[Henning1]

Hello, when did the small Bb vent key first appear please?

Best regards

 

[JayeLID]

You are referring to ....????

Photo ?

"vent key" is a tricky term.....

 

[turf3]

The only thing I can think of that would be semi-accurately called the "Bb vent key" is the side key, which was present from the very beginning.

I'm not sure when bis Bb appeared, probably around the time the upper and lower stacks were connected (1880s maybe?)

People have a lot of trouble understanding the fork Eb key and what it is and what it does, especially after generations of teachers and technicians deriding it and mutilating instruments to get rid of it. That one was certainly introduced before the 1920s as all the saxophones I have had from the 20s have had it.

At that point I think I'm tapped out on speculations as to what is being referred to.

 

[saxoclese]

Is it perhaps the Bb bis key that is small and covers a small tonehole? If so, the book "The Saxophone" by Stephen Cottrell mentions that key was part of a patent applied for in 1887 by Evette and Schaeffer.

 

[Henning1]

Hello guys, yes I meant the ´bis key´. Thanks for your answers and correct assumptions. Kind regards