Intonation Low note intonation

[MaximeSamuell]

I need your help. First of all, sorry for my English, it's not my main language. I've been playing the saxophone for over 20 years. I also studied music.

I recently changed alto sax and I notice that the notes in the low register from F to B are all flat. I can correct the intonation by adding the C# sometimes the Eb, but it's not always functional and it's annoying me, cause I cant fix it with voicing its too flat. Is there any way to adjust this?

Thank you so much!

 

[SaxBoss]

What model is your recent aquasition? How old is it? When last did it have a full inspection by a Technician?

Thinking of a small leak up the top?

 

[Pete Thomas]

A saxophone embouchure makes it easier to drop the pitch by relaxing than to raise the pitch by tightening. So (unless this issue is caused by the instrument and its setup) the solution is to push the mouthpiece on a bit and relax your embouchure as necessary.

Softer reeds may help with this.

Think of the keywork as giving an approximate note, unlike a piano or anthem keyboard that (supposedly) sounds all notes in tune automatically.

 

[Pete Effamy]

…and to add to that - the lower notes are less “tunable” (when playing ) than notes at the top of the stave and above.

 

[thomsax]

Have your sax checked by a tech.

Inntonation problem is often blammed on the sax, mouthpice and reed. It can be the equipment ..... often it's the player who have intonation problem. Right now I'm suffering from lack of intonation. I've been playing on the same sax, mouthpice and reeds for the last 15 years. After a longer break I have to do more "egality-exercises", trying to find the right tone (tonträff). For me it's also as Pete Thomas writes; softer reeds and smaller tip opening is also helping up the intonation. Right now I play a #9 mouthpice with # 3 reed. My goal is to play a #4 reed on a #10 mpc. I have to see how it works out? It's three years ago I played my old set-up, and I'm not getting younger.

 

[Pete Effamy]

I'm not getting younger.

+me

 

[Ghr9204]

I recently changed alto sax and I notice that the notes in the low register from F to B are all flat. I can correct the intonation by adding the C# sometimes the Eb, but it's not always functional and it's annoying me, cause I cant fix it with voicing its too flat.

I would immediately say that your 2nd sax needs technician help. Sounds like possibly open pad heights are off, not opening enough, something going on with the keywork, etc.

This can be caused by a number of things, like thicker pads were installed without open pad heights adjusted. A cork or several cork bumpers on the keywork prevent pads from fully opening, need thinning / adjusting. Weak spring(s) not fully opening a pad or slipped off its mount point, etc.

I'd have it professionally looked at by a competent repair technician.

Good luck!

 

[thomsax]

This can be caused by a number of things, like thicker pads were installed without open pad heights adjusted. A cork or several cork bumpers on the keywork prevent pads from fully opening, need thinning / adjusting. Weak spring(s) not fully opening a pad or slipped off its mount point, etc.

"To get a clean tone" ("tonträff", I can't find a english word for this) the pad must must hit the tone hole clean as well. If thicker pads are used the more you have to bend up the keys. I've seen lots of Martins with too thick pads.

 

[Ghr9204]

"To get a clean tone" ("tonträff", I can't find a english word for this) the pad must must hit the tone hole clean as well. If thicker pads are used the more you have to bend up the keys. I've seen lots of Martins with too thick pads.

You are talking about how the manufacturer aligned the pad cup so the proper thickness pad will be properly aligned flush with the tone hole when pad contacts it when properly broken in.

A thicker pad messes this up due to the way the cup is angled through hinge. The pad surface plane has been changed, no longer seats flat.

Rather than trying to force the situation, best solution is to start off with the right pads.

Thus, the usual phrase, "Don't force it, get a bigger hammer" just doesn't do it on key and pad work.

I have resorted to spending a little more and pick up sax specific pad sets. Saved me a lot of trouble in the long run.

This also runs true on clarinet pad work, BTDT.

 

[turf3]

Pad heights could be too low, or it could just be that you need to push in and play with a lower input pitch.