Low C#

[Pegwill]

Hi Guys

I'm trying to play a low c# on alto. I'm using the fingering for C with the addition of LS2, but it does not seem to work. When I remove my finger from pressing LS2 the note stays the same (C).

I have examined the sax and I can see that by deprssing LS2 it ativates one pad only. Just above LS2 is LS1 a oval shaped key. When I press this it activates the same pad. In effect both LS1 and LS2 appear to control one pad is this correct? There is no variation in sound, am I missing something here.

Many thanks for your help.

Regards

Bill

 

[Nick Cook]

I'm going to be no help whatsoever, 'cos my sax and fingering chart is at home. But one of my scales for grade 4 has that low C# in it, so I have been practising it and it does sound different from the low C.

If you haven't heard anything constructive by this evening, I'll post again after trying it!!!

PS. I have a Tenor, but the fingering should be the same!

 

[Nick Wyver]

Your bottom C# key is stuck shut. It's the one just near the bottom of the bow. Just give it a flick to open it, should be ok then. The one you can see opening is the G# key half way up the body of the sax. That also gets stuck from time to time. Any of the left hand little finger keys will open the G# key (if it's a modern sax).

 

[thomsax]

LS2 = Cluster keys (G#, C#, B, Bb)?

 

[Pegwill]

Thanks Nick

You were exactly right, Ill have to keep an eye on it from now on.

Regards

Bill

 

[kevgermany]

G# shouldn't open when you finger low C or low C#, but it will if the right hand keys aren't pressed at the same time.

The normally closed keys can all stick, lots of threads about it. Try pulling a bank note through between the pad and tone hole a few times. US dollar bills are reputedly best.