[A Greene]

I've been back and forth about putting the OLEG Front F key on my current VI soprano. I had one put on my previous VI Soprano. The tech, although very good, wasn't really clear on putting the key on and it didn't quite have the feel I wanted. A killer repairman moved into my area so I'm sure it will be working perfectly this time.

Just want to get feedback on the Oleg Front F. Any SOTW members using this key? Any thoughts what-so-ever.

I do know that there are passages and transcriptions that would work SO much easier with the front F.

 

[Merlin]

I had one on my Yanagisawa S6 soprano for many years. I'd consider it a necessity on Mk VI type sops.

 

[NatureColor]

i put one on my VI alto, and it works great. It really facilitate the actions up there!

 

[saxtek]

Oleg front F

This is why I like this forum. I didn't know that Oleg made a front F conversion for Mark VI/Yanagisawa saxes. I'm really interested. From the photos on Oleg's site, it looks like the front F lever lifts the high E key, not the high F key. Is that what's happening?

 

[dstack79]

Sorry to steer off topic, but can somebody explain the advantage of the Oleg front F key type as opposed to the regular pearl? Is the pearl just harder to reach on a VI soprano or something? Thanks

-Dan

 

[dstack79]

duplicate post

 

[Carl H.]

The VI soprano has no front F. The Oleg Adds the key and linkage.

 

[NatureColor]

Well, you dont have to lift up your index finger and place it on the pearl or near the pearl, with the Oleg front F key, you dont have to lift up the finger, but just simply "lean" towards it. just look at the modern saxes, this is to facilitate movements and speed.

 

[martysax]

Is there such a thing available for a Buffet SDA?

 

[A Greene]

Thanks for everyone's post. Just so non-VI Soprano player know. As mentioned in a previous response. The VI Soprano does not and never had the front F Key. Oleg makes an extender for the normal Front F for the Alto (I just had my repairman bend my alto key) but the soprano simply has no key.

The Front F lifts the high E key and remarkably a high F comes out. If you play a high A (normal range) and hit the RH Side High E key - you will also get the high F. It works. For me it's more of a peer pressure. I see great players with VI sopranos and NO front F attachment.

I just have a feeling for the in my personal situation, I could work around some of the VI palm key issues (which are not THAT bad) with the front F.

I'll probably have it put on and see how it goes.

 

[whaler]

My MarkVI came with an Oleg strap hook attachment that goes through the lyre hokder (kind of hard to believe that is even on a soprano). I've never used it, but I leave it on so I won't lose it. I have a feeling you will do the same with the front F attachment. Spend the money on some reeds or a nice dinner with your lady instead.

 

[A Greene]

Whaler

I know I'll use the Front F - I gig on tenor and it's an absolute must to transition into the altissimo. When I play my soprano - my "go-to" licks just aren't there.

By the way, I also use the Oleg strap ring on my soprano. I hate having any weight on my thumb when I perform. It's not a strength issue but rather a relaxation thing.

I already bought the part - Just checking to see what others are doing.

 

[Carl H.]

I already bought the part - Just checking to see what others are doing.

I agree with Whaler, you'll never use it. You just don't have space in that cramped tiny little soprano case of yours to waste on gimmicks. I seldom play soprano and have a rather spacious case with plenty of room for such useless oddities.:twisted:
Just send it on over and it will never bother you again. Do you have my address or shall I send it to you in a PM?

 

[Dr G]

How much mass will that extra linkage and key add to the horn?

Oh, that'll be far too heavy...

 

[A Greene]

Carl H - Took me a second to get your humor - Good One!!

 

[Carl H.]

If I could justify the cost, I'd have it done on my VI clone backup sop.

 

[daigle65]

Most of the time I use an altissimo fingering for high F natural, makes the transition easier.
Plus there's the added weight of the Oleg key.....check out the thread on "weighing the soprano" !!!

 

[Grumps]

I'd add one to my bari, but it doesn't even have an F up there...

 

[daddywagsmusic]

Thanks for everyone's post. Just so non-VI Soprano player know. As mentioned in a previous response. The VI Soprano does not and never had the front F Key. Oleg makes an extender for the normal Front F for the Alto (I just had my repairman bend my alto key) but the soprano simply has no key.

The Front F lifts the high E key and remarkably a high F comes out. If you play a high A (normal range) and hit the RH Side High E key - you will also get the high F. It works. For me it's more of a peer pressure. I see great players with VI sopranos and NO front F attachment.

So - does that mean the part of the key that has the 3 set screws is connected to the post for that E key? I just got one of these, and am trying to figure out how to attach it. I do repairs part time, and have been doing repairs for over 12+ years, but haven't ran accross this, and would like to get it right on my own horn. I have been posting that I am in need of some pics of someone else's horn that has this on it, and I will for sure be able to figure it out, but I haven't got anyone willing to take some pics and send them to me yet.

If you can answer my question... does the 3 set screws go around the high E post, or somewhere else, or provide me with a couple pics or even one good one, you would really be helping a fellow saxophonist out. Anyone?

 

[whaler]

It is easier to just play an "A" (first two fingers of the left hand) and open the F palm key with your ring finger to play a "forked" F. Lift the second finger you have a G. I guess the consultants at Selmer felt the same way and left the fork fingering off of the Mark VI soprano. The Yanagisawa consultants must have had the same idea.
It seems that a lot of players don't like the Mark VI soprano design, but I feel that it makes everything "push" towards the middle of the horn and helps you keep the horn from moving around too much when you are playing.