Mk VII palm key problems

[Eulipion2]

Hello,
It seems that most of the time when I try to play the left-hand palm keys on my Mark VII alto the notes just don't want to come out. Instead, I get this ugly grunting noise. Is there an easy fix to this?
Thanks,
Rick

[MS]

If your horn doesn't need repair, it sounds like an air/voicing issue. Without knowing your playing esperience, I would suggest that you start by reading the Paul Coats articles (beginners corner) on the opening page of this forum. Especially check out the mouthpiece alone exercise (A=880 for alto, concert G for tenor). If you can make this happen, and play exactly the same way when you put your mps on the horn, the palm keys should work better.

The sound you describe is the saxophone playing an octave too low. Speed up your air by putting your tongue in the poosition when you sing the vowel sound "E" (as in "We") or "A" (as in "Say). If you can't seem to get your air going fast enough, you might try a reed 1/2 to 1 size harder to provide you with blowing resistance. If you're new to the saxophone, this register may take a while to "get the hang of". Try approaching the palm keys in scales, and pay attention to your air and tongue when you successfully get these notes. Over a period of time you'll be able to start on these notes.

The mouthpiece alone exercise will help you with air and embouchure strength if you do it about 5 minutes a day until further notice. Good luck and have fun. :D

[MS]

By the way, I have a Mark V11 as a back-up horn. The palm keys work fine. If you suspect it is your horn, try a couple of other horns for comparison. If you have a chance, try a couple of different mps and reeds. If the neck of your horn is damaged, all bets are off. Have a player you respect try your horn and see if the palm keys work for them. If it works OK for them, it may be an air/embouchure/experience issue for you to deal with.