G# articulated key??

[spaddy]

Hi all,

I just picked up an excellent GM I tenor with nickel plated keys. I was totally blown how easily this horn plays. I had recently owned a Ref 54 tenor that I was fighthing on the lower notes and always seemed stuffy. The SML reminds me of a Keilwerth SX 90 that I once owned. Anyhow, what is this G# thingy that I have read about and what does it do?

[singlereed]

I think it is a mechanism that allows you to cancel out the opeartion of the G# by the B, Bb and C# keys. Why you would want to do that is beyond me. I had a Couesnon alto with a similar gizmo and have seen a pic of something like it on a SML.

[JfW]

I think it is a mechanism that allows you to cancel out the opeartion of the G# by the B, Bb and C# keys. Why you would want to do that is beyond me. I had a Couesnon alto with a similar gizmo and have seen a pic of something like it on a SML.

I honestly wonder why the B, Bb, and C# operate the G# in the first place on every saxophone I ever remember playing. I've never made the mistake of hitting any one of those when trying for the G#.

edit: thinking about it, it may not be to simply offer a forgiving fingering mechanism for momumentaly sloppy technique, but because you're going to probably inadvertently tap the G# anyway when attempting any of the other notes on the table.

[JMac]

JfW - the mechanism was created to allow for smoother passages when doing runs or arpeggios that included any of the low notes (C#, B, Bb) along with the G#. It allows the performer to keep his finger in place as opposed to lifting, repositioning, and pushing down a new key. It eliminates the timing issue of pushing down the G# key at the right moment, as it is already engaged.

singlereed- The articulation requires additional pressure when engaging the low C#, B & Bb keys by adding one more spring into the fray (the G#).

Some players who don't perform those kinds of runs, or use the 'alternate' fingerings allowed by the mechanism, feel they get a better action on the low C#, B & Bb keys when the articulation is disengaged.

I can't wait until my Rev. D alto is overhauled so I can see for myself if there is a noticeable difference. That'll happen before the Couesnon tenor gets done, I'm sure :wink:

[SteveS]

Hey JMac!

I didn't know you had an SML... Where did you get it?

I just won an eBay auction the other night for a 1953 Rev D alto. Should arrive next week. I have played JohnO's SML at a couple SOTW gatherings, including the last one, and always really liked it. That's why I knew I wanted to buy one. Not sure yet if I'll like this one better than my Mark VI, BUT, at the very least, I should have an outstanding backup alto! (Yes, I know that last remark was heresy :o )

Actually SHOULD say that it'll be interesting to see WHICH becomes the "gamer" and which is the backup!

[JMac]

Congrats Steve!

I played John's too this past time - and hope mine comes out as sweet! I won mine on e-bay as well. Wasn't in as good a shape as advertised - surprise surprise. Seller said it had a couple of dents and forgot to mention the slightly bent body tube.

I had it at Steve F's for about 4 months when the Conn bari was in for some work, but his health did not allow him to get to it, so I brought it back home when I picked up the Tranny. I'm trying to find the time to take it to Eric Beach to have it re-worked. I did (am) toy(ing) with the idea of having Sarge (worldwide sax) do one of those complete re-builds with the silver plating - and have Jason DuMars re-engrave it. It has 21 of the 22 features - the only one missing is the bell rim engraving. I also have a parts horn that was crunched while being shipped to a Japanese buyer - so if you need any bits or pieces - just give a shout.

Was the horn you won the 'found in the music store basement' alto? If so - you're lucky to have won it. I put in a bid with 6 seconds to go, but the sale had ended - must have been an unusual ISP delay! That horn was in really good shape and went for a great price. I think both gwindplayer and sax5thavenue were bidding on that one too!

Hey - maybe well have a 3 way SML dual at next years gathering?

BTW - are you going to be performing with any of the JBMC's on April 30th at 49West? I'm getting pretty psyched for my first performance in 23 years - not to mention the baby due any day now.... :D

[SteveS]

Hiya JMac!

That silver plating and re-engraving sounds exciting... Might wanna be sure it's a keeper first.

The one I bought was not the "found in the music store basement" horn. This one was sold by a fellow in NY who sells items for his friends on eBay as a hobby. Nice guy. He had it in the mail within about an hour of my PayPal entry being made.

Looks to be in good shape, and I got a 5-day guarantee. See if you can view eBay item 7312160853 -- That's it.

Sorry you got squeezed out of your auction. I stayed out of this one until about 40 seconds left -- then a made a strong bid. Still got trumped so I made one more as the last seconds ticked away. Helps to have a cable modem. :p

April 30th --- Unfortunatey I have a Big Band gig that night. Let me know if they record it -- If so, I'd like to hear it. Good luck! Should be a ton of fun.

Steve

p.s. Best wishes on the new baby too, of course! :)

[JMac]

Hey Steve-

Thanks for the good wishes - I'm sure I'll need it - scary stuff for an old guy like me :shock: .

That horn you got is a real beauty! I wish the seller had a little better focus on his camera....

My horn has probably 40% original lacquer - it looks just about like your VI did when you first got it!! I agree on finding out if it is a keeper before investing that much in it, but the only way to find out is to have it overhauled anyway. That is basically why I keep talking myself out of that scenerio. I'm actually glad I got squeezed out on the other auction- I should not have even been considering bidding on it anyway - one of those 'great-deals-you-can't-pass-up' horns that I need to pass up.

Have you had a chance to play the SML yet? How do you like it?? Hope it's good enough to use on you 4/30 gig!!

Take Care - Jeff

[Drumroll]

Do you still have any SML alto parts? Need G# articulation bar and screw for 1965 Gold Medal. Thanks

I played John's too this past time - and hope mine comes out as sweet! I won mine on e-bay as well. Wasn't in as good a shape as advertised - surprise surprise. Seller said it had a couple of dents and forgot to mention the slightly bent body tube.

I had it at Steve F's for about 4 months when the Conn bari was in for some work, but his health did not allow him to get to it, so I brought it back home when I picked up the Tranny. I'm trying to find the time to take it to Eric Beach to have it re-worked. I did (am) toy(ing) with the idea of having Sarge (worldwide sax) do one of those complete re-builds with the silver plating - and have Jason DuMars re-engrave it. It has 21 of the 22 features - the only one missing is the bell rim engraving. I also have a parts horn that was crunched while being shipped to a Japanese buyer - so if you need any bits or pieces - just give a shout.

Was the horn you won the 'found in the music store basement' alto? If so - you're lucky to have won it. I put in a bid with 6 seconds to go, but the sale had ended - must have been an unusual ISP delay! That horn was in really good shape and went for a great price. I think both gwindplayer and sax5thavenue were bidding on that one too!

Hey - maybe well have a 3 way SML dual at next years gathering?

BTW - are you going to be performing with any of the JBMC's on April 30th at 49West? I'm getting pretty psyched for my first performance in 23 years - not to mention the baby due any day now.... :D[/QUOTE]

[Drumroll]

Need G# articulation bar and screw for 1965 SML Gold Medal alto. Thanks John 731 607 3147 Cell

[Drumroll]

I think it is a mechanism that allows you to cancel out the opeartion of the G# by the B, Bb and C# keys. Why you would want to do that is beyond me. I had a Couesnon alto with a similar gizmo and have seen a pic of something like it on a SML.
The reason One would want to cancel out the G# articulation key is quite simple.If you don`t need the B,C# or B flat key to open the G# key at same time for certain passages,you don`t engage it.It make it a little easier to play C#,B and B flat.Doesn`t require as much finger pressure since the G# key is not opening.