Saxophones Octave key

[nathan]

Hi new on hear,
Been learning tenor sax since august, i am having a problem playing the notes with the octave key, (notes do not change to higher octave when key is pressed) as far i can see the sax is in perfect working order no sticking keys, mechanics are working fine and tone holes are clear. that said it was quite a cheap sax. My embochure is obviously not perfect but I am able to play notes in the lower register and assume i should have no problem hitting the higher. I am using a 4c mouthpiece with 1/2-2 strength reed.

I do intend to get lessons, hopefully soon

Any advice much appreciated

Cheers

 

[MikeTerry_bari_icon]

Hi new on hear,
Been learning tenor sax since august, i am having a problem playing the notes with the octave key, (notes do not change to higher octave when key is pressed) as far i can see the sax is in perfect working order no sticking keys, mechanics are working fine and tone holes are clear. that said it was quite a cheap sax. My embochure is obviously not perfect but I am able to play notes in the lower register and assume i should have no problem hitting the higher. I am using a 4c mouthpiece with 1/2-2 strength reed.

I do intend to get lessons, hopefully soon

Any advice much appreciated

Cheers

Is it all high register notes, or only above G?

 

[jazzdoh]

Hi Nathan,welcome to the forum.

Just check that the 2 octave pips are working as they should,the one on the neck and the one on the upper body.
High A/G is the swap over for these octave pips.

 

[nathan]

Sorry should have been more clear, all of hi register, and yes both octave seem to be working
Cheers

 

[jbtsax]

Ignoring possible mechanical problems for the moment, here is how to test:

Play low A as a clear long tone using lots of air and while you are holding that note use your free hand to pop the neck octave key open for a moment and then let it close. The following results will tell you about your embouchure.

1. The note goes to a clear and in tune high A and then goes back down after a moment.
2. The note goes to a high A that is flat and flabby sounding.
3. The note goes to a high A and stays there even when the key is released.
4. The note does not go high, but makes a funny sound.

1. Your embouchure is correct.
2. Your embouchure is too loose.
3. Your embouchure is too tight.
4. Your embouchure is way too loose and you are not using enough air.

 

[nathan]

will have a go at this over weekend
Cheers

 

[MandyH]

Have you tried playing a 2 Octave scale DOWN from the top? Or are you trying to play UP from the bottom?

Just a thought that maybe your embouchure is rather tight and where you think you are playing the lower octave, you are in fact playing the upper octave, therefore when you use the octave key you hear no difference because you are already playing up the octave.