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View Full Version : Problem with octave key and C2-D2


CK
01-23-2006, 06:24 PM
Hello,
I'm having a problem and I thought I'd run it by here to see if there's something I can do before I take the horn to a tech. This is on my King Zephyr tenor, when I play my 1st D postion with the octave key engaged (D2), or any other first postion note below the D with the octave key engaged, rather than getting the right note I get what sounds like a harmonic a fifth up from the note. For example, when I finger D2 (first position D with the octave key engaged) rather than getting a D, I get an A tone (sounds like a harmonic); when I finger C2 I get a G tone, etc. This only happens at the D position and below: D#, E, and the notes above those position are fine with the octave key engaged. I can actually get the second octave D in the first D position by blowing the note at an octave up, but as soon as I engage the octave key the tone jumps up to an A tone. This has me puzzled: I'm pretty sure it's not me as I've never had problems with those notes before, and I've tried different reeds and mouthpieces and it's still doing it. Also, this literally happended over night with this horn. One day it was fine, and then the next time I picked it up this was happening. I'm thinking that I must have done something to the horn when cleaning it or handling it, or something has gone out on it, but I can't see anything that looks wrong to me. Does this problem sound familiar to any one? What should I be looking for? Your help is greatly appreciated!

EZ
01-23-2006, 07:31 PM
First step is to check the entire horn for pad leaks. For it to happen suddenly like that leads me to think that might be the problem. also make sure that the octave mechanism never goes into a "double-open" position where the neck and body octave vents are both open at the same time - even slightly. A "tunk" in the wrong direction of the neck octave actuator, and various headaches can result. Also, when checking for pad leaks, don't assume it's the lowest closed pad giving the trouble. Often mid-range leaks will go away and show up further down the range.

Dave dix
01-23-2006, 10:32 PM
I agree with ez sax but the first thing i would check is the body octave vent is closing completely , check it with a thin cigarrette paper and see if it grips it tightly
Dave

CK
01-23-2006, 10:45 PM
Thanks a lot for your help, guys. It looks like my neck octave vent isn't closing completely when the body octave vent opens.