the MARTIN ALTO 204973
This instrument was subject of an entire set of far reaching modifications. Its Art–Deco like style acted as a guide in the various changes made.
A new neck was made for this instrument. It got a new tenon with the correct conicity on the inside. The 'adapter' between neck and mouthpiece chamber is fitted in the brass ring that juts out in front of the cork. It has an inverse inner taper.
The top register key got two 'half' hinges which are better in line with the rest of the mechanism. The spiral prevents the key and its spring from being turned over.
The register mechanism was made entirely anew. It was moved to the left hand side of the main barrel in order to make room for a new key nr. 25 (high F#), which, rather unusually, is placed at the back side of the body. It was also supplied with a lever that operates a C#–correction.
The C#–correction mechanism seen from the front side. The mechanism closes key nr. 18 about halfway. This key has a small disk hanging under it, which takes care of the desired acoustical correction. The extend to which the key actually closes is not that critical.
New linkages in the mechanisms of keys nr. 13 (side Bb) and nr. 16 (side C).
Right hand side.
1. The spatula for the new key nr. 25 (side top F#), tip of the right hand first finger.
2. A new key nr. 8 (side F#). The original key is small and the tone produced is weak. The present, more conventional layout has none of these objections. The original adjuster for the thumb rest had to be removed, though.
An extra touchpiece for key nr. 11 (G#) in the style of Conn: a once opened key can be closed again with the right hand index or second finger. Because key nr. 11 is not on the same hinge as the rest of the right hand key stack a sliding linkage had to be introduced.
An overview of the right hand. The original but closed hole nr. 8 (side F#) is visible right under the new spatula for top F#.
and this is good for nothing (...).