saxophones are my specialty.
I answer any questions for free and do free
consultations if you have a sax you would like me to look at. Jim Vansant
Click the van to go to my art website with original
oil paintings and the Greenvan Story.
These pages below give a list of instruments I've worked on.
I started out including all repairs, but it was taking up too much space, so now I only add the complete
overhauls and repads. Click on the small page in the chart to see a full view page with the list of instruments-everything
from Conn New Wonders to Selmer Mark VI 's and King Super 20's. I play all the instruments
I work on, and on complete repads this is at least a couple hours, generally much longer.
General repairs $30/hour plus parts.
Complete repads start at $360 for altos and $375 for tenors.
This includes complete diasassembly including finger rollers and flat spring screws, cleaning and polishing, new pads(I use
flat metal resonator pads most of the time), most corks(I like to do seating of pads before I cork so usually remove the old
cork), rods and keys straightened and cleaned, rust removal and oiling of metal parts, play testing and adjustment .
Some dent work included if necessary, major work costs more. Usually includes any resoldering or other simple body work.
Early 1920's nickel silver Holton Collegiate alto 38593, has extra
trill keys, G-sharp and low C-sharp is one key, no front high F key but high F palm key also opens E-flat and d and E keys
not necessary for F note. Plays and sounds great, rebuilt with all new pads and corks, cleaned and hand polished.
Comes in clean 1920's case with the Elk Head medalion. $310
Elkhart-Built
by Buescher. All new corks and pads on one of the most used sax models from Buescher, found later as the Selmer
Bundy, the Selmer Buescher Aristocrat and on many student stencil incarntions including the Silvertone for Sears. Probably
better than most new student altos, plays easily and has a good sound. Was an experimental horn for engraving and relacquering
by previous owner. Looks nice except for some soldering that was done to it. No case but comes with a mouthpiece,
ligature and neck strap. $260
