There are some begging questions from my readings on the saxophone. Here's one.
The descriptions of the physics of the saxophone that I have seen include parameters such a cone dimensions and tonehole placement. But I haven't seen key heights (pad to tonehole distance) included. Does the physics model assume that key heights are just beyond the distance where they would affect pitch, and so not discussed? Did Adolph Sax or any other manufacturer include key height requirements as integral to the engineering of the saxophone? To affect the pitch of a note wouldn't the saxophone engineer adjust the position of the tonehole or cone dimensions rather than introduce key height requirements? If key height requirements have been specified by saxophone engineers, shouldn't thay have been included with each saxophone? Shouldn't there exist some record of such requirements somewhere?
Secondly, I know that key heights can significantly affect pitch and tone. That is not in question. But it all leads me to think that if key height requirements are not part of the physics of the saxophone, then saxophone key heights should be setup by default at just beyond the point where they affect pitch or tone. Only then, if there are intonation problems, should one consider key height adjustments as a possible remedy. Is that correct? Thanks.
The descriptions of the physics of the saxophone that I have seen include parameters such a cone dimensions and tonehole placement. But I haven't seen key heights (pad to tonehole distance) included. Does the physics model assume that key heights are just beyond the distance where they would affect pitch, and so not discussed? Did Adolph Sax or any other manufacturer include key height requirements as integral to the engineering of the saxophone? To affect the pitch of a note wouldn't the saxophone engineer adjust the position of the tonehole or cone dimensions rather than introduce key height requirements? If key height requirements have been specified by saxophone engineers, shouldn't thay have been included with each saxophone? Shouldn't there exist some record of such requirements somewhere?
Secondly, I know that key heights can significantly affect pitch and tone. That is not in question. But it all leads me to think that if key height requirements are not part of the physics of the saxophone, then saxophone key heights should be setup by default at just beyond the point where they affect pitch or tone. Only then, if there are intonation problems, should one consider key height adjustments as a possible remedy. Is that correct? Thanks.