G # bis 2 screw adjustment

[Saxby]

Hello
Does anyone know the correct order to adjust the 2 screws that regulate the g# and Bis keys...?
I noticed recently that my G# key was open, ever so slightly when holding down the F#, F E keys. So consequently a slight turn of the screwdriver and hey presto my bis key does not close properly now...I had overtightened the G# screw a tad... I know this is a commoen problem, screws work themselves loose during travel, playing etc...So I was wondering if there was a correct sequence to regulate these screws..IE; Bis first or G# first...G# first then sort out the Bis or what.?
I am currently not in the position to see a tech so need to do this myself...
Any tips appreciated...
The sax in question is a mauriat 66R tenor, for the record...

 

[AlanU]

Surely there are two screws.
One which applies pressure directly to the G# pad, the other which applies pressure to the lever which closes the bis pad.
You'll have to adjust them so that they work in sympathy, ie one not holding off the other.

Cigarette papers help with the fine checking.

 

[Saxby]

Yes, there are 2 screws.
One for the G# key and one for the bis, I was just wondering if the G# should be fixed first and then the bis key second...as IMO the G# is "slightly" more important around this key cluster.....Or the other way round...IE: Fix the bis key first, so Bb bis is closed then adjust the G# key..?
It is really only a case of slight screw adjustment as overtigtening will result in the keys F,E, not closing properly.

 

[AlanU]

If the G# key and the F key are held down, then all the relevant pads are held down. Or should be.
With those keys held down push the bis pad cup and the G# pad cup to check whether either have movement and are not sealing. This should give you the answer.

Or, back-off both screws and holding down the aforementioned keys tighten each screw until they are applying pressure to the bis lever and the G# pad cup. This should give a good starting point for fine adjustment.

All the above assumes that either of the softer ends of the screws have not fallen off.

If that doesn't fix it take it to a repairer.
It shouldn't cost a lot to have it sorted out.

 

[Saxby]

Ok I Backed off the 2 screws until they allowed a leak to occur on the Bis key and the G# key. I then slowly tightened the G# key until this mechanism worked, No leak.
Then I tightened the Bis key until this worked that holding down F I was able to produce a clear Bb (alternate Bb). Then I had to slightly tighten the G# key somemore....Then Bis etc....and on.
So now, it all seems to work......ALTHOUGH.....
When I look at the G# key closely I can see slight movement ( When open G#, holding down F)...although NO discernable problems with sound and doing the "ciggie" paper test, even though the key backs off the tonehole (ever so) slightly, it is obviously closed due to tight seal on cig paper....
Fingers crossed, this will be fine until I can see atech and leak light it etc....

 

[griff136]

Ok I Backed off the 2 screws until they allowed a leak to occur on the Bis key and the G# key. I then slowly tightened the G# key until this mechanism worked, No leak.
Then I tightened the Bis key until this worked that holding down F I was able to produce a clear Bb (alternate Bb). Then I had to slightly tighten the G# key somemore....Then Bis etc....and on.
So now, it all seems to work......ALTHOUGH.....
When I look at the G# key closely I can see slight movement ( When open G#, holding down F)...although NO discernable problems with sound and doing the "ciggie" paper test, even though the key backs off the tonehole (ever so) slightly, it is obviously closed due to tight seal on cig paper....
Fingers crossed, this will be fine until I can see atech and leak light it etc....

for your G# regulation try playing a low D and with the keys still closed and still playing the D, press the g# key touchpiece, if theres a difference in tone/or it becomes stuffy adjust the regulating screw a little more. then adjust your bis key regulating screw if it needs it.

If your screws are loose you can apply a drop of clear nail varish to the top of the screw where the thread is this whill kep it in place but will "crack" once the screw is adjusted.

 

[AlanU]

Clear nail varnish?
Oops! I only have Magenta Blush in my handbag right now.

(sorry)

 

[kevgermany]

Must admit, the thought of Griff going into boots and asking for clear nail varnish is rather amusing.... And I've never met you.

I use balck myself, but it's for covering scratches on a camera, and I got my wife to buy it for me...

 

[old git]

You married a Goth?

BTW The CaSLM Executive Committee has advised me to use 'smileys' to indicate humour, so ;}

 

[Saxby]

Thats great, thanks Griff....
Well I played a gig last night and it all seemed fine, although I am now having to exert a bit more pressure on the F(#) E and D keys than I would normally like to do, but at least its working now.
Will get the action sorted when I return to the Uk.
However, I have noticed the G# screw does seem to work its way loose over time and journeys so will try the nail varnish solution.
This used to be a real problem on my old sax, "the dreaded" Keilwerth SX 90R, ( for me anyway, this sax needed sortin' out all the bl**dy time..!!! ) so much so, that during a gig once the screw worked itself so loose that it fell out and disappeared into the void of lost things...never to be found...
My tech solved this problem by,
1. replacing the screw with a slightly oversized one and
2. Fixing in place with "Locktight"
But the nail varnish seems like a less severe solution.....I guess my red one will have too do though...!!!
Cheers...

 

[griff136]

Thats great, thanks Griff....
Well I played a gig last night and it all seemed fine, although I am now having to exert a bit more pressure on the F(#) E and D keys than I would normally like to do, but at least its working now.
Will get the action sorted when I return to the Uk.
However, I have noticed the G# screw does seem to work its way loose over time and journeys so will try the nail varnish solution.
............Cheers...

If you need to use more pressure when playing the bottom stack then you have probably over regulated either or both of the screws - back them off about an eigth of a turn and try again, repeat if necessary until you can play the bottom stack easily and you can get the bell notes without any stuffyness and the long Bb is sounding clear also.

oh and BTW I'm a modern man and bold enough to ask for my own nail varnish.

 

[Saxby]

Back off, redo - Play....
Back off, redo - Play.....
back off, redo - play......ah thats it...A little at a time, a bit of patience and it seems to be done. B'is key closing nicely and a nice Bb too boot, and G# doin' its job...
Will still get it all checked out with leak light etc when back in the UK, but now is "playin' nice"
Thanks for advice.