[Mysteryme]

Hey,
I'm using a Kohlert Alto "DeLuxe" model (rolled tone holes etc), with a Rovner Eddie Daniels II ligature and Selmer C* mouthpiece.
I'm finding that with my lower octive i'll mostly find that I'm perfectly in tune.
But the second I start playing the upper octive I can find myself sometimes upto 50c sharp.
Example
If I play low G It will be completly in tune, but the second i play high G, it will be out of tune, quite majorly, according to the tuner.
I've tried adjusting the mouthpiece (pulling in and out), but i'll always find myself either sharp or flat, never in tune.
I was told by my music teacher that some of the German/Czechoslovakianmodels of that era normally played sharp in the upper register.

Any suggestions?

Thanks =D

 

[gary]

How about a little more info?
- is this your first sax
- how long have you been playing
- any prior experience with other wind instruments
- what else has your teacher said

 

[jbtsax]

A few tests to see if it is entirely the saxophone's fault or if other factors are involved. :?

Set the mp on the cork where you normally tune and play the mouthpiece and neck alone. What pitch does it produce? If it is above Ab concert (your F natural) adjust the embouchure pressure to bring it down to that pitch and try checking the tuning of the sax again.

Play low F# mezzo forte with that embouchure and tune the sax by positioning the mouthpiece on the cork. Then add the octave key to check the high F# an octave higher. If it is still quite sharp, do one more test.

With the low F# in tune, play a long tone mf watching the tuner and have someone else push the octave key without you knowing when. If this helps bring the higher pitch down, it means that you are tightening the embouchure (unconsciously?) for the high register.

The sax essentially should use the same embouchure pressure from low Bb to high F. Tightening to play high and loosening to play low is a common problem that produces the intonation results you describe.

If you are NOT playing too high on the pitch (embouchure too tight) and if you are NOT tightening the embouchure (biting) to play the upper octave and the sax is still way out of tune, you can blame the instrument. :director:

Remember even well made saxes are not perfectly in tune. A sharpness of 5 - 15 cents is not uncommon when going from an in tune low G to its octave above. In this approximate range the you can learn to play the instrument in tune. If the sharpness is more than that, it may be a good idea to find an instrument you don't have to fight the intonation as much. Good luck. Hope some of this helps.

John

 

[Mysteryme]

How about a little more info?
- is this your first sax
- how long have you been playing
- any prior experience with other wind instruments
- what else has your teacher said

Well,
This is my first Alto sax, i've been playing tenor for 3 years
In total, i've been playing for 6
I also play Clarinet and Bass Clarinet and baritone sax on the odd occasion.

Also
Thanks very much John on those tips,
I will try them out, and let you know =]