[Rackety Sax]

I've finally gotten around to spending some time on a tenor I bought a while back and have discovered something strange. The low notes from low C down to low Bb respond very well, but the notes from low F to low D do not respond well. They are difficult to get to sound and have a tendency to gurgle. Makes me think there are leaks, but if there are, shouldn't the response on the bell notes be at least as bad if not worse?

 

[NatureColor]

go to a tech and check it to make sure it's not just you. If it is the honr then fix the leaks and get some key clamps.

 

[Saxland]

My alto or tenor will do that when the G# key is leaking. Try putting some cigarette paper between the pad and tonehole so the seal is maintained. If it is the only leak it should bring the D,E,F back and focus the lower notes.

I think that the seal is ok on the lower notes because it takes less pressure but more air to hit them, but it takes more pressure to hit D,E F and the seal is broken on the G#.

 

[shmuelyosef]

or just clamp the G# closed with a rubber band and try to play D-->F

 

[Rackety Sax]

OK, thanks for the tips, my tech is excellent but backed up so if I can figure it out myself it's a great help.

 

[Gordon (NZ)]

"Makes me think there are leaks, but if there are, shouldn't the response on the bell notes be at least as bad if not worse?"

Not necessarily. The location of the leak determines how effectively it acts as a pressure node (eg octave vent) for any particular note.

 

[jbtsax]

It seems to me that if a G# key leak caused by poor regulation were involved, it would have a greater effect on bell notes. I agree with Gordon that the placement of the leak has a great deal to do with the notes affected. I would suggest checking that the key opening of the lower stack keys is not too closed. I would also check that the F and E keys are closing the (stack) F# completely and also check the fork F# for leaks.

John