Tech/maintenance Leaks in top stack and low notes

[Colin the Bear]

A good 25 is a good horn. If it looks nice all the more. They all cost money in the long run. Learning some simple DIY fixes saves a bit but it's all part of the game. No sweat. Enjoy.

Unless it's been under a road roller, a yam is always fixable.

 

[PigSquealer]

Unless it's been under a road roller, a yam is always fixable.

So true. I’ve to have one that needed more than a few keys refit, repad / new corks. Maybe a dent or two. If anything, the #1 cosmetic damage is around the Eb keycup & guard. Corrosion on chimney, pitting of plating.

 

[cappers]

A good 25 is a good horn.

I'm very happy with it, my first horn. on which I learnt the basics. It is in A1 condition too, barely used. It played nicely even in my then absolute beginner chops. I assumed any issues with low notes and squeals were me not the horn. When I get it back I'll know for sure!

 

[Woodpad]

Just got back from visiting Jim Prior. Some here may know him - woodwind tech at Mayalls and Just Flutes in Croydon and formerly at Ackermans in Hove. He lives a couple of miles from me which is handy and works from home.

Left the YAS-25 for a strip down and full service. The upper stack pads are hard and dry, G# is flaking and the bell pads are a bit manky. Otherwise it's in very good shape! It'll probably cost more than the sax itself (I got it for £200) but worth it to get it in tiptop condition again.

I'll update when I get it back in a couple of weeks.

P.S. If @Stephen Howard is reading this.........the horn was playing fine when I put it in it's case last year on getting my tenor. After about a year of resting it is now in the state described. The case is in my study, at ambient room temperature (~17-21°C) and the horn was put away cleaned and dried. Am I doing something wrong storage-wise? I did find a packet of silica-gel in the case, could that have made it too dry?
Thanks.

Storage in a room with a relative humidity below 50% can do that. If you put it in a room with relative humidity not below 60% it will re hydrate slowly. It could take a few months, but it is better than a quick full hydration which can warp the leather.

 

[PigSquealer]

Storage in a room with a relative humidity below 50% can do that. If you put it in a room with relative humidity not below 60% it will re hydrate slowly. It could take a few months, but it is better than a quick full hydration which can warp the leather.

The humidity here yesterday was 30%. Today @ 10%. Yes older pads are more sensitive to humidity changes IMHO. Did he store the horn improperly? IMHO No.
It doesn’t hurt to blow some warm moist air into a horn before playing. New or aged. Like starting an auto and letting it warm up for a few minutes. Everything has its preferred working range environment. “As used”. Stone cold or dry as a scone is not a horns working “as used” environment. Neither is soggy from a wet player. Understanding how to use any machine takes experience to learn its characteristics. Know when it’s tired and needs some TLC.

 

[Colin the Bear]

I'm very happy with it, my first horn. on which I learnt the basics. It is in A1 condition too, barely used. It played nicely even in my then absolute beginner chops. I assumed any issues with low notes and squeals were me not the horn. When I get it back I'll know for sure!

It's one reason to start on a new or pro serviced horn. There's enough to get used to without learning how to blow through leaks.

 

[cappers]

Got my YAS-25L (all lacquered) back today after a full service. Had it for eighteen months but apart from a quick COA in December 2024 to make playable, it hasn't had any work done to it. I knew it needed some TLC as it was sounding progressively worse and harder to play.

It has never felt or sounded as good. Really easy to blow now, nice tone and all notes from low Bb to high E pop out without effort. No more squealing or overtoning the low notes. Apparently is was very leaky, the pads were old and dry and the neck reciever was a loose fit.

Need some practise on it but after a year on tenor my tone on the alto has definitely improved and it is now a joy to play.