Beginner YAS275 intonation problem

[Tommy Ng]

Hi all

My YAS275 has an intonation problem and wonder if anyone here can help. It is sharp on middle D & E, quite obvious. The low D is a bit flat.

I wonder should i adjust the MPC so that the middle D&E are in tune?? In which case the low notes will be affected.

I usually adjust the MPC so that the low A is in tune.

 

[singlereed]

Sounds like you need to adjust the mouthpiece position and/or your technique. These horns play well in tune. When you tune, play a few notes warm the horn up first and blow your tuning note nice and clear and then look at the tuner. If you play while looking at the tuner, you will be adjusting your embouchure and maybe give a false impression of tuning. The A is only using a small amount of the saxophone tube - the less you use (i.e. fewer fingers) the easier it is to blow in or out of tune. Maybe tune against a low D as well. if you have an iPhone, try the free Trace Tuner app - its great for showing what is really going on!

 

[Tommy Ng]

Hi singlereed,

Thank you for the advise.

🙂

 

[kevgermany]

Is this the sax that had the mouldy pads? Did you get them replaced? If the key heights aren't set right they can not only muffle the sound, but also affect intonation.

 

[SaxyMalcolm]

Hi all

My YAS275 has an intonation problem and wonder if anyone here can help. It is sharp on middle D & E, quite obvious. The low D is a bit flat.

I wonder should i adjust the MPC so that the middle D&E are in tune?? In which case the low notes will be affected.






I usually adjust the MPC so that the low A is in tune.

Have you practiced harmonics or overtones before? if not then have a look at the link. If you practise harmonics you will train your aural cavity to be in the correct shape for the pitch you are playing. Aim to be able to play the exercises comfortably with a relaxed embouchure not using the octave key. Your tuning will be much improved and your ability to adjust it whilst playing will be much easier.

Malcolm

 

[singlereed]

Tune it in the low register and then avoid biting in the upper register, which is what you are probably doing if it is sharp up there.

 

[Tommy Ng]

HI all

Thank you for all the advice.

Yes, this is the sax with moulded pads 🙂 All the moulds are clear now and i had it serviced few months ago.

The intonation problem is that i need to change the cavity shape a lot to play between middle F and middle E/D.

I think this is a common problem? Someone here did mention about the same problem, even with professional saxes like Selmer-II.

tom

 

[Nick Wyver]

Practically all saxes have a sharp middle D. You just have to learn to play it in tune.

 

[rhysonsax]

And some mouthpieces, even good ones, don't suit certain saxophones or certain players.

What mouthpiece are you using ?

Rhys

 

[Two Voices]

I agree with Rhys about how mouthpieces can change everything. On my YAS 275 which I use for lessons I had a 4c Mouthpiece / Royal 3 Reed on it and could keep it within 5 cent Top to Bottom. Yesterday I had new new A901 delivered with a Yani #6 Mouthpiece which I put on the YAS 275 and my intonation was all over the place had to drop to a lower reed strength (2) to help get it in tune. After a bit of practice it is getting there and I'm on a 2.5 now.

My Otto Link STM 7* is even wilder but I'm starting to taming that now (with 15 cent for the moment). Might take a few weeks to get that playing better though!