What is the significance of a used saxophone described as having original lacquer versus one that has been relacquered?
ANS: While in some instances there is little significance, in the case of some professional vintage saxophones an original lacquer instrument can often command a much higher price than its relacquered counterpart. The reason for this is that many players believe that relacquering the instrument significantly alters its sound. Many vintage saxophones are prized for their characteristic tone quality, part of which is attributed to the particular lacquer formula used by its manufacturer during the period in which it was made.
