Saxophones Any fingering experts here?

[DavidUK]

You may recall I bought an old VITO alto recently: http://cafesaxophone.com/showthread.php?9290-Any-info-on-VITO-saxophone-Photos

I've seen the fingering chart for LeBlanc saxes, as here: http://bassic-sax.info/blog/?p=31596 but as a beginner I'm struggling to make out the differences from a modern alto sax.

Could anyone tell me, in easy terms, what the practical differences are between the two?

Thanks for any help.

🙂

 

[Ivan]

I'm not sure there's much wrong with this:

http://www.saxtutor.co.uk/Downloads_files/Saxophone Finger Chart_1.jpg

 

[DavidUK]

I'm not sure there's much wrong with this:

http://www.saxtutor.co.uk/Downloads_files/Saxophone%20Finger%20Chart_1.jpg

That's just for one of them? I'm assuming there IS a difference between modern and VITO fingering?

 

[kevgermany]

David, it depends on which Beaugnier/Leblanc your Vito is. I'd guess it's no different to a standard fingering, but I may be wrong. If you can't tell from photos/modern charts, play and listen, you'll soon find the differences.

 

[Ivan]

The standard fingering chart above is how all saxes can be played

The Leblanc system allows for alternative fingerings in addition to the standard ones... I don't know if you've found this link but it's an irritatingly landscape pdf of an old manual which is nevertheless more readable than your linked document, http://www.doctorsax.biz/musical instruments/saxophones/vito/Vito_Model35_Manual.pdf

So take a standard chart and subtract those fingerings from the Leblanc manual et voila you are left with the exclusive Leblanc alternatives

 

[altissimo]

the fingering chart you have found Fingering Chart For Leblanc System & Conventional Saxophones is for a particular model of Leblanc sax known as the 'Rationale' which had different keywork - http://www.saxgourmet.com/leblanc.htm - only about 1200 of these instruments were ever made.
The instrument you have doesn't seem to be one of those, so normal fingering charts will make more sense

 

[Ivan]

the fingering chart you have found Fingering Chart For Leblanc System & Conventional Saxophones is for a particular model of Leblanc sax known as the 'Rationale' which had different keywork - http://www.saxgourmet.com/leblanc.htm - only about 1200 of these instruments were ever made.
The instrument you have doesn't seem to be one of those, so normal fingering charts will make more sense

Yes there's no idiosyncratic left hand F# key nestling between the F and G# keys on your model:

Saxophones - Any info on VITO saxophone? Photos....

 

[DavidUK]

Thanks for all your help.

 

[Fraser Jarvis]

The standard fingering chart above is how all saxes can be played

Apart from this one that is. http://www.jsengineering.net/saxes.asp

 

[Ivan]

Sorry yes the exception that proves etc...

 

[Fraser Jarvis]

Be interesting to see how long it would take someone like Pete Thomas to adapt to a Jim Schmidt sax?

 

[old git]

Be interesting to see how long it would take someone like Pete Thomas to adapt to a Jim Schmidt sax?

Tom M. plays tenor slide trombone, an instrument that has an infinite number of positions between semitones and trumpet and cornet, which have valves a semitone apart. Surely he is more able to adapt to Jim's logical system.

Apologies for being serious.

 

[Colin the Bear]

And don't forget the goofus

http://squeezyboy.blogs.com/squeezytunes/2005/06/its_a_goofus_.html

 

[U CAN CALL ME AL]

I am fortunate enough to own a Leblanc Rationale alto which has exc+ intonation and alternative fingerings, I did offer it for sale with no takers. I tended only to play only standard fingerings as I would sometimes get caught out when I switched to my Conn 10M Bari (even this has an unusual E♭Trill by lifting the middle finger of the right hand?).
I have all the documentation for the fingerings and a service manual for saxtechs supplied by Beaugenier.

The most unusual key is the high F sharp key positioned between the LH palm keys and pinkey table, this is a doddle to play with the ring finger of the left hand

 

[Greg Strange]

This young lady looks to be a fingering expert...

View attachment 2263

Greg S.

 

[Fraser Jarvis]

This young lady looks to be a fingering expert...

View attachment 2263

Greg S.

Couldent see it, but i bet it was rude!

 

[Greg Strange]

Couldent see it, but i bet it was rude!

Nah, not really - it was more PG than R18 - a super-model type person giving the one finger salute...:shocked:

Cheers,

Greg S.

 

[Andante cantabile]

I assume you read German. The following seems to cover the waterfront. Found on SOTW.

http://www.wespi.com/Downloads/documents/Grifftabelle_Version_D-1.0.pdf

 

[Greg Strange]

I assume you read German. The following seems to cover the waterfront. Found on SOTW.

http://www.wespi.com/Downloads/documents/Grifftabelle_Version_D-1.0.pdf

My maternal great grandfather was a Russian Jew - my German is pretty crap, and my Russian, Hebrew and Yiddish are not much better - I have enough trouble with the English language...

my Maori is pretty good - "Kia Ora, Kapai, sweet as, choice bro...!

Greg S.

 

[Ivan]

my Maori is pretty good - "Kia Ora, Kapai, sweet as, choice bro...!

Greg S.

"Box of fluffy ducks"