Parisian Ambassador Alto Left Palms Flat

[goodsax]

I just got a Parisian Ambassador alto in nice shape. The previous owner had it checked, tweaked and play-tested by a repair tech and pronounced ready to play, which it was when I received it, except for the issue described below.

This horn has a very rich tone with lots of resonance and color and I would like to make it my primary alto, but there's a problem with intonation. The left palm keys, especially Eb3 and E3 are significantly flat when Eb2 and E2 are spot on. I'm planning to take it with me this weekend when I visit an experienced woodwind repair tech friend of mine in AZ and ask him to see if he can do anything about it.

In the meantime, has anyone experienced this problem with a Parisian Ambassador? If so, any quick fixes within the capability of a hobbyist?

[stevesklar]

common problem on palm keys or any sax

take cork off and sand or file the height of the foot down a bit - little by little. then put cork (or something else temporary) and test. the nredo if necessary. Do only the palm D first and check all three each time.

pad is too close and flattening the note. other option, if tall pad or if not seated all the way in is to reseat the pad further in the cup or replace with a thinner pad.

try it first by taking the cork off - if it's thick - it should give you a good test

[goodsax]

Thanks for the reply. I've since experienced a similar problem on my Martin Indiana. That gives me two to experiment with. However, I found that the PA alto plays in tune better with a large chamber mpc. Not so with the Indiana.

Rob