[Shtona]

My lower register has completely cut-out on my alto. Can't identify the leak, wouldn't know how to fix it if I did find it, wondering if there's anything I can do to A: find it B: get it working until I have the money to go to a tech...if I can find a decent one in this area.

I know absolutely NOTHING about instrument repair, I'm just assuming it's a leak because I've had this problem before and I was told it was because it was leaking. The horn worked two night ago when I played it for a gig...

 

[bandmommy]

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/forumdisplay.php?338-North-Carolina

Check here.
Most techs will diagnose a leak free of charge, and many times while you wait.
If all it needs is a pad adjustment it shouldn't be very expensive at all.
But... If it's been a few years since your horn has been in for a check up it could be quite a lot more.

 

[Shtona]

Try never...I'm neglectful -_-...

 

[TMadness1013]

Even if you have no interest in instrument repair, buying a leak light is a worthy investment. It can determine whether your intuition about having a leak is right. Couldn't be any easier to use.

http://www.musicmedic.com/catalog/products/tool-lt100.html

Great investment for just $17.

 

[Shtona]

Thanks for the link though. Out of my price range at the moment, but it's good to know there are quality repairmen in the area. Off to Sam Ash I suppose...

 

[Smooth Sop Berator]

If this happened overnight like you say, it is likely a major malfunction, rather than a small leak. I would first go over all of the keywork, carefully watching for an obvious pad not seating or a loose or missing screw in the key hinges. Also look for loose or missing corks and pads. You may get lucky and find it's just a loose screw that needs adjustment. I'm sure you will get lots of other suggestions here, but try this for now if you're looking for a place to start.

 

[Sakshama]

You have no price range my friend.

 

[Dave Dolson]

I agree that a close personal inspection of all the parts is in order. You could have had a pad fall out of a cup, or inadvertently bent the upper octave rod, or maybe a pad is sticking closed. This is something that can be seen if you only look for it. And, please report back when you identify the problem. DAVE

 

[Alley Cat]

I'm just assuming it's a leak because I've had this problem before and I was told it was because it was leaking. .

When you had this problem before how was it fixed and who fixed it ?

 

[Stephen Howard]

If the upper register is OK and the lower isn't, look to the octave key mechanism for starters:

There are some useful pointers on this thread:

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?168136-my-new-sax-squeeks!

If you're looking for leaks on a budget, try a cigarette paper:

http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/HandyHints/LeakyPads.htm

Regards,

 

[Reedscraper]

If you want to find a leak yourself and budget is a problem, you can go to Home Depot and get a 2' rope light for alto ($5), 4' for tenor and use them. Darken the room because they don't throw out a lot of light. Insert the light in neck all the way down to low C key. Start at the top and slowly, gently, close each key and look for an even "ring of light" around the pad cup. The leak will show itself by showing light while the rest of the pad closes completely. Fixing them is a another skill but at least you can see if you have one. Those rope lights are not grounded so if there is a tear in the plastic-cease using it! Mine has worked well for several years. Leaks appear constantly no matter how well you take care of your sax. Good luck.

 

[altodave]

I had a similar problem a couple of months ago. See this thread for the fix. Hopefully it'll work for you.

 

[Shtona]

I think I found the problem. The G# key is not staying closed all the way when I'm using any of my left pinky keys. I was doing some mid-range scales and noticed it when I went from G# to F#...anyway, not sure how to fix it. I'm assuming it's something to do with the spring being too tight/loose?

 

[Shtona]

Nevermind, fixed it...not sure what it's called (probably really bad considering how long I've been playing), but the little pad that stops the key when it's raised was too high and whenever I hit a pinky key it would raise just a little bit and make it impossible to get a sound. I screwed it in more and it's working fine now.

Edit: Fixing this cause another issue because lowering that one bumper, or whatever it's called, led to my lower keys not closing all the way. Had to loosen the screw to the bumper to where it just barely kept it down so my right-hand keys would close easily. Never realized just how integrated these instruments are.

Thanks for the help everyone!

 

[clarnibass]

I think I found the problem. The G# key is not staying closed all the way when I'm using any of my left pinky keys. I was doing some mid-range scales and noticed it when I went from G# to F#...anyway, not sure how to fix it. I'm assuming it's something to do with the spring being too tight/loose?

Look at the lower stack F# key. That is the key you are not actually pressing with your finger, but it goes down with your F key, E key and on most models also D key. The F# has an arm from the key or from its hinge that closes G# with it. On current and not-too-old models this has a screw on it, just above the G# key cup. Possibly this screw screwed out a little. Or if there's no screw (I don't think you mentioned what model your sax is) the arm could be bent or a cork fell off. If there's a screw, you can try screwing it more and more gradually to see if that helps. But don't screw it too much or it will prevent the F# key (and the rest of the lower stack keys) from closing. It's also possible that a cork or some material fell off this screw. If this is the case you would most likely (but not necessarily) hear a clicking sound of the metal.

Edit: After posting I saw post #14 was suddenly there So you fixed it and sounds like it was that adjusting screw. It's possible that it is loose so likely to screw out again sometimes.

 

[Shtona]

Yeah, I just kept playing with it until everything sounded right. Thanks anyway though ^_^