With cheaper imported saxophones coming into the United States each year, the options for finishing your sax have become even more diverse than they once were. People’s opinions are strictly divided, but in general, the finish on your sax is your preference more than anything else. With that said, here is a quick guide to many of the finishes that are becoming the norm in the saxophone world.
Bare Brass
This is the most basic finish possible: no finish. It is a bare instrument. Bare instruments lack much of the clean luster of a lacquered saxophone, but they make up for it in classy aging. Nothing customizes a saxophone more than your spit marks, hand marks, and the accumulated grime of years.
Essentially, this finish requires constant work to be clean, since bare brass will tarnish (or rust if saliva is involved). That being said, many folks prefer the natural look of the finish, and it ages into a mature look that many desire. For classical performances and marching bands however, this look might be too unorthodox.
Also, an “antique” version of this has been showing up. This is chemically tarnished ahead of time. With a bit of polish, you could return it to bare brass, but the point is to get a head start on the aging process. If you like the look of an antique sax, go for it.
Lacquer
Lacquers come in a variety of colors now, but generally are the look we associate with brass instruments. They are clean, low maintenance, and generally considered a safe option. Lacquered instruments do wear however, and as the lacquer flakes off, as all seem to eventually, the look becomes somewhat “dirty” or uneven.
If you are looking on the used market, that uneven look is preferred to the re-lacquering process. The re-lacquered instruments are often aggressively buffed, and this process sometimes alters the classic sound of the instrument. When in doubts, don’t buy until you can play-test and instrument.
Gold Plating
Electroplated gold is an expensive but awesome option. Because gold doesn’t stick to brass, you have to start with a silver plate, then plate gold onto the silver. The process is probably the most expensive finish you can apply.
Vintage gold saxes were un-lacquered beneath the gold, but many newer saxes are lacquered over the plating to protect it. This is a two edged sword, for it will have the downsides when the lacquer wears. It is up to you and how much you care, but gold, on its own, doesn’t tarnish in any significant way, so it is less a tarnish issue.
Silver Plating
Silver plating is a common thing to see on vintage saxes as well. This is a thin layer of silver over the instrument. Sometimes, a mixed gold wash was used inside the bell as well, and when done properly, that look is absolutely incredible.
Silver does tarnish, and it requires delicate polishing to preserve the surface without harming the instrument. If you don’t mind polishing, silver is a pretty finish to get. Again, new saxes are coming in with a lacquer-over-plating, and in this case, it means far less polishing. On the other hand, when the lacquer goes, it will probably not go prettily.
Other metals are generally similar to silver. They tarnish if they are un-lacquered, and if they are lacquered, it is only a matter of time before they aren’t in spots. Nothing lasts forever. Still, copper gives a standout look to a horn when viewed, and the look is fairly uncommon.
Bright Nickel
Bright nickel plating isn’t common as much anymore. Once a common finish, it is durable and shiny, fairly resistant to tarnish, and quite nice. The color isn’t quite as silver as silver, but it certainly does look classy, and many old saxophones have this finish in pretty good shape. I love this finish and I wish it were easier to find instruments today with just a simple nickel finish.
Black Nickel
Black nickel is a dramatic finish option. This is typically lacquered over, since some black nickel plates aren’t incredibly durable. It is hard to find information on how well this ages, since there aren’t many old saxes with the finish around. The look is stunning: a deep, shiny black with contrasting engraving and/or keys. Some companies offer a matte version of this look as well.
Mix and Match
Many companies are capitalizing on the internet and on-demand production facilities to make mix & match finishes. These finishes are largely a matter of taste. Since the production facilities are fairly quick, you can usually call a company and they can tell you about custom options you can choose from, at a cost of course.
On Tone
People debate tone vs. finish, and the important part, in my opinion, is whether or not you can find your voice on the instrument. Finish may or may not make a difference, and I have my doubts that the difference is perceivable, but regardless, if it is the sax you like to play, it is the right saxophone for you. Production quality in terms of fit, build materials, and care put into assembly are far more important than lacquer or tarnish when it comes to sound and playability.
