Low G Gurgle

[DOGOBE]

The Low G Gurgles like the Jake break on an 18 wheeler.. My tenor plays fine everywhere else A above is fine F below is fine....G an octave above ok......BUt that one note.....

If it was spit..looks like that would be a problem everywhere....

Any thoughts ??

[Gordon (NZ)]

Most likely possibilities:

1. The G# pad is slightly open when you play G, but when you play F or below, the linkage arm fully closes it.

There should be a slight gap between the G# LEVER and the low note C# & B linkages to this lever. This is necessary to allow the G# pad to close fully. This usually occurs because the (silly!) manufacturer has put a thick, squishy piece of cork in the linkage from the G# lever to the G# key. One correction method is to replace this with something more appropriate, and then adjust by bending the G# lever.

2. The A key does not properly close the Bb pad (immediately above the A pad). Then when you press the F key, the linkage from F via F# to Bb completes the closing of Bb.

3. A leak further up the instrument in a location that is particularly sensitive for the correct sounding of G.

It sounds as if your sax needs servicing.
Accurate diagnosis needs a leak light, preferably one that is locally brighter than Christmas strings.