A salient pole machine a rotor having a rotor rim. A plurality of salient poles having a pole winding and extending in the radial direction are attached to the rotor rim, with the rotor rim having an outermost radial surface between the pole-rim interfaces. A plurality of axial rib-like rim extensions project radially from the outermost radial surface of the rotor rim with a predetermined circumferential distance between neighboring rim extensions. A plurality of axial pole grooves in the salient pole match and receive the rim extensions. Fixing elements fix the rim extensions in the pole grooves and are inserted axially into facing interface holes defined in facing sidewalls of the pole grooves and the rib-like rim extensions. The fixing elements are radially inward of the pole windings and are accessible for axial sliding removal from the facing interface holes.