[DonaldL]

One of the things I'm working on is faster G sharp - B flat transitions. I'm using the side B flat key. On my horn, both notes fully voice in tune well before the bumper hits the body of the sax. If the corks were a mm or so thicker I could play the transitions faster because my finger motion would stop sooner. But is it preferred that one learn to make minimum movements with the pinky (G#) and side of right finger (Bb) instead such that one does not fully open these keys?

 

[turf3]

One of the things I'm working on is faster G sharp - B flat transitions. I'm using the side B flat key. On my horn, both notes fully voice in tune well before the bumper hits the body of the sax. If the corks were a mm or so thicker I could play the transitions faster because my finger motion would stop sooner. But is it preferred that one learn to make minimum movements with the pinky (G#) and side of right finger (Bb) instead such that one does not fully open these keys?

I'd use the bis or 1 and 1 Bb fingerings in that case.

I don't believe that shortening key travel 1 mm will make any actual difference, even though there's a long tradition of people lowering action hoping for that.

Honestly I think the side Bb is mostly a holdover from the early Sax saxophones where there was no 1 and 1 linkage between the upper and lower stacks. As originally a flute player I have to say I rarely use the side Bb. If you listen to some virtuoso flutists you'll see that they don't seem too handicapped by the lack of an analogous fingering.

If you're trilling or something like that, how about just applying the side Bb to the G# fingering as is and not twiddling the ring and little fingers of the left hand? I'm guessing it'll be somewhat flat but if you need it to be so fast that you can't use one of the other fingerings then it's probably too fast to tell.

 

[JayeLID]

One of the things I'm working on is faster G sharp - B flat transitions. I'm using the side B flat key. On my horn, both notes fully voice in tune well before the bumper hits the body of the sax. If the corks were a mm or so thicker I could play the transitions faster because my finger motion would stop sooner. But is it preferred that one learn to make minimum movements with the pinky (G#) and side of right finger (Bb) instead such that one does not fully open these keys?

OK so as I understand the question...you are asking if it is normal to learn to finger those notes without depressing the keys fully 'til their corks hit the body tube, right ?

No, it isn't a usual 'thing' to learn to do. IMHO if the notes speak as you want them to before the keys bottom out, having your tech add some cork or felt or whatever regulating material is there is a good idea. I feel that many horns actually have too much travel in their G# touches to begin with....

 

[DonaldL]

OK so as I understand the question...you are asking if it is normal to learn to finger those notes without depressing the keys fully 'til their corks hit the body tube, right ?

No, it isn't a usual 'thing' to learn to do. IMHO if the notes speak as you want them to before the keys bottom out, having your tech add some cork or felt or whatever regulating material is there is a good idea. I feel that many horns actually have too much travel in their G# touches to begin with....

Yes that is what I mean.

 

[saxoclese]

The travel of the side Bb can be shortened by putting thicker quieting material at the point where the key is "stopped". Adding material to the foot of the G# key to restrict it's travel can create two issues. 1) That the smaller opening of the G# key cup introduces "lost motion" between the cup and the tip of the F#/G# closing adjustment screw and 2) The reduced travel of the G# touch may prevent the low B and Bb from closing completely. That said often times the Bis Bb to G# is a faster smoother fingering to use.

 

[JL]

That said often times the Bis Bb to G# is a faster smoother fingering to use.

+1.

 

[JayeLID]

2) The reduced travel of the G# touch may prevent the low B and Bb from closing completely.

Yes, indeedy, if your tech does this (adds cork to bottom of G# touch) have him make sure it doesn't mess up the B/Bb cups from closing....