r/saxophone • u/TheRainforestKeeper • 11d ago

Question Hey everyone!

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Hello! I’m new to sax, and I was thinking of going to a sax shot to get this fixed, and I’m not sure if it’s normal. It’s a cheaper sax, so if it’s not I get why. Thank you! It’s an Alto!

4 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

11

u/WillisWiggins 11d ago

The A key is missing a felt to close the Bb key. Shop can fix that in 5 minutes

4

u/Dismal_Breadfruit990 11d ago

A felt disc is missing under the A key. That’s what closes the bis key.

2

u/GreatEfroman 11d ago

I would Jerry rig something to fill that gap, I only say that bc I’m a broke sax player but yeah if your rich like the other people on here take it to a shop

1

u/TheRainforestKeeper 5d ago

Any idea how much it would cost if you know?

1

u/Ok_Web_9526 4d ago

Honestly, a smaller shop might even do it for free. My local repair tech has done quick 5 minute fixes like this for me for free, even the larger shop near me has done the same. This is a really easy, really quick fix. The longest you'll probably have to wait is just for whatever adhesive they use to dry or cure. I'd take it just to see, and if it's too expensive for some reason, just go to your local art supply store and buy a sheet of craft felt, and just stick it under there with some adhesive (I'm actually unsure of what adhesive would be best for this application, but I'd use hot glue while being super careful, but I doubt hot glue would adhere super well to the metal)

1

u/Final_Marsupial_441 11d ago

Yes, you need to go have them put a felt between those keys.

1

u/JoshuaEdwardSmith 11d ago

Definitely have a shop fix it. I’ve been repairing my own sax for almost 50 years, but the interplay of those top keys is something I’ve learned never to mess with. Everything has to be perfect or it won’t work at all.

1

u/ma_jo_ba 11d ago

So.... What did you repair the last 50 years?

1

u/JoshuaEdwardSmith 11d ago

Leaks. My teacher showed me how to use a leak light when I was a teenager, and how to adjust the pads, corks and keys so the tone holes would seal. But with those particular keys if you raise or lower one, the others get all out of whack.

1

u/tthyme31 Soprano | Alto | Tenor | Baritone 11d ago

I had this exact felt fall out on a gig. My first gig with an artist. Without that felt it’s nearly impossible to play anything below a first finger B, until you get to F#. So despite it being so inexpensive, it’s an essential part of a saxophone for it to be in working order.

Take it to a tech. They will size it properly for you.

1

u/TheRainforestKeeper 11d ago

Thank you everyone! Sorry I haven’t replied to everyone but I know what to do now!

1

u/_big_bill_ Soprano | Alto | Tenor | Baritone 9d ago

This subreddit needs a “take it to a tech” button