[Dr. Bob]

My Selmer MKVI tenor low C# key is clicking somewhere along the long path to the pad. I've found it difficult to pinpoint where the clicking is coming from, and ask for advice and suggestions on localizing the source of the clicking and how to prevent it. I appreciate any help and thank you.

 

[abadcliche]

Try pressing on different parts of the mechanism as you actuate it, listening for when the clicking stops. Common places would be the roller, the pivot screws if the C# spatula key is not fit well, the actuating mechanism between the C# spatula and C# key if the adjustment material has gone rock hard/fallen off/broken, the G# tab if the adjustment material has gone rock hard/fallen off/broken, the low C# key itself if it is not well fit, or the low B adjustment screw for the same reasons. These are just the common places.

 

[jbtsax]

Good answer Matt. On some saxes when the C# touchpiece travels too far when opening the C# key, it can come in contact with part of the touchpiece that closes the low B. I don't have an assembled VI Tenor handy to see if it is one of those saxes where this can happen. As you press down on the C# touchpiece look underneath to see if it contacts anything before it gets to the end of its travel.

 

[abadcliche]

Ah, yes, that reminds me: check the tilting Bb spatula- it can hit the side of the C# key, or the nubbin that sticks out of the C# spatula can hit the end of the sleeve on the Bb spatula within which it travels, or the adjustment material on the nubbin can have fallen off/gone rock hard/broken.

 

[Dr. Bob]

There appears to be two locations of clicking: first is in the spatula area itself and the second at the far end of the rod connected to the C# key pivot. I had to spend most of my 'sax' time today practicing for a rehearsal, but I will go back over it Saturday and use a stethoscope to help determine what's making the noise. (I wish I had the time and bucks to get my horn overhauled. I'm sure it would make a major difference. Oh well, don't blame the horn... etc). Thanks for the advice!

jazzwombat aka Bob

 

[Dr. Bob]

Ah, yes, that reminds me: check the tilting Bb spatula- it can hit the side of the C# key, or the nubbin that sticks out of the C# spatula can hit the end of the sleeve on the Bb spatula within which it travels, or the adjustment material on the nubbin can have fallen off/gone rock hard/broken.

I'm pretty sure the C# spatula is hitting inside the Bb sleeve and is one source of the clicking. I'm not sure how to solve this issue, so will take it to a trusted repairman in the near future. Good call.