Saxophones Help request: G# key slippery when wet

[AndyB]

I have a YAS62 that has a fairly small and completely smooth brass G# key. If any saliva condenses and drips there it becomes really hard to keep a grip on it. I notice that some horns have G# keys that have a surface with more friction. Is there any sort of fix up for slippery G# keys. Thanks.

 

[turf3]

Take an ice pick and make a myriad of small peck marks on it.

 

[Colin the Bear]

A thin rubber mouthpiece patch cut to fit may help.

 

[nigeld]

A very thin layer of Sugru might work.

 

[Stephen Howard]

Sticky paper labels. You might have to buy a few different brands to find one that sticks like sh*t to a sheet (like those bloomin' price labels that take half a gallon of industrial solvents to remove).
Pop it on the key, cut around the touchpiece with a razor.
Or you could try masking tape.

Degrease the touchpiece first with cigarette lighter fluid before applying the sticker.

 

[turf3]

Sticky paper labels. You might have to buy a few different brands to find one that sticks like sh*t to a sheet (like those bloomin' price labels that take half a gallon of industrial solvents to remove).
Pop it on the key, cut around the touchpiece with a razor.
Or you could try masking tape.

Degrease the touchpiece first with cigarette lighter fluid before applying the sticker.

If you BUY labels that you WANT to stick, it'll be well nigh impossible to find any of them that do. If you buy a $1 item with a price label on it, you'll have to spend days and gallons of exotic solvents (14M hydrofluoric acid, anyone?) to get the adhesive off.

 

[AndyB]

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I went to the pharmacy and bought some self-adhesive mole skin and cut a patch the size of my slippery G# key and trimmed it to shape with small scissors. It is fairly thin and has a texture about like felt. I'm going to give that a try.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Better get a patent in quick. Moleskin touch pieces sounds like a winner. 😉

 

[Dr G]

Better get a patent in quick. Moleskin touch pieces sounds like a winner. 😉

I used to use moleskin to line the thumb ring of my Conn sop and the thumb hook of my BA tenor. Good stuff to have in the tool kit.