[jdj52]

hello all,
I recently purchased a super balanced action and wow intonation is hard on this horn. Any suggestions on how to get the horn to play better in tune ex. is if i tune to F# with octave middle c is extremely flat and notes in that area. I am having issues compensating because i find my self pinching too much getting into the upper register. Also how should i approach long tones while trying to improve pitch. But wow this horn has a killer sound i love it!

Justin

 

[mike_s]

have the horn checked by a tech, i'd have him check the key heights, the intonation on these horns, though not perfect is very workable, if the key heights are set up more or less even it should play ok. its possible the right hand is too open, left hand is too closed, etc...

 

[Pete Thomas]

I've had intonation problems with these as well. You are right, the intonation is hard.

 

[AMASAX]

Pad heights are a show-stopper, so fix that. Once good there, try tuning to middle C and see where the rest of the horn is.

Also, clean out BOTH octave vents with a pipe cleaner. Sixty years of leftovers ain't too good for tuning, my boy

SBA altos play quite sharp from A on top of the staff upwards. Plus, since there -are- two fingerings for middle F#, maybe you're tuning to the wrong one for your setup.

Tuning sax to middle F or F# is not a guarantee for the rest of the horn, it's just a compromise that sometimes work and sometimes doesn't.

I prefer to tune more for the range in which I'm playing, then use fingering modifications for the fine tuning, as much as possible.

 

[Grumps]

How's a nice, soft low B sound?

 

[Dr G]

OP: What mouthpiece are you using?

 

[jdj52]

I'm using a C* for classical and a meyer 5m for jazz. The meyer gives the most intonation issues. Low B is pretty nice actually slightly sharp but not too much of an issue no gurgle. I've been experimenting with tuning slightly sharp and lipping down but thats not really working out.