[raymond chan]

Hi guys.
I can’t play F because the key pad above the F key doesn’t close completely (there’s a gap). How do I close the gap? Please see image attached.
Thanks.

 

[lesacks]

Is it the g# adjustment problem?

https://tamingthesaxophone.com/leaking-articulated-g-sharp

 

[kreacher]

That is not the G# key (when open), but F#. Maybe a piece of cork or felt that fell down?

 

[lesacks]

But it's the G indicated as open on the photo. Which can happen with the G# linkage in poor adjustment, no?

 

[1saxman]

kreacher is right - the red-circled key is the F#, and a self-adhesive cork or felt has come off behind the lower stack, or else somebody bent that key.

 

[lesacks]

Fairy snuff

 

[saxoclese]

The F, E, and D keys need to close the F# key cup located directly above the F. On a modern saxophone like a Chateaux you will find small adjusting screws in the "back bar" attached to the F# that allows the F to be regulated to close the F# completely. The cause of the problem can either be the cork or other buffering material on the top of the foot of the F key has fallen off, or the adjustment has just gone out of "regulation".

To adjust, take a small screwdriver the exact size of the head of the screw in the back bar and turn it clockwise until there is a positive closing of the F# key cup. Be careful not to go too far or the F key itself will not close. It is always a good idea to do these types of regulation adjustments with a leak light for more accuracy.

 

[raymond chan]

Thanks guys. It was a cork piece that had dropped off. I used a short piece of aquarium air tube instead of a new piece of cork which i had difficulty gluing. It’s ok now. Quite unsightly though.

 

[bruce bailey]

You can always use paper for these. Try different thicknesses.

 

[saxoclese]

When it comes time to repair it properly I would suggest:

- Place a small cork under the back bar of the F# to keep it up.
- Find a long needle, some contact cement, and a single edge razor blade or "Exacto Knife".
- Cut a new piece of cork the correct thickness and width and attach the needle to the end.
- Put a small amount of contact cement on the top of both the cork and the foot of the key.
- Wait about 5 minutes.
- Carefully place the cork, glue side down onto the top of the key foot in the exact location.
- Remove the cork holding the back bar up.
- If the cork is too long cut the end with the razor blade or knife.

You still may need to make a small adjustment with the adjusting screw. It takes longer to write the instructions than to do the repair.