G-Sharp Problem

[MJ]

Please help me play G#! I can't seem to make G# work on my alto Martin Imperial. According to three fingering charts, this note is played with left hand fingers 1,2, and 3 on buttons, while pinkie finger depresses the G-lever. The G-lever (top one on left-hand pinkie cluster) seems to have no function at all.
Pray tell me what the problem is that I can't play G#. Not that this isn't an embarassing question, since I'm currently working on notes above staff. This pesky G# problem has me buffaloed.
Thanks in advance for your assistance!

MJ

[Dave Dolson]

MJ: Has it EVER worked? It could be as simple as a sticky pad. Actuate the G# lever then try to raise the offending pad. It may just pop up. If that is the case, treat the pad with Gig Dust, or swipe a dollar bill (or other suitable currency or thin paper) under the pad to clean it. The G# pad is a notorious problem on many saxophones.

If it isn't a sticking pad, then look for a missing or disconnected spring, or other mechanical failure. DAVE

[MJ]

Dave, you are the man of the hour! Thank you! It was a stuck pad. I learned a lesson, too, about checking all the durn pads when a key doesn't work. Tango mike!

[Gandalfe]

MJ, even the great Dave Dolson can't help you if your axe is in poor condition. There could be leaks and other issues that make a great horn common. The best money you could spend would be to have a qualified tech take a quick look at your horn. Minor tweaks can open up whole new worlds for you.

[Dave Dolson]

GREAT?! Hardly . . . DAVE

[iplaydasax]

sounds like a sticky pad, follow the mechanism down and lift the pad up. use a dollar note or a rizzlar and voila a g sharp key that works...