Saxophones Low C# won't play - what have I missed?

[Jay]

I can play the low notes D, C, B and Bb easily. But not C#.

I can play G# with either the 'left' or 'right' pinkie key.

I can't find a key or pad that isn't used by one of the notes that does work, though it's true that's not so easy when I'm behind the sax - what else should I be checking please?

 

[kevgermany]

Basic fingering is low C plus lh pinky C#. Check the C# key opens when you press, it should, unless the linkage is bent/jammed. G# shouldn't open with it.

Could also be a minor leak stopping the note from sounding.

 

[Nick Wyver]

I can play G# with either the 'left' or 'right' pinkie key.

That's unusual. Are you sure that's what you mean?

Anyway, as Kev said, it's probably the G# key opening a bit when you finger C#. There's probably a screw you can fix that with.

 

[Jay]

That's unusual. Are you sure that's what you mean?

Anyway, as Kev said, it's probably the G# key opening a bit when you finger C#. There's probably a screw you can fix that with.

Went and played in front of mirror. Should have done that first - problem - me being both dozy and clumsy
Here is my pinkie cluster:

I can pay G# by pressing the top pearl , the side bar, or either or the left or right pinkie keys.
But I can, in fact play C#, if I only press the correct pinkie key and don't catch the side bar too, which is what I was doing.

Sorry to waste your time, but thank you for asking the questions that made me go and find out the answer

 

[ProfJames]

It's that cheap Chinese sax that you play Jay!! You can get a pinky extender for your finger.........

 

[Jay]

😛

I just need to look where I'm putting it (so to speak!)

Oooh, cheap and Chinese!

 

[kevgermany]

On newer saxes, C# opens with G#, which helps in some keys/pasages. But accurate fingers help more

 

[MandyH]

Although you have resolved it, I was going to suggest making sure that the C# pad isn't stuck closed.

A bit like the G# pad, the C# pad can become stuck down. However, on my sax when this happens, rather than getting a C, I find that I get some sorry thin sounding mess of a sound. A quick lift of the offending pad usually solves the problem, plus a clean with lighter fluid and cigarette paper as necessary.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Right pinky for G#? I'm lost. C and Eb with right pinky innit? Or am I missing something? (and have for years)

With a modern tilting LH pinky cluster the G# opens if you hit anything. Fudge proof. RH 123 will close it, if it's set up right..

 

[MandyH]

Right pinky for G#? I'm lost. C and Eb with right pinky innit? Or am I missing something? (and have for years)

With a modern tilting LH pinky cluster the G# opens if you hit anything. Fudge proof. RH 123 will close it, if it's set up right..

I think he means the right hand of the two side keys in the left hand pinkie cluster - ie the low B key

 

[Colin the Bear]

Sounds like my first wife giving directions. "Right ...turn left .Right?... no... other left over there right"

Any or all keys on a tilting table open G#.

 

[kevgermany]

I read right key as G#. I.E looking at the left table with C# at the bottom.

 

[jbtsax]

On newer saxes, C# opens with G#, which helps in some keys/pasages. But accurate fingers help more

Do you mean pressing the G# key also opens the low C#? If so, that is a mechanism I've never come across.

 

[kevgermany]

On newer saxes, C# opens with G#, which helps in some keys/pasages. But accurate fingers help more

Do you mean pressing the G# key also opens the low C#? If so, that is a mechanism I've never come across.

Neither have I.

Sorry, typo - I meant G# opens low C#.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Wrong again lol

pressing C# opens G# as do all or any of the pinky keys.

 

[kevgermany]

Wrong again lol

pressing C# opens G# as do all or any of the pinky keys.

I'm getting confused in my old age. How could I do this? Must be dementia.

 

[jbtsax]

Lack of sleep perhaps? Don't worry, I do this all the time since I suffer from CRS (can't remember ****).

 

[Jeanette]

I'm getting confused in my old age. How could I do this? Must be dementia.

Pressure of work more like 🙂

Jx

 

[ProfJames]

 

[MandyH]

Wrong again lol

pressing C# opens G# as do all or any of the pinky keys.

Indeed! Which can be useful if you are alternating C# and G#