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Forum » Sax Repair » can you raise a flat C#?


by Saxdragon
(22 posts)
18 years ago

can you raise a flat C#?

My early 60's Buescher Aristocrat plays pretty nice, but the C# - middle and high - plays flat. Is there a way to fix that mechanically? I could lip it with the right mouthpiece, but I'd rather have a permanent fix. Thank you

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  2. by Dave Dix
    (421 posts)
    18 years ago

    Re: can you raise a flat C#?

    Raise the Bb bis key Dave

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    1. by Saxdragon
      (22 posts)
      18 years ago

      Re: can you raise a flat C#?

      Do you mean bend it? You're referring to the small pearl under the B natural button, right, for alternate A#?

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      1. by johnsonfromwisconsin
        (767 posts)
        18 years ago

        Re: can you raise a flat C#?

        I wouldn't do that. The problem is that key also regulates the tuning of B, the height of the C key/button, and adjusting it would also require reworking the aux b-flat mechanism on top of the lower stack. That particular area has a number of mechanical interdependencies.

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        1. by definition
          (963 posts)
          18 years ago

          Re: can you raise a flat C#?

          lip it up; problem solved

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        2. by johnsonfromwisconsin
          (767 posts)
          18 years ago

          Re: can you raise a flat C#?

          adjusting with embouchure is about all I can really think of. The problem is that the tuning of all woodwinds is created by compromise, else you would have to have eleven different octave vents on a two-octave instrument and probably more tone holes.

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        3. by Tbone
          (120 posts)
          18 years ago

          Re: can you raise a flat C#?

          The new LaSax SG models have a speaker key to help with C2 & C#2. It's an added small tonehole to increase venting. I haven't personally tried it yet but probably will if the proper situation arises. There were pics of it on SG's site at one time. (not sure if they're still there)

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      2. by DarkMan
        (4 posts)
        18 years ago

        Re: can you raise a flat C#?

        The selmer series III horns have a vented C# that works great, but I don't know any way to mechanically alter a horn so that the C# isn't flat. There are, however, a few altered fingerings you can try. For middle C#, use the octave key, the third finger of the left hand (the "g" key) and the G# pinky key. You can also try the side c key. Flat C#'s and Sharp D's are just another fun little joy of playing saxophone.

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        1. by saxmachine777
          (57 posts)
          17 years ago

          Re: can you raise a flat C#?

          Man, I hope I haven't just skimmed over the post that has already said this, but I've been fixing flat C#s for years the same way: open up that side alternate C key. Hitting that right hand palm C (I'm not intending to insult anyone, but for anyone who might be reading this who doesn't know, the B to C trill key) should raise that pitch right up to where you want it to be or even a bit high to the point of lipping down. And as we all know, lipping down is a lot easier than lipping up.

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          1. by saxmachine777
            (57 posts)
            17 years ago

            Re: can you raise a flat C#?

            Sorry, just saw the bit above about side C. It was a small blip in a sea of ther info for fixing it. Well, I guess I just got a bit zealous and repeated sound information and advice; not the biggest mistake I've ever made :-)

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            1. by Conclave
              (45 posts)
              17 years ago

              Re: can you raise a flat C#?

              i agree with darkman. the octave and third finger of the left hand is usually your best best. also try leaving you right fingers down on the f,e and d keys with his advice. both work great.

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            2. by trahansax
              (16 posts)
              17 years ago

              Re: can you raise a flat C#?

              side c key is best for raiseing c#

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