Tech/maintenance alto sax difficulties with lower notes

[teoman]

My G# key has been feeling loose for 2 days and playing lower notes has gotten more difficult. I am not sure if I have knocked a spring or something when I was cleaning the sax the other day. I am on a yas-280. But it still closes when the key is up and opens when I press it down. I checked the neck, produces the regular Ab when I play the neck alone. Although, when the neck is attached to the saxophone and I am physically holding down the octave key itself, lower notes are easier to produce. The octave pad on the neck feels fimrer neck alone, when attached still closed but not as firm.

 

[Dr G]

My G# key has been feeling loose for 2 days and playing lower notes has gotten more difficult. I am not sure if I have knocked a spring or something when I was cleaning the sax the other day. I am on a yas-280. But it still closes when the key is up and opens when I press it down. I checked the neck, produces the regular Ab when I play the neck alone. Although, when the neck is attached to the saxophone and I am physically holding down the octave key itself, lower notes are easier to produce. The octave pad on the neck feels fimrer neck alone, when attached still closed but not as firm.

That sounds like you may have bent the neck octave key. Check to see if there is sufficient lost motion to let the octave key shut entirely when it is supposed to. I like a lil’ slack in the octave mechanism rather than a hair trigger.

 

[atwl77]

Might also be the octave key arm got bent, could happen if you accidentally bump it while handling, or did not properly store the saxophone without the end plug.

 

[Stephen Howard]

Here you go:

The SHWoodwind F.O. Guide To Octave Key Mech Problems

Troubleshooting the octave key mechanism

www.shwoodwind.co.uk

 

[mizmar]

My G# key has been feeling loose for 2 days

You might also check out

Saxophones - Low notes and Leaking G# issue

Problems with leaky low notes? The issue is very often your G# The G# on modern saxophones has quite a complex mechanism. All saxophone players need to know about adjusting the tabbed/articulated G# as it is one of the most common, and yet easily fixable, causes of leaks. The first thing we...

cafesaxophone.com

Adjusting around the G# is fiddly and a common problem. And probably requires a set of small screwdrivers and, ideally, a leak light. And some DIY competence. Or a tec.

 

[PigSquealer]

@teoman , have you got this sorted yet ? Please respond on your findings so others can learn from your experience.

 

[teoman]

Putting the neck slightly up, like adjusting for tuning helped. I also have been working on my overtones, which also helped. Was probably a skill issue but the neck adjustment definitely makes a difference.

 

[Targa]

I’m guessing there’s no space between the pin and the ring.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Putting the neck slightly up, like adjusting for tuning helped. I also have been working on my overtones, which also helped. Was probably a skill issue but the neck adjustment definitely makes a difference.

Don't do that. Tuning is adjusted by the pushing in or the pulling out of the mouthpiece.

 

[PiccoloPirate]

If the problem was with the low notes, maybe pulling the neck up a bit, makes a better seal?

 

[cappers]

I'm just a beginner but I think the neck should be inserted into the reciever fully.

Has the octave key ring or the pin key been bent by accident? When the neck octave is closed there should be ~1mm gap between the loop and the octave key pin. If is touching it might be very slightly open and not play correctly. I've had this and couldn't get any low notes out and lots of squeals.

Not hard to fix the loop. @Stephen Howard describes how to diagnose and fix this in his manual cited above.
The SHWoodwind F.O. Guide To Octave Key Mech Problems

 

[PigSquealer]

Putting the neck slightly up, like adjusting for tuning helped. I also have been working on my overtones, which also helped. Was probably a skill issue but the neck adjustment definitely makes a difference.

Follow the advice above. Also be attentive to how you’re handling the crook. Installing, removing and making mouthpiece adjustments included. Keep practicing and you’ll be fine😉