Modern keywork

[Bobby G]

During the development of the saxophone, was there a 'quantum leap' in the design and ergonomics of the keywork?

I often hear that very old, say 1920's, hirns have unusual key layouts compared to the modern style, so if we go back from the present day how far do we have to go to the point where what would be recognisable as modern was first introduced? Or was it just a gradual evolution to what we now have?

Cheers, Bob

 

[Jules]

the only light I ca n shed on this is that a repairer pal of mine told me that the design of saxes 'stabilized' in the late 1950s/early 60s (round about the time of the Selmer Mark 6) with the addition of the high f#. before that there's all kinds of variation all over the horn. I've always assumed he was right....

 

[Linky Lee]

my 1925 Martin has loads of extra features I've never seen on modern horns. All to do with keeping the intonation true.

I've taken photographs and sometime soon will get them up on the thread. I find it quite interesting though I'm sure my family are bored with the incessant 'wow! Isn't that a clever little system to keep the lower notes from going flat' etc. etc.

The Martin is the oldest saxophone I've ever came across and it is basically the same as a modern horn in layout, though modern horns are more consistent have have better placed keys with better regulation and generally nicer actions when set up well.

 

[Bobby G]

If I remember right, the mid-20's Martin I had a blow on was different around the l.h. pinky keys. Whereas on a modern horn these interlink so that, for instance, any of the 4 keys will give you a G# when played with a standard G, on the Martin they were more independent of each other.

Cheers, Bob

 

[tris]

I was playing an original Adolf Sax Alto last week.... it dates from the last month of production before he was bought out by Selmer. Never mind the Selmer sound... it is really the Adolf Sax sound. The LH table was TINY!!

If anyone wants a go on this and know Johnny Roadhouse music in Manchester it is on sale there.. ?1700

 

[rs2sensen]

Wow tris, sounds like an interesting horn. It's quite amazing when I hear stories like that, as it reminds me how "young" the saxophone really is.

As for the subject of the thread...I find vintage horns to be a bit more clunky, certainly a generally less-refined feel. At the same time, there is something about them that just can't be touched. I love vintage horns. At the same time, there is something to be said for my year old Selmer Paris alto too, but...that's another story.

Over time, a lot of weird keys have been added and removed from the saxophone. Some didn't work well, some worked great (front F key, for example). A lot of them were just gimicks. I would say the biggest difference being that modern horns tend to feel a little bit smoother, the keys themselves a bit more streamlined.

 

[Bobby G]

I had a quick examination of 'The Martin' tenor at the jam last night, the l.h. pinky keys were arranged in a much more elongated layout than my Yani, and were also noticeably heavier to operate, but I feel it's the sort of thing I could get used to if I had to. You get used to things being a bit of an effort if you play bass, y'know 😉

On the plus side, and it was a big plus, the Martin sounded wonderful.

Cheers, Bob.

 

[mfox]

i know jonny roadhouse very well..he used to be one of my grandfathers hornplayers. i used to be in a band with one of his wives many moons ago.hes dept for me a few times too.. great player is jonny.. loads of great stories too..i remember a great version of teddy bears picnic he did on bass sax...

 

[tris]

M, who is your Grandfather?

Jonny is a great guy. I do not know him personally but I have talked to him on many occasions (Some of my very 1st instruments were from that shop!) Was he not supposed to be writing a book about the Manchester scene?

 

[mfox]

my grandfather was Alf Kay. he ran a dance band under different names in the 30s 40s and early 50s..mainly under the name "Alf Kay and his Band( they came up with good names in them days) he had jonny roadhouse as an altoist stright from school i think.. they played all over the place the locarno dance hall ,Streatham Hill. in london .. but it was in manchester they played mostly.. he partly owned the Ritz Ballroom..and another place down near all saints but it was destroyed during the war.. dunno how