Bent G key pearl arm on my new Yamaha 62 tenor?

[Selvasis]

Hello all!

Firstly, happy new year!

I've recently purchased a mint used Yamaha YTS 62ii tenor (with the G1 neck). Horn looks practically brand new, but the angle / tilt and height of the G pearl and the arm bothers me and I can't tell whether this is normal, or mine is bent? It definitely feels lower than it should be. It throws me a bit off, since a couple of the other tenors I've tried had a higher angle (essentially almost flat in line with B and A keys.)

Photos of G key pearl arm

Is it just me and this is normal?

 

[jbtsax]

No that is not the "normal" orientation of that key. You are correct that the B, A, and G are typically on the same plane. It is not unusual for the G touch to get bent down like that since there is such a long key arm, and sax players sometimes use too much pressure. In the photo it looks like the pearl holder is tilted a bit as well.

One can hold the G keycup closed and carefully raise the arm, but this can twist the key rod and change the position of the G key that interacts with the octave mechanism. To straighten the pearl cup requires duck bill pliers with a covering to protect the key, and the skill and experience to do it without damage. Unless you feel confident doing it yourself, I would recommend taking it to a repair shop.

 

[Selvasis]

No that is not the "normal" orientation of that key. You are correct that the B, A, and G are typically on the same plane. It is not unusual for the G touch to get bent down like that since there is such a long key arm, and sax players sometimes use too much pressure. In the photo it looks like the pearl holder is tilted a bit as well.

One can hold the G keycup closed and carefully raise the arm, but this can twist the key rod and change the position of the G key that interacts with the octave mechanism. To straighten the pearl cup requires duck bill pliers with a covering to protect the key, and the skill and experience to do it without damage. Unless you feel confident doing it yourself, I would recommend taking it to a repair shop.

Thanks for the reply, and confirming my suspicions.

Sax does need a servicing as it's been sitting in a closet for a good few years I'm told, so I'll have my tech look into adjusting the pearl and arm back to standard along with the rest of the work.

Cheers!

 

[SaxBoss]

Yes, support the idea, of a trip, to a tech. Don't recommend trying a DYI on this. If the cup bends, the pad may need to be reseated. Then their will be other regulation issues.

What mouth piece you going to try? I note you have the G1 neck. That's quite an open bore?

 

[Selvasis]

Yes, support the idea, of a trip, to a tech. Don't recommend trying a DYI on this. If the cup bends, the pad may need to be reseated. Then their will be other regulation issues.

What mouth piece you going to try? I note you have the G1 neck. That's quite an open bore?

It's the regular G1 neck that came with the horn (I believe it's different from the Custom G1 that you can get separate from Yamaha, as those were introduced much later), and was superceded by the 62-style neck on the YTS 62iii.

Unfortunately I'm no use when it comes to determining the difference between this and other necks as this is quite literally my first tenor (being an alto player for nearly 15 years), sorry!

I'm using a Nadir Dave Guardala MBII on it. 🙂

 

[SaxBoss]

I have the same horn. But haven't explored different mouthpieces on this specific neck. I use an old Otto Link 6* or 8* for projection. Others may have a recommendation. What types of music do you play?

@Phil could assist in a selection?

 

[Colin the Bear]

Selmer mouthpieces are quite forgiving to get a new tenor player going. imo
An S80 or a Soloist in a slightly larger tip opening to what you're using on alto, will feel very comfortable and familiar.
NB. A tenor isn't a big alto. 😉