Alto Sax Big Bell A-1 Ice

[philssax]

Hey guys i just got an A-1 Ice cannonball for alto and love it. I am having one little problem with it though. When i play middle D through middle G# i get an airy/buzzy sound. I think it is the key below the neck that raises when the octave key is pushed on those mid notes. I have tried many mouthpieces and reeds and get the same effect. THe rest of the horn plays great. I even released the octave key button and allowed the key thats opens to close and i raised my jaw up and kept the note at the same octave and it came out clear and pure. I was wondering if anyone has heard of this problem before and if anyone has any suggestions. I'm hoping it is just a key adjustment but before i drive an hour and a half to my dealer i wanted to get some feedback. Thanks.

[sax_appeal]

It sounds like you might have a bit of 'condensation' in your octave vent. You'll need to clean it and then try playing again to see if its still happening.

[Riff]

Sometimes when the horns are lacquered some lacquer drips into that side vent, reducing its diameter. Try cleaning it out with a pipe cleaner.
The horn may need to go to a repair man to have the hole drilled clean.