[goldberg447]

I recently got a Mark VI alto. I really love the horn, but most of the time when I play a fourth line D :line4:, my saxophone squeaks. I think it is a problem with the G sharp mechanism, but the screw is damaged, and I can't adjust it. Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks

 

[Dave Dolson]

Make sure your octave mechanisms are working properly. If you look closely while you operate the octave button, you may see some movement from either octave vent-pad. It COULD be reed, mouthpiece, or lack of a solid embouchure, but if the problem is mechanical, it is most likely the octave mechanism.

AND, you suspect your G# (another problematic location) but didn't say what you see there. Is it rising ever so slightly? If so and the screw-adjustment is damaged, off to the tech. DAVE

 

[goldberg447]

Thank you for responding. I took a look at the octave mechanism as you said. The octave vent that normally opens when you press down the G key opened up as normal. The vent on the neck didn't move at all.

As for it maybe being an embouchure problem, when I lip down, the D comes out. That made me think that it was my embouchure, but my old saxophone (student model) never did this. Is the Mark VI more sensitive to embouchure changes than student models?

 

[jlima]

It's probably a fingering technique problem. You're probably not closing all the keys at the same time, so the finger for the D is late and before the key closes you're involuntarily playing an altissimo note. You need to work on your technique to keep the fingers as close as possible to the keys at all times. Maybe the embouchure is also a factor, and if it's both then you know what you have to work on. The problem will go away with time and lots of focused practice.

 

[averageschmoe]

Have the instrument checked out by a professional technician, after that have your technique checked out by a professional teacher. Either one may be the culprit.

 

[goldberg447]

It was just recently overhauled by Emilio Lyons, so it is probably not a mechanical problem.

 

[jlima]

I've seen people who have this very problem in every horn they play, so I think it's 99% likely that it's a finger technique issue.

 

[buddy lee]

I've seen people who have this very problem in every horn they play, so I think it's 99% likely that it's a finger technique issue.

Unless it happens during long tones where that wouldn't be an issue. But with this being a new horn for you, it's possible...

 

[bruce bailey]

The adjustment screw for the G# is only for the articulated G# where it keeps the pad closed when you have the G# lever down and are playing with any RH stack key closed. Have an assistant lhold the olctave pad (body one) firmly closed while you play and see if that helps. The low C pad may be too closed muffling the D or the Eb pad could be leaking.
The first thing you should do is have someone else play the horn and see if they have the D problem; if not, then it is your playing or the reed/mouthpiece.

 

[goldberg447]

I figured it out. The G# key is leaking as I originally thought. I shined a light through the sax, and a sliver of light shone through the G# key. I think the key is slightly bent. Looks like I have to go back to Rayburn.

 

[jlima]

I figured it out. The G# key is leaking as I originally thought. I shined a light through the sax, and a sliver of light shone through the G# key. I think the key is slightly bent. Looks like I have to go back to Rayburn.

Good luck. But if fixing only that solves your problem, I'll be surprised...

 

[goldberg447]

I think it will. I also had someone hold the G# shut while I played the note, and when he did, the note came out normally.

 

[bruce bailey]

A Christmas miracle!