G# pad raising up so low notes not working

[siramazing]

Yamaha purple log alto. The horn is new to me, and my tech is away for the weekend. I was having a problem with the Bis 1-4 fingering being muffled and flat, and I was told to adjust the lower screw that holds the G# key down (don't know is this is the correct nomenclature, but I am hoping you know what I mean-it's the bar with two screws in it, one screw towards the mouthpiece, the other towards the bell in the middle of the instrument). Anyway, I did adjust the bottom screw, and now can't play the low Bb, Bnatural, or C#. I have identified that it's related to the G# key, since when the G# pad is raised, and I press the 4,5, or 6 keys, they won't play because the pad under the above mentioned bar is lifting a bit. I understand that the C# key is connected to the G# mechanism, which tell me why the low 3 notes are not working. Whew!! A lot of words to describe a simple thing. Anyway, what do I have to adjust to get that pad to not lift? Everything was working properly (except for the bis 1-4) before I started fooling around with it. Should I adjust the screw at the top of the bar? It was working properly before I messed with the bottom screw. Or, should I just be patient and wait for my tech to come back on Wednesday?

 

[jbtsax]

It would take too long to explain what you did wrong, so I will just talk you through the solution.

1. Back the lower (Bis adjustment) screw out about 2 turns. We'll come back to that later.
2. Close just the F key (1st finger RH) and press the G# touch while watching the G# key.
3. If the G# key rises slightly, give the top adjusting screw 1/8 turn and try again. Repeat if needed.
   
4. Be careful not to go too far or the F# pad won't close.
5. Check the G# adjustment by playing a D and pressing the G# on and off. The sound shouldn't change.
6. To adjust the Bis, close the F key and turn the lower adjusting screw about 1 1/2 turns.
   
7. As it gets close, with your other hand press the Bis key to see if it still moves.
   
8. Keep adjusting till it doesn't move with the F key held down.
   
9. Be careful not to go too far since over adjusting the Bis will keep the G# from closing.
   
10. I think this is what happened to create the problem. I said it would take a long explanation.

 

[siramazing]

To back the lower screw out I turn it counterclockwise, correct?

For #3 the 1/8 turn is clockwise?

Thanks so much!!

 

[kevgermany]

To back the lower screw out I turn it counterclockwise, correct?

For #3 the 1/8 turn is clockwise?

Thanks so much!!

Yes

Big thanks to Jbtsax for the clear explanation.

 

[siramazing]

Haven't started this yet, holiday weekend here. Like to clarify something:

Step #1-The screw is at about the 1:00 clock position now...when I turn it clockwise, it stops at the 5:00 clock position and won't move farther-I assume it is at it's ultimate stopping position-is this a correct assumption? I don't want to force it and break something.

 

[Colin the Bear]

The saxophone is a very simple instrument. I would suggest that if your engineering skills are not up to which way to turn a screw, you need to take it to your tech, who will have it regulated in seconds.

 

[siramazing]

Wow. Not helpful. Haven't you ever been a rookie at something? I have learned, over the years, through hard experience, to ask: "What's this button do", before pressing it. Thanks for the advice., Colin..

 

[kevgermany]

Haven't started this yet, holiday weekend here. Like to clarify something:

Step #1-The screw is at about the 1:00 clock position now...when I turn it clockwise, it stops at the 5:00 clock position and won't move farther-I assume it is at it's ultimate stopping position-is this a correct assumption? I don't want to force it and break something.

Don't force it. If you need more adjustment, either bend it a touch or rather glue some hard felt to the tip of the adjuster.

 

[jonf]

If you're getting stuck with this, follow jbtsax's excellent advice, but without adjusting anything. Just look at what happens when you press the keys, and work out the inter-relationship between them. Keep going through until it's all clear, and then start adjusting. If you can't work it out, then really, you should book it into a technician. I know it's a holiday for you today, but better wait a day than risk messing it up or breaking something.

Saxes are made of just about the least suitable materials from an engineering perspective - soft brass, cork, leather and spiky brittle springs. Never force anything - if it won't adjust as it should do, or you can't work out how it should adjust, take it to a technician.

To help with the learning process get hold of a copy of Stephen Howard's Saxophone Manual, published by Haynes. You can get it from Amazon, although you might need to go into the .co.uk site.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Wow. Not helpful. Haven't you ever been a rookie at something? I have learned, over the years, through hard experience, to ask: "What's this button do", before pressing it. Thanks for the advice., Colin..

Not meaning to be unhelpful. Trying to save you some heart ache and extra expense. Your original problem is a job some one familiar with a saxophone will have sorted in a matter of seconds. Replacing lost bits and repairing broken bits and stripped threads and bent bits may take hours.

 

[siramazing]

Thanks to all. We have modified success. I was able to readjust so that the low register Bb, B natural, and C# are again playable, and the G# key is working correctly. I did overdo a turn on the upper screw so that the F needs to be pressed down with a touch more force than is normal, but I will take it to my tech and have him finish it up.

 

[siramazing]

Not meaning to be unhelpful. Trying to save you some heart ache and extra expense. Your original problem is a job some one familiar with a saxophone will have sorted in a matter of seconds. Replacing lost bits and repairing broken bits and stripped threads and bent bits may take hours.

Understood, and appreciated. Before my tech left for the weekend he had told me what to do regarding the Bis key, but after I followed those directions, I discovered that the lower register Bb, etc. no longer played, and with a little searching on line discovered why--so, now the question was, could I fix it, which is why I started this thread. I probably should have followed my first thought, which was to wait until he got back, before I started the whole thing, but once an adventure is started.....

 

[siramazing]

Addendum-was not happy, went back and started again, realizing I had gone too far with the top screw. Success!! Fixed.

 

[Jeanette]

Great news well done and thanks to all who offered advice

Jx

 

[jbtsax]

These adjustments are best made using a leak light. A search of the cafe will provide several to purchase and tips on making your own.

 

[siramazing]

Thanks, I will follow up on that, as well as seeking out a repair kit that is not meant for a pro.

 

[kevgermany]

Thanks, I will follow up on that, as well as seeking out a repair kit that is not meant for a pro.

I think music medic have something like tbat.