i have an alto saxophone that won't play any thing below an f# won't come out. How do i fix this problem?

Question

i don't won't to go to a musician shop. The last time I asked it would cost $75 and the problem has gotten worse. I really won't to play my saxophone again!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Did you try cleaning it out? Make sure to get underneath the keys. If you don't want to take it to the music shop, have your band teacher take a look at it.

Also, some music shops have a warranty on your instrument after they "fix it" the first time. Call over to where you got it "fixed" the first time and ask about it.

Answer 2

Damn it...I used to play and I had an indentical problem. I barely remember, but here's what I know:

Check your octave key valve. When you press your 3rd finger top hand key, the octave key 'switches' (Try it next time. Hold your octave key and trill with that finger). This key may not be closing all the way. If it's not, that's the problem, and you'll probably want to go to a music shop to fix it. (Altough, you can try it yourself. Only you can tell what the problem is being caused by and determine how to fix it. Or a qualified instrument technician(?))

Also, check for any key in general that isn't closing all the way. Finger an E and make sure everything is closing. If anything seems stuck, give it a look.

Also, if these don't work, try the simple stuff: Clean the mouthpiece, switch the reed, etc.

-B.

Answer 3

The only difference is octave of the instrument, the same notes played on the baritone saxophone sounding the same as the alto but being in a lower register. Both the alto and baritone saxophone are E-flat instruments. They can play the same music. The notes/fingerings on the alto and baritone saxophone are exactly the same. Actually, if you can play one saxophone, you can play all of them because their fingerings/notes are the same. The only thing is that soprano and tenor saxophones are B-flat instruments, so even though they would read notes the same way as a baritone or alto sax, the sound would be different because the instruments are in different keys. I'm sorry my answer is so long...you can play alto sax. And since you've been playing the baritone saxophone, breathing into the alto will be easy because it is a much smaller instrument.

Answer 4

You have to understand, a sax is a complex instrument and fixing one bad key usually involves taking the whole thing apart. You're paying the tech for knowledge and time, and a good tech is worth $75. Take your horn to a few shops and get estimates.

Answer 5

check if any keys aren't closing all the way and if that's the case try to bend them so they do