Sax low note prob....

[SaxColuss]

Okie.....here it is, my sax,alto JKSX90R,the low notes ain't that responsive. sometimes,getting the low c# note is very difficult. thus the other b and Bb notes too.... there's bound to be a leakage right? but can someone please tell me,which notes are leaking? i welcome any help and comments..... Sax on! (affect me when i'm practising....jeez)

[Hurling Frootmig]

I'm experiencing the same thing on my old student horn which I am practicing on while my pro horn gets overhauled. In my case I believe I've got multiple bad and a few questionable pads on this horn. I would take it in to your sax tech and have him look for leaks with a leak light. At the very least I would have him replace all of the really bad pads. It sounds like a newer horn so it shouldn't need a repad yet but that's what he is for.

[Dave Dolson]

SaxColuss: Don't eliminate mouthpiece/reed issues, but a leak could do it, too. It could be anywhere; start at the top of the horn and determine if the octave keys are operating properly, and sealing effectively.

Next, go down the tube, opening by opening to see if each pad is closing properly. A lot of low-end problems are caused by leaks at the higher end of the tube. Check the combination mechanisms (forked Bbs, Ab staying closed when it should, etc.) for proper functioning. Maybe your Ab key is lifting slightly when you open the low C# and below.

A leak-light is invaluable in this process. Once you've determined that each pad is closing properly, you must determine if each pad is completely sealed when closed. A visit to a technician may be the final solution. Good luck. DAVE

[singlereed]

Almost certainly a leak. A brand new JK SX90R is likely to be full of leaks (depending on where you bought it) - get it checked over, you'll be glad you did.

[colibri]

The bottom notes on the Keilwerth should be easily accessible due to the body tube and bow size. They play/sound as nice as the American vintage saxes.

Do you have trouble playing low notes on other horns as well, or only with the Keilwerth? If it's the latter, bring your horn to your tech and make sure he sets it up properly. Since Keilwerth are known to be inconsistent (which might be a good thing), once it's set up to your personal specification, it's hard to beat.

Good luck. 8)

[Gordon (NZ)]

The Low C# also presses down the G# lever, which attempts to open the G# key. The linkage from the F# key to the G#, with the screw adjuster, is supposed to keep the G# form opening. This is almost certainly your problem, although it could have other causes.

While you are are attempting to play those low notes, get somebody else to put slight pressure on the G# key cup, and see if that corrects the problem.

If this is is, screw this adjusting screw, about 2 degrees only at a time, until the problem corrects. Turning it too far will make matters worse still. Of course there could well be other issues involved, e.g. the screw too difficult to turn. If you bend the arm that the screw is in you will have compounded problems.

i.e, if you don't understand very well what you are doing, and all the possible implications, don't do it! That is what technicians are for.

[Morry]

Tomorrow, I'm going to pick up an SX90R tenor that I'm buying, and I can tell you that the low notes just pop right out of that horn. It is certainly due to a leak somewhere. Take Gordon's advice and see a tech.

[Joseph Boucher]

What size reed are you using? Are you a beginning player. Just about everyone that first picks up the sax has trouble with low C and the Bs. Before you bring your sax in for tech work, try some softer reeds. Try a #1.5 Rico or a #2 Rico. See if you can hit the low notes with easier blowing reeds. Also, if your using a mouthpiece patch take it off. If this 'cheaper' remedy dosen't work first, then take it in to a tech. Joe.

[Chris]

The sx90r is one of the best saxophone to get the low notes.

Are you a beginner?

[SaxColuss]

Jeez...now i really felt like a beginner with all the q if i am.hehe.. nope,i'm not a beginner...tried playin on different horn with the same mp,reed and the low notes pop out easily.jeez!i played on tenor and the low notes respond easily...there's alos a dent below the low C tone hole.i think it kinda affect it. will try to av a tech look at it and find out wat's wrong..the reason i put this up here is to noe if i can fix it myself.hee.oh well... kinda pissed off cause can't jez play those notes..(low) well...it sounded horrible.not easily accessible.jeez! will see what fault i can find with it before i'll av the tech look at it. i appreciate all ur saxy comments! Helping a sax player in need is a sax player indeed!And NO,i'm not a beginner! hee...der!I said it! hehe...keep on saxin,guys! Sax On!

[Joseph Boucher]

We didn't know about the dent in the low C tone hole(duh). It could be the reason for your problem. Time to put it up on the lift. Joe.

[singlereed]

A dent near a tone hole is very likely to deform the hole or it's orientation to the pad. I think low notes should be easy enough on any sax, if they aren't, there is a leak. As another member observed, low notes are not a problem on Keilwerths as such, but like any sax, with a leak, they are going to be very difficult. My experience with several brand new Keilwerths has been that they have come badly set up, with leaks as standard (!), but it does sound as if yours has sustained some damage. Definitely a job for a repairer.

[SaxColuss]

Sorry guys......bout forgetting the dent. am getting old...hah! :oops: Mmmm.......yeah........av absolutely no trouble playing those low notes on my Selmer SA 80 serie I. will see wat i can do bout it...... u guys really 'sax' me up! Sax on......all of'ya!!

[Vincer]

One more suggestion, check the cork on your neck. I had mine replaced when I was having problems witht the low notes and it made a big difference.