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Sax on the Web Forum Archive / Selmer saxes / Sharp D2 on Alto

Brian M.
User ID: 9962683 Oct 1st 10:49 AM
My Mark VI alto (60xxx) has always had a rather sharp D2. I shade the low B or Bb key to bring the D2 down to pitch, but this alters the tone, making it much smaller sounding. The problem has persisted the entire 36 years I've owned it, and mechanical overhauls have not solved the problem. Everything else about the horn is great. Is there a cure for this?

MBushaw
User ID: 7873223 Oct 2nd 7:06 PM
I had a CC alto with a sharp D2.
I have a BA alto with a sharp D2.
I believe this 'trait' continued into the MkVII era, and possibly beyond.

amasax
User ID: 8019393 Oct 2nd 7:12 PM
welcome to the design compromises necessary to make a livable saxophone. Because of the octave vent(s) needing to service more than one tone, they are in compromised locations, resulting in a sharp D.
Low B key is best bet, but as you noticed, it does change the tone; however, not as much as the player hears. Most of this can be compensated for by playing the D a bit louder.
Another possiblity, but limited technically, is to finger low D, then crack open the left palm D key just a bit. Slight different tone, but worth a try.
Another sometimes usuable possibility is to play the D louder(if possible in given circumstances), as louder pitches go flat a bit.
Other than that, you gotta use the old ears & lip it down

Brian M. User ID: 9962683	Oct 1st 10:49 AM My Mark VI alto (60xxx) has always had a rather sharp D2. I shade the low B or Bb key to bring the D2 down to pitch, but this alters the tone, making it much smaller sounding. The problem has persisted the entire 36 years I've owned it, and mechanical overhauls have not solved the problem. Everything else about the horn is great. Is there a cure for this?
MBushaw User ID: 7873223	Oct 2nd 7:06 PM I had a CC alto with a sharp D2. I have a BA alto with a sharp D2. I believe this 'trait' continued into the MkVII era, and possibly beyond.
amasax User ID: 8019393	Oct 2nd 7:12 PM welcome to the design compromises necessary to make a livable saxophone. Because of the octave vent(s) needing to service more than one tone, they are in compromised locations, resulting in a sharp D. Low B key is best bet, but as you noticed, it does change the tone; however, not as much as the player hears. Most of this can be compensated for by playing the D a bit louder. Another possiblity, but limited technically, is to finger low D, then crack open the left palm D key just a bit. Slight different tone, but worth a try. Another sometimes usuable possibility is to play the D louder(if possible in given circumstances), as louder pitches go flat a bit. Other than that, you gotta use the old ears & lip it down