G# on adolphe sax's original saxophones.

[Yamahaaltoplayer]

does the G# key on the original saxes go down when u press the other LH pinky keys(C#, B, Bb)? I sax a pic of one of his originals and the G# key looked like one of the palm keys. and if so... Why do the new saxes have 'connected' LH pinky keys?

[Yamahaaltoplayer]

is this just a dumb question and i dont have an idea what im talking about? :(

[Yamahaaltoplayer]

maybe this will clear up my question?
http://www.saxpics.com/the_gallery/sax/antoine_joseph/alto/brass/1863/e.jpg

[SFfreak]

"LH pinky keys" go down together because this way is very useful.

For example if you jump from G#1 to B or C#, you can just use G + any LH key and you get G#. Therefore, jump is a lot more easier, since you only cover right hand and that's it. If you would like to accomplish this jump with "normal" G# fingering, you would have to jump from G# to C# LH key without a roller (since there isn't one on most saxes).

I think this (or similar) jump is used in Andersen etudes (no. 10 or somewhere around that).

[Yamahaaltoplayer]

then y do they still have the G# key on the saxes today(key, not tone hole. :| )? why dont they just use the other keys normally?

[Yamahaaltoplayer]

... ?

[SFfreak]

As far as I know, G# key is the only key that opens only "G# hole". Every other LH key opens other keys as well. Therefore, the manufacturers can achieve better tuning.

G# key has another (very important!) feature: you can play G# with basicly no effort. Try using B or even Bb LH key in fast passages or even thrilling - I think those key are useless in this way of looking.

[Yamahaaltoplayer]

oh ok, now i get it. i just dont play that fast or use many techiques since im still a student...