Tech/maintenance Alto dropping to low octave when pressing octave key

[Punchysax]

Hi
When playing my 1941 Martin alto , when playing with octave key on when playing a D or E the horn drops into low octave even while octave key is pressed.
Any ideas ?
Thank you

 

[Pete Thomas]

Hi
When playing my 1941 Martin alto , when playing with octave key on when playing a D or E the horn drops into low octave even while octave key is pressed.
Any ideas ?
Thank you

Have you checked that the octave hole is not blocked?

 

[Punchysax]

I will try it’s recently overhauled , it plays with octave key on then drops into lower octave while octave key still presssed down.

 

[Punchysax]

It’s not blocked I give it a clean though , I adjusted a small screw that makes the octavice mech open more so will give blow in the morning as late now.

 

[wakyct]

Would that be the side octave vent sticking and not opening?

 

[ghostler]

Since you just had it overhauled, is it possible to take it back to the tech? Perhaps a "warranty call" (i.e., free adjustment)?

 

[Punchysax]

I will take to my local tech to check I think.

 

[thomsax]

Can you play D(2) and E(2) without using the octave key? Try, if you can, another mouthpiece.

I had problem with going from C(2) to D(2), Eb/D# or E(2) on my Martin Committee 1938 tenor. It was a combo of me and the mouthpiece that was the problem. I started to play a mouthpiece in the same style as the original.

 

[Punchysax]

I will give it ago

 

[PigSquealer]

Neck on. Finger G. Then press octave key. The body octave should open about 2mm+ and stay open. Then same test with BAG fingered closed try F, E, D each alone. There shouldn’t be any change @ body octave.

 

[Ivan]

Spring not fitted correctly, so octave key swings shut again under gravity?

 

[PigSquealer]

Spring not fitted correctly, so octave key swings shut again under gravity?

Yes, this spring can be off or lacking tension. I just took these pictures of my exact same horn.

 

[ghostler]

Yes, this spring can be off or lacking tension. I just took these pictures of my exact same horn.
View attachment 28145
View attachment 28146

I love it, a crusty finish old sax that still is a performer! 😎 You certainly did your magic on that one, @PigSquealer . 😉

 

[PigSquealer]

I love it, a crusty finish old sax that still is a performer! 😎 You certainly did your magic on that one, @PigSquealer . 😉

Only did a COA. Nothing else.
@Punchysax , if you need any other detail pictures let me know.

 

[thomsax]

Neck on. Finger G. Then press octave key. The body octave should open about 2mm+ and stay open. Then same test with BAG fingered closed try F, E, D each alone. There shouldn’t be any change @ body octave.

When you press the body octave key and the height is c 2 mm then you set the height with the adjustment screw. My Coom II had a too thin cork so the adjustment screw didn't work.