How to replace finger button inlays

[bort2.0]

How do you go about removing the existing inlay from a finger button and replacing it with something new?

Like specifically, how do you dissolve whatever adhesive is already there, where would I source options for something new, etc. There's nothing "wrong" with the existing ones, but they are kind of dingy and old and cracked and all that. I don't think it should be an expectation that these things live forever and ever and ever. Trying to figure out what my option would be to replace it with something a little nicer, and preferably not plastic.

[York-aholic]

If I'm not mistaken (always a possibility with me), the inlays are swedged into the finger button (i.e. the edge of the button is squeezed tighter to grip the inlay after the inlay is put in place.

[bort2.0]

I see... Thanks! Maybe I should be exploring a different option for something a little better looking.

I have a set of Sellmansberger buttons, which do fit the threads, but the geometry is wrong compared to the top valve cap.

I'll figure something out...!

[bloke]

In “the old days“, they were all done as described (I believe we even have two or three steel tools - for installing them in that manner - here, but more and more I just see them glued - in these days, except with very expensive saxophones.

I’ve only replaced them when they’ve fallen out, so I’ve never tried to defeat anyone’s glue - in order to install some vanity set, so I don’t have anything beyond that to offer.

I guess I would work from the center, if I didn’t want to risk screwing up a brass edge - by trying to pry.

[tubaing]

When I replaced the plastic inlays on my yamaha buttons, I put the buttons in a vise, drilled 2 holes (slowly to avoid melting the plastic and gluing it harder), then inserted the needle nose pliers and twisted until the glue failed.

[tubaing]

This is a link to the MOP discs I bought

http://mopsupplies.mobile034.com/p/9421 ... -2mm-.html

[York-aholic]

In “the old days“, they were all done as described.

I guess I’m just old fashioned.

[York-aholic]

This is a link to the MOP discs I bought

@tubaing
Nice work. Looking good.

[tubaing]

I will add that the fit tolerance of those MOP discs were so good that I felt confident in just pushing them in with no adhesive. I was mostly hoping they wouldn't crack during installation.

[tubaing]

If I'm not mistaken (always a possibility with me), the inlays are swedged into the finger button (i.e. the edge of the button is squeezed tighter to grip the inlay after the inlay is put in place.

My Besson 983 pictured in the post linked below had the swedged in MOP inserts, but seems a previous owner had them removed (drilled/chiseled/et cetra). They have been replaced with some kind of epoxy mixture. Everyone comments about how cool they are... If I could choose, I'd take real MOP over epoxy.
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