Little finger table key problem

chadders

Member
295
Wrexham.
My TJ revolution alto has been playing ace since its last service (err nearly a year ago) until last night - In the middle of my practice it suddenly developed a major problem but I cant see any obvious reason why.

The problem manifests itself whenever you have to play notes using the left hand pinky table keys
ie low bflat, low b, low C# and low Eflat. The problem is a change of octave and a very thin muffled sound - All other notes play ok.

As far as I can see the only common thread is the G# mechanism - this opens normally(?) when ever these notes are played - but there must be something untoward happening somewhere around this mech?

Any clues - I'm like a caged tiger at the moment, pacing the house cause I want to blow the weekend away and cant !!

Cheers
Chad
 
Hi Chad,

I had this problem on a recent ebay purchase. Check that the G# pad remains closed when you use the LH cluster - it may just be opening a tiny amount. There is a grub screw you can adjust to ensure it closes fully. I'm sure one the techs here will give you more direct advice (with correct part names!), but that certainly worked for me.

Cheers,

Amanda
 
This adjustment is best done using a leak light or a feeler gauge. If the adjusting screw is turned too far it will prevent the F# and F pads from closing and create other problems. A good do-it-yourself feeler gauge can be a long strip of cigarette paper about 1/4" wide. Unhook the spring from the lever that holds the G# pad closed and then press the F key. It will close the G# and the F (and F#) at the same time. Adjust the G# adjusting screw so that the G# and the F have the same "drag" on the cigarette paper. If using a leak light in a darkened room, adjust the G# adjusting screw so that the F, F#, and G# eclipse the light completely and at the same time while pressing the F key.
 
I'd be more concerned why this problem "suddenly" appeared , mid-practice. What happened to the saxophone ?
A great observation! In some cases the dampening material (rubber or cork) at the end of the adjusting screw becomes dislodged and falls off. If the adjusting screw(s) turn too easily, just the vibration of the instrument can turn the screw out of regulation. Most techs use a drop of blue or purple threadlock (not red) to keep the screw from turning.
 
update - Yes it was the rubber stop that fell out, and think it ended up in the hoover !! - had to take sax to tech to get it re set up- All working ok now and sounding pretty good ( even if I say so myself! )

thanks for all the help/advice

Colin - Mrs Chadders thinks along the same lines as you on the "screw loose theory" Although she is most definitely not talking about the sax!

Cheers all
Chad
 
This adjustment is best done using a leak light or a feeler gauge. If the adjusting screw is turned too far it will prevent the F# and F pads from closing and create other problems. A good do-it-yourself feeler gauge can be a long strip of cigarette paper about 1/4" wide. Unhook the spring from the lever that holds the G# pad closed and then press the F key. It will close the G# and the F (and F#) at the same time. Adjust the G# adjusting screw so that the G# and the F have the same "drag" on the cigarette paper. If using a leak light in a darkened room, adjust the G# adjusting screw so that the F, F#, and G# eclipse the light completely and at the same time while pressing the F key.

Erm .......... that's great advice .......... and scares the bejeebies outa me - so that will be one for the techie!!
 
My Horn does not have a screw at that location, so finding the correct thickness cork material is the key. Glad you found it. These guys are super.

If you can't get the thickness you need, use some that's a bit thicker and then fine wet & dry strips to sand it down until the adjustment is just right.
 
Woohooo! I made a useful contribution, at last........:happydance:

Things are looking up!

Hi Amanda (from another one!). I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for this advice. I too have been having problems with the lower notes and have been despairing that the problem was with me (being still a bit of a novice).

I followed your advice, and sure enough, the G# key was moving ever so slightly so I tighted the nut by a gnat's doodah and I can now get down low and dirty!! So, thank you! :thumb:
 
It must be something in the air.
A couple of days ago as soon as I started the low notes were completely gone.
The 'little red rod' had come out of the screw holder fortunately right by my feet.
It was completely loose so I stuck it back in with 'bostik' and adjusted as usual.
 

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