Are Rolled Tone Holes On a Saxophone Better Than Standard?

Well, they sure look nice and are a bit friendlier on the pads. However, it is much more difficult to produce accurately leveled "rolled" tone holes on a sax for the very simple fact that it creates more height between the body of the saxophone and the corresponding keypad. The initial idea behind the rolled tone hole was that the pad would not be cut into as severely by the brass, thus wearing them more quickly. This objective is legitimately achieved by the rolled tips, although there are other disadvantages that just may cancel out their overall benefit...

The fine straight-edge of a typical saxophone tone hole allows the pads to sit more tightly at the base. The rolled tone holes, whether soldered on or bled (beveled) present a thicker area for the pads to clasp. This will of course make the seal of the instrument less tight, and adjustments harder to hold. Rolled tone holes done right can be quite nice, though this is ultimately an aesthetic perk in terms of saxophone value. Most of my favorite horns come standard... Selmer Mark VI, Super Balanced Action, Buescher 400 "top hat & cane" just to name a few.