[Mando]

One video posted on this site re: recorking a neck suggested removing the octave key to avoid damaging it. Thought I might do that, but the simple screw removed in the video doesn’t seem to exist on my yas 23. I’m pretty sure I can recork without removing the octave key, but now I’m curious about how I would go about removing it? Advice much appreciated.

 

[mmichel]

Unless someone performed some sort of "unorthodox" repair on your neck, you should have that screw.

Here's an iFixit tutorial detailing how to replace a neck cork on exactly the same model you've got (i.e., a YAS-23). It points out the location of the screw. Of course, you don't need to use a self-adhesive cork like the one shown in the tutorial.

 

[milandro]

as mmichel wrote, unless these is something strange going on...

https://it.ifixit.com/Guida/Yamaha+Alto+Saxophone+Neck-piece+Cork+Replacement/130383

 

[turf3]

Frankly, anyone so clumsy that they need to remove the octave key to avoid damaging it when replacing a neck cork has no business working with sharp knives and sandpaper in the first place.

 

[milandro]

I'm pretty sure I can recork without removing the octave key, but now I'm curious about how I would go about removing it? Advice much appreciated.

just as well OP wrote..

 

[Mando]

Stop the press! He’s not armed, but he could be dangerous, so just back away slowly and avoid eye contact. I guess the main problem is with brain wiring, not neck hardware. I woke up this morning to realize that the neck I’m (slowly and hesitantly) recorking is on my Armstrong tenor. Nevertheless, the wayward (at least for me...) screw is more or less in the same place on both instruments, once I look carefully enough and know exactly where to look, so my curiosity is satisfied. Turf, you might be right about caution around sharp tools, albeit for different reasons! Thanks to all for helping me struggle along.

 

[milandro]

it is indeed a tiny screw ! 🤝

 

[saxoclese]

A case can be made for removing the neck octave key to get the ring portion out of the way when using a bench peg to sand the cork. I always remove the key when cleaning up the tenon.

 

[milandro]

I think that removing the key is not a bad idea, especially in overslung saxophones where it is possible that you will alter the way it opens and closes.