My Tenor sounds strangled

Mister Levity · Aug 21, 2011

Just tried to have a blow on my Trevor James Horn 2 and I can only get a few strangled notes out of it when I try to play G,A,B,C C# anything else just doesn't work at all.
It was working perfectly yesterday,I've checked that there are no pads sticking and everthing that should move seems to be working ok. Apart from the strangled notes I can hear what sounds like air escaping but I can't find any leaks.....help!!!!
Any ideas out there????

Andrew Sanders · Aug 21, 2011

Have you got something stuffed inside?

Justin Chune · Aug 21, 2011

Perhaps a spring has come off its hook. Check the springs, check that the octave pips are operating normally and check the G# pad. Finger D and operate the G# key. The G# cup should not move.

Jim.

Mister Levity · Aug 22, 2011

Thanks for the replies,definately nothing stuffed inside,will check Justins suggestions this morning,cheers

jonf · Aug 22, 2011

Andrew Sanders said:
Have you got something stuffed inside?

That made me smile - reminded me of the time my daughter was looking for her lion toy. Yes, you've guessed it. Found it before I actually tried to play the sax, though..

Nick Wyver · Aug 22, 2011

I've done a whole gig with a sax strap stuffed down the bell. Yeah, I did wonder why it sounded a bit dull.

Going back to the OP - it sounds like a mechanical problem.

dave mainland · Aug 22, 2011

Check the octave key maybe - thats where the change is from lwr to upper octave key. Sometimes if there is a leak on the octave key that can be the cause. Leak lights are good too............

Aubrianna Merry · Aug 22, 2011

I played half a gig with a water bottle stuck in the bell of my bari, couldn't figure out why I couldn't get my normal "fat" sound...

Finger an F#, there are two cups, other than the F# key that should go down. If they don't, it's a very easy fix, show it to any repairsman and they can have it back to you very soon.

GOOD LUCK!!! 😀

Mister Levity · Aug 22, 2011

Thanks for all the responses,I asked my tutor to have a look and he found the problem in 5 minutes,it turned out to be the octave key had gone off centre.Must have happened when I was putting the sax in its case.
Normal service has been resumed.

bariandyf · Aug 24, 2011

years ago my band used to go busking, I turned up one day and they'd already started playing, so I put together my clarinet and joined in, but noticed the bottom notes sounded a bit off, and the rest of the band kept eyeing me, when the number finished I noticed I forgotten to fit the bell.

Justin Chune · Aug 24, 2011

bariandyf said:
years ago my band used to go busking, I turned up one day and they'd already started playing, so I put together my clarinet and joined in, but noticed the bottom notes sounded a bit off, and the rest of the band kept eyeing me, when the number finished I noticed I forgotten to fit the bell.

I seem to remember that gives the clarinet a nice snake charmer sound.

Jim.