Tech/maintenance Abalone key pearls

Colin the Bear · Thursday at 1:38 AM

Fingertips on the pearls isn't a given for me and many other players. I have a fair amount of overshoot to accommodate a comfortable hand/wrist position.

Tonehole · Thursday at 2:58 AM

Wondering how comfortable DesertRoads found them he mentioned he liked the feel and if the dished touches directed his finger tips to the centre. I like the look also I don't hit my touches directly either why I mentioned angled touches to match my wear. A lot depends on how much the keys can be moved/adjusted to the players hands as well.

I recently discussed the key spacing / positioning on the Aquilasax C Melody that PigSquealer overhauled for me with him. He did an amazing job. I sent it to him directly from eBay upon purchase so never played it, he overhauled it and sent it directly to me. Now getting familiar / comfortable with the horn. It is very different and much better then the Chinese one I am sending next for him to adjust for me. His work is a labour of love very impressive, 2nd to none. IMHO

DesertRoads · Thursday at 3:03 AM

I find the pearls to be quite comfortable. I know MusicMedic offers angled pearls, and I didn’t go that route. My finger tips typically aren’t right on the pearls; usually I’m up to the first knuckle a lot of times, which is why I didn’t go for the angled pearls. I’ve heard the angled ones are very comfortable for those who play using their finger tips though.

turf3 · Thursday at 3:10 PM

Y'all do realize you CAN bend your fingers so the tips of your fingers hit the keytouches?

In a world where the same person will play piccolo and then bass saxophone, those 16 multi-degree-of-freedom joints at the end of each arm really come in handy.

Targa · Thursday at 3:15 PM

turf3 said:
Y'all do realize you CAN bend your fingers so the tips of your fingers hit the keytouches?

In a world where the same person will play piccolo and then bass saxophone, those 16 multi-degree-of-freedom joints at the end of each arm really come in handy.

I count 14?

turf3 · Thursday at 3:16 PM

three in each finger (yes, the base of the thumb counts) and then the wrist itself

Targa · Thursday at 3:20 PM

turf3 said:
three in each finger (yes, the base of the thumb counts) and then the wrist itself

I counted three in each finger and two for the thumb, OK 16.
Then I have claws as well.

DesertRoads · Thursday at 4:15 PM

turf3 said:
Y'all do realize you CAN bend your fingers so the tips of your fingers hit the keytouches?

In a world where the same person will play piccolo and then bass saxophone, those 16 multi-degree-of-freedom joints at the end of each arm really come in handy.

Unless you have arthritis in your fingers. So playing the way I do is more comfortable. But we can't all be as perfect as you are.

Dr G · Thursday at 4:26 PM

Do those touches look like tiny ashtrays to anyone else?

Colin the Bear · Thursday at 4:28 PM

No idea. I don't smoke. 🤔

LostCircuits · Thursday at 4:35 PM

Dr G said:
Do those touches look like tiny ashtrays to anyone else?

View attachment 37864Yes, Gulliver, indeed!

DesertRoads · Thursday at 4:44 PM

Dr G said:
Do those touches look like tiny ashtrays to anyone else?

View attachment 37864

Just to you apparently.

Tonehole · Thursday at 4:46 PM

Depends on how you where trained likely determines how you hit the keys. But as DesertRoads wisely states many have dexterity issues due to age, medical issues or accidents.

But to each their own just getter done and not be so judgemental.

I first studied under a Symphony clarinettist, then started lessons with a flautist who insisted I learn only on an opened hole flute while studying classical piano at the same time. Set a good foundation. I eventually dropped them all and focused on Tenor saxophone. Even gave up hockey!

I had a very privileged upbringing says my wife the tuba player whenever I complain. She did not even get to go to music camps.

So I had few problems when I studied classical alto sax in university which is very anal as well.
Posture and correct positioning, discipline.

Dr G · Thursday at 5:03 PM

Colin the Bear said:
No idea. I don't smoke. 🤔

Candy dish?

DesertRoads · Thursday at 6:09 PM

They really aren't that deep. The overhead shot of the stainless makes them look deeper than they actually are. They are the same depth as standard MOP's in my opinion.

teen37 · Thursday at 6:18 PM

DavidUK said:
Needed to order from Amazon so I added a set of these to see what they're like: Bnineteenteam Key Buttons for Alto Sax, 9pcs Sax Abalone Shell Key Buttons Saxophone Key Button for soprano, alto and tenor saxophones : Amazon.co.uk: Books

Not expecting much. Most of the "real shell" pearls I've looked at seem to be covered in acrylic which means they're no different than a plastic key surely?

Anyway... for a fiver it's worth a go. Let you know what they're like once they arrive.

I'm interested in seeing what you get here too 🤔☺️

LostCircuits · Thursday at 7:04 PM

One thing, the pearls are pretty precise in their diameter but the keys often aren't. I had to mill down a few to make them fit in the Borgani sop and I used a wooden dowel and contact cement to stick them on a power drill. And then sand paper to grind them down, it's a bit tedious but it works just fine if you have a bit of patience.