My saxophone won't play lower C and D?

Question

I picked up my saxophone last night to have a blast on it - as I usually do - only to find that the lower C and D (plus C sharp and Eb) are not working. I always clean my saxophone inside and out and put it away nicely. Then I had an idea, and touched the radiator. It was cold. I was wondering since the saxophone was left in that room without the radiator on and it has been a bit cold, I just thought that keeping the saxophone in a cold room may not be a good idea. If not this, what could be the reason my saxophone is not playing C and D?

Answer 1

I really don't think that the instrument having been cold would create that type of problem, although anything is possible.

First, I would check inside your sax. Sometimes a cleaning cloth, a mouthpiece cap or other object can accidentally get inside the body or the bell and create a playing problem.

Next check the outside. Look for any springs that might be out of place. The needle springs sometimes pop off their hooks. When this happens the pads won't close over the holes. Check especially the keys and pads that are controlled by the little fingers.

Finally check all the keypads that cover the holes. Sometimes they can be out of position or leaking.

In general, if the first note that won't play is your low D then the problem is probably with the keys just above that area or with the key and pad that makes the D note.

If all else fails, take it to the repair shop!!

Good luck and happy playing!

Answer 2

Check the corks in the valves. They may be wearing and you've got a leak there or someplace else. Check around.

Answer 3

actually, yeah your probably right. When are tuba's cant play certain notes, our band director says its cause it was colder than usual ...

Answer 4

sounds like you've got a low sax drive