[jman1977]

I'm looking to get Oleg key risers for my horn's palm keys (Mark VI) and wanted to solicit input from members who've tried both the regular and skyscraper versions. Are the skyscrapers more apt for players with longer fingers/bigger hands? Or are they objectively an improvement over the regular risers?

Thanks in advance.

 

[LostConn]

The skyscrapers are not an improvement; they're just taller. The quality and functionality are the same. I used a skyscraper for a while on my Yany tenor, then traded it here for a regular Oleg riser. Both were usable, but the skyscraper on the D key (I used only one) created such a height disparity with the Eb key that it was a little awkward. The lower Oleg provided a useful boost without affecting the entire palm key array so much. Your results may depend on whether you're going to use three risers, or just one or two.

Btw, when I decided that wanted to perfect the feel of my Series III alto for a concert trip to Europe, I took the Oleg off the Yany and put it on the Selmer. You can't always do that with hard risers, which often require gluing. I guess I'll buy another one eventually.

 

[jman1977]

The skyscrapers are not an improvement; they're just taller. The quality and functionality are the same. I used a skyscraper for a while on my Yany tenor, then traded it here for a regular Oleg riser. Both were usable, but the skyscraper on the D key (I used only one) created such a height disparity with the Eb key that it was a little awkward. The lower Oleg provided a useful boost without affecting the entire palm key array so much. Your results may depend on whether you're going to use three risers, or just one or two.

Btw, when I decided that wanted to perfect the feel of my Series III alto for a concert trip to Europe, I took the Oleg off the Yany and put it on the Selmer. You can't always do that with hard risers, which often require gluing. I guess I'll buy another one eventually.

Thanks for the input. I may have read somewhere that the ideal set-up when using skyscrapers is one each on the D and F keys, and then a regular riser on the Eb. If using regulars, it would be one each on the D and F keys. I have regular-sized hands. Do you think the skyscrapers would be too high for me based on your experience? Or would the extra height make it easier to play the palm keys?

Thanks again.

 

[LostConn]

On tenor, I found that a Protec soft riser on Eb helped when the skyscraper was on the D. With the regular Oleg, I don't really need anything on the Eb. I've never used a riser on the F. Sometimes you can get into an "arms race" in which you over-raise one key and then have to raise the others too. But you may need to experiment.

Also, Olegs are so expensive that it makes sense to use only as many of them as are truly necessary.

 

[jman1977]

Thanks again. Cost is not an issue, although it will be if I end up buying the wrong ones.

I just want to make sure that if I get skyscrapers, they won';t raise the height of the keys to the point where it';s too much and it actually gets awkward. I';ve read some accounts indicating they were meant for larger hands and others indicating they were made for smaller hands. Just want to clarify that. If the skyscrapers will make it easier to play the palm keys compared to the regular ones, then I';ll go for them.

There are sellers that sell them for much cheaper than Oleg. Almost half as much when they go on sale.

On tenor, I found that a Protec soft riser on Eb helped when the skyscraper was on the D. With the regular Oleg, I don't really need anything on the Eb. I've never used a riser on the F. Sometimes you can get into an "arms race" in which you over-raise one key and then have to raise the others too. But you may need to experiment.

Also, Olegs are so expensive that it makes sense to use only as many of them as are truly necessary.

 

[JazzManCan]

I’ve had a number of them over the years, both the Skyscraper and regular size. For me, their sizes really catered to my hand position on the palm keys and not as much to the actual size of my hands. For me, I found that I needed a larger riser on the F palm as my hand was considerably far away from it. I put the Skyscraper on that and it was the perfect height to reach my hand eliminating my need to stretch and reach far. I also did use the regular size on the palm D and Eb and found they were good, however the shiny lacquered finish on them actually made my hand slip at times so I didn’t end up keeping them. What I ended up doing, which might help in the end if you decide to get some and end up experiencing slipping, is to take light grit sandpaper and shave off that layer of lacquer so that the riser doesn’t slide as much in your hand. Just a tip. But they are great risers IMO, definitely check out the size differences between the models before buying.

 

[JL]

One problem with Oleg risers (or any pre-made risers) is the fact that you can't fine tune them to exactly the right height. You may get lucky and they end up being just what you want, or they might be too high or too low. Caveat: There may be some adjustment option that I don't know about. I think there's a better solution, imo, and a far less expensive one: make your own. Here's what I posted in a past thread (post #21) on this topic. You may want to consider trying this; making your own cork riser(s):

https://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?352680-Key-Risers/page2

There are a number of other options discussed on that thread as well.

 

[LostConn]

I've had a number of them over the years, both the Skyscraper and regular size. For me, their sizes really catered to my hand position on the palm keys and not as much to the actual size of my hands.

I'll go along with that. It's really a matter of the kinds of playing angles you prefer, and the relationships among the heights of the three keys.

 

[jman1977]

Thank you guys. Truly appreciate the information. So it looks like it';s the hand position and not the hand size that determines which model would be more appropriate. I';ll pay close attention to how my left hand and fingers are positioned in relation to the keys next time I pick up my horn. What I do know is that I have to shift my wrist quite a bit when I play those keys. I want to minimize that.

JL, thank you for providing alternative options. At this time I';m keen on just buying the Olegs (it';s just a question of which model) as I';m not sure I have time for a DIY project, but you do raise a very good point about the ability to customize and ensure that any riser I use would be the best fit for me were to do it myself. I will read through the thread you linked before I make my choice.

 

[JL]

JL, thank you for providing alternative options. At this time I';m keen on just buying the Olegs (it';s just a question of which model) as I';m not sure I have time for a DIY project, but you do raise a very good point about the ability to customize and ensure that any riser I use would be the best fit for me were to do it myself. I will read through the thread you linked before I make my choice.

Sure thing, jman. I totally understand. At one time I considered getting an Oleg riser (I only needed one for the D palm key on my Buescher). But just for the heck of it I decided to try the DIY cork riser, after seeing some on another player's horn. I was actually surprised at how well it worked and how much of a difference it made. It didn't take a lot of time, since I had all the 'ingredients' and tools at hand (cork from a wine bottle, contact cement, pocket knife & sandpaper). Don't remember for sure, but probably less than an hour total. But the Olegs are definitely a good option if they work for you.