Altissimo G#

[Martin]

I just found a fingering for altissimo G# which works really well for me, especially if coming from altissimo F#.

OK...I play the F# using register key (obviously), left hand first finger on the 'aux F' key, left hand second finger on the 'A key', right hand first finger on the 'F key' and also pressing the first side key.

Now...to move to G#, simply slide the right hand first finger up to the second side key, keeping everything else the same.

Now you're probably going to tell me that everyone already knows that...but I didn't...

Martin

 

[dave 645]

I didn't know that, so thank you, but in truth I don't even venture into the altissimo range, (yet)

 

[Nick Wyver]

Lots of variations on that theme seem to work. Which sax was it?

 

[Martin]

Lots of variations on that theme seem to work. Which sax was it?

Hi Nick,

It's my 'The Martin' tenor, circa 1947.

Not tried it on my Yamaha alto yet.

Martin

 

[zootspiker]

G# has proven elusive for me on my vintage Kings. (BTW they do not have the modern F# key)

I tried your fingering and I ended up with a G; However, when I lifted the F key, G# came out. I have played around with this for about 20 minutes with the same result for both horns.

My set up on the Siversonic (400xxx) is a PNR Guardalla Super King with a MH Harry Hartmann Fiberreed.
My set up on the Super 20 (300xxx) is a Wanne Datta (9) with a 2.5 Fibercell

I also found that by taking more mouthpiece the tone was a little fuller. I'm used to the
Front F/Bb side key for G as well a adding 1 for F#; Lift the Bb side key for F; 1,2 for E; 1,2,3 for Eb;
so I'll have to work on transitions which are a little awkward. But, I have found G# on these two vintage horns!!!! Yeah!

 

[thomsax]

You can try:
Octave pressed on all
Front F, B A, F.
B, G, side C.
B, G, F, D and side C.
B, G, F and side C.

I think alltissimo G# is a tone that is hard to blow. But I just know a few altissimo tones. I can't play a melody up there!

 

[jonf]

But I just know a few altissimo tones. I can't play a melody up there!

My approach too. I can belt out a good altissimo tone for dramatic effect, but playing a melody in that range? No way.

 

[jbtsax]

It is possible to make altissimo G and G# easier to play by adjusting the front F to open the F key just 1.5 - 2 mm. The trade-off is that it makes the front high F stuffy, and the front high E unuseable.

 

[Littlewailer]

I always hear about guys playing the A with OXX|OOO but that's how I play my G#. With the Octave key on of course.

If it's a fast passage you can't hear really that it's super sharp. Almost an A but not quite. But it speaks perfectly every time. I use OXX|OXO (just adding the middle finger in the right hand) to bring the pitch down but it will break and die really easily if I'm not really careful.

 

[ArtyLady]

I always hear about guys playing the A with OXX|OOO but that's how I play my G#. With the Octave key on of course.

If it's a fast passage you can't hear really that it's super sharp. Almost an A but not quite. But it speaks perfectly every time. I use OXX|OXO (just adding the middle finger in the right hand) to bring the pitch down but it will break and die really easily if I'm not really careful.

Thats what I use too - it is a little sharp but I can't get it any other way!

 

[saxismyaxe]

Hi Nick,

It's my 'The Martin' tenor, circa 1947.

Not tried it on my Yamaha alto yet.

Martin

The Martin Committee III horns have the easiest to hit altissimo of any make or model sax I have played. I love them.

 

[Fraser Jarvis]

OXX/OOO for G#, OOX/OOO for A, swiftly moving to side D for B.......Simples

 

[aldevis]

Are we still talking tenor? I find huge differences in that area between alto and tenor.

 

[Fraser Jarvis]

Are we still talking tenor? I find huge differences in that area between alto and tenor.

I was talking tenor, cant offer any advice for alto though...

 

[saxnik]

I try to use the same fingerings for alto and tenor or I confuse myself.
I use
F#: TXOX|XOO
G: TXOX|OOX
G#: TOXO|OXO
A: TOXX|OOO (with the G# key too on my tenor or it's flat).

 

[Fraser Jarvis]

Just tried Nick's fingerings above, his A with G# gives me a great and very stable G on my Selmer!

 

[Martin]

I always hear about guys playing the A with OXX|OOO but that's how I play my G#. With the Octave key on of course.

So how do you play your A?

Martin

 

[Ivan]

I try to use the same fingerings for alto and tenor or I confuse myself.
I use
F#: TXOX|XOO
G: TXOX|OOX
G#: TOXO|OXO
A: TOXX|OOO (with the G# key too on my tenor or it's flat).

Acute brain death, please help

T = ?

 

[sushidushi]

Acute brain death, please help

T = ?

My guess is T = thumb = octave key.

 

[Ivan]

My guess is T = thumb = octave key.

Ta muchly