[Paradox]

Hi Everyone:

I just purchased a NOS Vito (Japan Made) for my son who's starting to play the sax in school. Really, it seemed in fantastic condition with no scratches or oxidation, and the pads looked unmolested. For the past two days since he received it, the instrument -according to him- seemed to be functioning normally. Tonight, however, he was practicing, and noticed that the three bottom keys (sorry I am woodwind illiterate) sound the same both when the octave key is depressed and when it's not. (Apparently, they have a much higher pitch than they're supposed to). The upper keys don't appear to have that problem, though. With them, you can tell the difference when the octave key is depressed, and when it's released.

I'm not sure what additional information I can provide to have you help me, but does this sound like an expensive problem or just a simple adjustment? I don't know where to begin, but from scouring some threads on here, it sounds like a misconfigured octave key? I'm hoping this is not an expensive proposition!

Thanks for your help. I appreciate all suggestions!!!

 

[Stephen Howard]

There are two octave key pads on the sax - one is clearly visible and sits on top of the crook (or neck) and the other sits just below the socket into which the crook fits.

When the octave key is pressed, one or other of the pads will open depending on what note is being played. The 'break' point it between the octave G and octave A. So, if you press the octave key down and finger a G followed by an A you'll see that the body octave pad opens first, then closes as you let the G key go and then the crook pad will open.
It sounds like one or other of the pads isn't closing properly.

It's usually the crook key, as this is easily bent.

See this thread for more info:

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?168136-my-new-sax-squeeks

Regards,

 

[JayeLID]

Wait...you say the "three bottom keys". Does this mean the Low C/B/Bb (or perhaps C#) fingerings ????

And they are jumping an octave even when the octave key is NOT being pressed ?

But the notes above those notes play correctly ???

 

[Paradox]

Wait...you say the "three bottom keys". Does this mean the Low C/B/Bb (or perhaps C#) fingerings ????

And they are jumping an octave even when the octave key is NOT being pressed ?

But the notes above those notes play correctly ???

Hi JayePDX.... yes, that's exactly right!!! (Just checked a visual representation of the keys and the are C/B/Bb.

Stephen, checking out the URL you provided too. Thanks you guys for the quick responses

 

[Dave Dolson]

Those three low notes may be the most difficult on a saxophone. The horn needs to be sealing tightly top to low C/B/Bb for those notes to speak properly. You and your son may want to watch each pad close as he plays down the horn. The octave mechanism could be the culprit, as well as the G# lifting slightly when he plays the low notes (they are interconnected). Look for foreign material on one of the pads, too. If our suggestions don't fix it, then off to the repair-tech. DAVE

 

[griff136]

If the octave mechanism isnt the problem then you can check the G# mechanism very easily to elimiate it frorn your search.

The G# your sax will be articulated - which means that is can be opened by any of the four keys that are operated by the Left hand pinky finger - which include the 3 bell keys, when the bell keys are being played the G# neds to remain closed.
To check the G# is tsaying closed, play a D (without the octave key) fingered like this (L)XXX (R)XXX ( each X represents a finger closing a key) whilst still playing the D operate the G# key and feel for any change in resistance or change in sound - if there is then the G# is opening.

If you look at the G# key cup there is a bar that goes over it with 2 regulating screws in the bar, the one that screws down onto the G# key cup is the one you need to adjust if the G# is opening. Turn the screw clockwise in very small increments and do the test above again (playing a Low D) until the low D is sounding constant even when you press the G#. Be careful not to over do the tightening of this screw as it will then stop the F# from closing fully.

If the octave mech and the G# are not the culprits, then get it to a tech it could be something simple to rectify wih the rightdiagnostic tools eg a leak light etc.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

 

[Paradox]

Hi Everyone... I wanted to update you. I took the sax to a music store which was recommended here, and the technician determined that there was no problem with it. She did some minor adjustments to the pads which she said would make it easier for my son since he literally is just starting. However, it is fundamentally because of the way he was playing the instrument that was resulting in the aberration. There was a music teacher there who demonstrated the proper way to blow? and the difference is incredibly astonishing. He also gave him a number of other invaluable tips (proper way to remove the mouthpiece, posture etc), that has him very excited. So, I'm relieved that there's no issue with the sax, and grateful for the learning experience that was afforded my son. The sound is fantastic, and Dad is happy
I wanted to thank you all for your responses, and really appreciate the kindness and breadth of knowledge on this forum.

 

[hornfixer]

so..... you gonna get him some sax lessons now?

 

[Chris Peryagh]

Hi Paradox, I did try to post a reply earlier on it could be down to your son not giving enough breath support which will make the low notes leap up an 8ve but this site whent down when I posted it so I lost the lot!

The lowest and highest notes on the sax aren't easy for a beginner to play while their embouchure and breath control isn't properly developed, but they will get there in time. When beginning, it's always best to start on low register notes with just the six fingers (probably best start with G A, B and C with the left hand, then add F, E, D and C with the right hand), then add the upper register and finally the lowest and highest notes. The lowest notes on soprano and tenor are harder than on alto, so he is playing the best instrument to start on. The other sizes of saxes can be added later on once he's used to playing alto if he wants to do that.