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PPT mouthpieces

PPT mouthpieces

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Message: <blockquote data-quote="jools" data-source="post: 614848" data-attributes="member: 10149"><p>I was having a dig on my book shelf and found something that might be useful for anyone else having this problem.</p><p></p><p>Erick Brand, a notable technician from Elkhart, Indiana, wrote the following observations...</p><p>---</p><p>A "fuzzy" upper G or G sharp is due, primarily to the acoustical requirement of the octave key position and the mechanical limitations of placing octave vents. For the best results, each note on the saxophone would require its own octave key hole. This, however would produce an octave key mechanism so complicated and so liable to get out of order that it is just not practical. The most practical octave key system is the automatic "two key" method. There have been some three hole systems that have been applied to some instruments but they are expensive and prone to malfunction. </p><p></p><p>You will see that the G and G sharp are right at the point where the upper key closes and the lower key opens. This means that the octave vent or hole is considerably off its 'proper' position for these notes. Because of this, everything must be in the proper adjustment to get good results when playing those notes.</p><p></p><p>(Therefore) Make sure that there is no accumulation of dirt in both octave tone holes and see that the key opens as far as possible over those holes - at least 1 to 2 times the diameter of the hole. Also, see that the pad is quite flat. A deep impression in the octave pad can also contribute to a "fuzzy" sound. You'll (also) often find corrosion in the octave holes which only a drill can remove."</p><p>---</p><p>(Abridged from "Band Instrument Repairing Manual" by Erick D. Brand. 4th Edition. 1946. )</p><p></p><p>-sounds like a job for a pro, if it's really bad. </p><p></p><p>__________</p><p>Just a small bit of news... </p><p>I was in B&Q at the weekend (other multiple hardware retailers are availble) and discovered that they sell sticky back cork. They market it as "ornament anti-slip feet" but as an emergency repair item they look great for a sax. I bought a couple as they come in 16mm discs and a bigger one (25mm?) - the thickness is about 1mm, which would be great if you just needed a stopgap, to cure 'clicking' palm keys etc.</p></blockquote><p></p>

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