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Sax on the Web Forum Archive / Conn Saxophones / pitch on my Chu

vonbraig
User ID: 9767833 May 1st 12:43 PM
I'm blowing pretty sharp in general on both of my links. When I pull out to bring the pitch down I'm hearing a timber change I don't like. A with the octive key of course being the worst.

Any mechanical stuff I should look at? The horn seems to be sealing fine. It's my first vintage tenor so any advice would be appreciated.

tungp
User ID: 0952054 May 1st 3:41 PM
vonbraig, a rubber Link may tend to play sharp from A3 or Bb3 up on some Chus; a metal STM or related usually plays pretty well in tune with only idiosyncratic (e.g. note to note) difficulties.

There are alot of possibilities, aside from embouchure/technique: neckpipe modifications, damage or problems in the past; tone hole damage or other related.

If you're tempted to overblow it, to get more projection, this is probably a factor.

tungp
User ID: 0952054 May 1st 3:47 PM
sorry: A2 or B3...

vonbraig
User ID: 9767833 May 2nd 10:02 AM
Thanks for the info. Yea I'm pushing the rubber link pretty hard and that makes it worse.

However, I get nearly the same result on my metal early babbit link. I think I can get it together. That a is the one that's really sticking out. It seems to be ok once I get past it.

tungp
User ID: 0952054 May 2nd 2:25 PM
If you continue to struggle, I might have the answer. I have a piece custom made that is phenomenally good on Chu and other early Conns. Sold out, but am having more made. Will be happy to work out a trial with you, if you find your pieces continue to be difficult.

justsaxes@att.net

vonbraig
User ID: 9767833 May 3rd 8:23 AM
Thanks for the offer. I spent some time with the tuner last night and things are getting better. I'm using a little harder reed and that seemed to help. I'll post something if I get to the point of trying another piece.

vonbraig User ID: 9767833	May 1st 12:43 PM I'm blowing pretty sharp in general on both of my links. When I pull out to bring the pitch down I'm hearing a timber change I don't like. A with the octive key of course being the worst. Any mechanical stuff I should look at? The horn seems to be sealing fine. It's my first vintage tenor so any advice would be appreciated.
tungp User ID: 0952054	May 1st 3:41 PM vonbraig, a rubber Link may tend to play sharp from A3 or Bb3 up on some Chus; a metal STM or related usually plays pretty well in tune with only idiosyncratic (e.g. note to note) difficulties. There are alot of possibilities, aside from embouchure/technique: neckpipe modifications, damage or problems in the past; tone hole damage or other related. If you're tempted to overblow it, to get more projection, this is probably a factor.
tungp User ID: 0952054	May 1st 3:47 PM sorry: A2 or B3...
vonbraig User ID: 9767833	May 2nd 10:02 AM Thanks for the info. Yea I'm pushing the rubber link pretty hard and that makes it worse. However, I get nearly the same result on my metal early babbit link. I think I can get it together. That a is the one that's really sticking out. It seems to be ok once I get past it.
tungp User ID: 0952054	May 2nd 2:25 PM If you continue to struggle, I might have the answer. I have a piece custom made that is phenomenally good on Chu and other early Conns. Sold out, but am having more made. Will be happy to work out a trial with you, if you find your pieces continue to be difficult. justsaxes@att.net
vonbraig User ID: 9767833	May 3rd 8:23 AM Thanks for the offer. I spent some time with the tuner last night and things are getting better. I'm using a little harder reed and that seemed to help. I'll post something if I get to the point of trying another piece.