[jaker]

I just received a b&s codera. The guy selling it says it plays great and all that stuff. I have not payed yet and he said I can send it back if I like.

But when I tried it all it produced were high pitched squeeks. If I play with my usual embrouchere it sounds like the octave key is depressed all the time but with insanly bad intonation. And if I really put in an effort I can make it sound like a sax but with bad intonation. And it feels like there's alot of resistence when I blow in it. Like I'm really PUSHING the air through?

Since I have not payed yet I doubt he's trying to screw me over... what can be wrong????

I should mention I'm a beginner so even rookie mistakes are possible.

 

[Stephen Howard]

You could check the octave key is functioning properly.
Assemble the horn and look at the key that's mounted on the crook (neck).

Does the pad sit snugly down on the octave key pip?
Get a cigarette paper and lift the octave key pad...place the paper over the octave key pip and let the key drop down. Gently pull the paper out...you should feel some resistance.

If you don't then there's your problem - and the key will need bending down. If you do then the problem lies elsewhere.

Regards,

 

[jaker]

i tried swopping neck with me yamaha. Here's the funny thing. The yamaha neck on the b&s works flawlessly. The b&s neck on the yamaha works flawlessly.
The problem I've found is the pin which lifts the octave key is pressing the pad up a little bit. If the octave key pins resting position had ben 1mm closer to the body it would have work. That makes me think the pad is worn out. If i turn the neck so it's about 90 degree angle from the bell then it works becouse the rod from the octave keys is uneven in it's shape.

 

[Dr G]

It's just a matter of adjusting the octave key on the neck. You may have bent it from adjustment while assembling the horn - it's a common occurrence with young players.

I prefer to adjust my octave key so there is a little slack in it rather than having it lift with the slightest touch. I keep my thumb touching the octave key so a too-tight adjustment (that others might prefer) would result in inadvertent operation of the octave key.

 

[Stephen Howard]

Take the crook off and slide your thumb up underneath the front of the ring. This should raise the pad. Grip the mouthpiece cork with your other hand and place the thumb over the key cup. Press down gently at first so that you can gauge the springiness in the key, then press a little harder to bend the key down slightly. Fit the crook to the horn and check.
The ideal is to have about a millimetre of a gap between the octave key pin and the ring when at rest.

If you bend the key too far place your finger over the octave key pip, nail side down, grip the tenon sleeve with your other hand and use the thumb to pull the ring down.

The key can take a fair bit of bending - but don't go mad and wrench it.

Regards,

 

[Dave Dolson]

It could have been damaged during shipping (if that is how you received it). That is a common occurrence. If you can't identify the problem, take it to a tech. DAVE

 

[jaker]

Damn it I hate being a novice. I made a rookie mistake. The nerdy part of my brain is dying a little. But atleast the sax works and it sounds awesome. sometimes I love the internet. I tryed the new meyer 6M on my yamaha yas 275 when the codera wasn't working and it blew my mind The sound got three acres bigger. And then when the codera was alive and well, damn!!! The yamaha is the only sax I've ever played so this was a fun experience. Hopefully I won't start changing horns as often as I've changed guitars becouse that would cause severe damage to my economy.

 

[Call Me Rockstar]

Lol! Mistkes are part of the game, man!!! Plus, what's the fun in being great at everything, the first time out?!!

 

[jaker]

now the sax works, Can someone please remove this thread? My ego will not be able to cope if beginners will find this thread on google for all eternity... hehe

 

[Dr G]

And then when the codera was alive and well, damn!!!

Life is sweet when that kind of thing starts happenin'.

Hopefully I won't start changing horns as often as I've changed guitars becouse that would cause severe damage to my economy.

Get your setup dialed in a commit to sticking with it for a year. Seriously.

There's no use in swapping horns until you learn what it (and you) can do - only start looking for another horn when you determine limiting shortcomings in yours.

 

[jaker]

the limiting shortcoming of my horn for now is the thing stuck to the mouithpiece... For now atleast hehe

 

[Dr G]

That's good to acknowledge - a decent horn, maintained in good playing condition, can take you a long way.

Enjoy!