Martin Committee II Alto Palm keys sound flat

[Martin Magna Commitee Sax]

I'm quite familiar with "The Martin" series (tenor) but I'm still getting used to the previous Committee II model (alto). I've noticed that two parts of the horn is in tune with itself, the palm keys (which are all just as flat) and the rest of the horn (which is in tune). I always end up choosing between the lesser of two evils and tune my horn so the bottom half is a little sharp and the palm keys are a little flat. I've also noticed that when you push down on the Committee II's octave key it pushes an extra key down (the one you use for the altissimo range), is this why the palm keys are flat? Keep in mind that I'm still getting used to palying the alto sax, is it just because I'm too much aquainted with my tenor? Thanks.

[Dave dix]

Try setting that key so its part or about halfway open as its a compensator key.The more open it is the sharper the top end is. This was fitted to the pro end horns and not on stencils.
If you just push the octave key the palms should play a bit sharper and when you get the correct balance cork it to the best position opening with the octave fully depressed
Dave

[Martin Magna Commitee Sax]

Thanks fo the tip, the compensator key has a little screw for adjustment but its purpose is defeated because the octave key pushes too far down, maybe I need to a bigger cork under the key...

[Razzy]

If it's really JUST the palm keys you could simply open them all up a bit more by reducing the cork/felt backing behind them. Gotta be really careful though as opening D will affect everything above it, for example. It's different on every horn. On my VI the palm keys are in tune when barely open. On the Yamaha I used to play, quite the opposite.

[bruce bailey]

FWIW - Martin started using that compensator key around 1928. The above adjustment is exactly right.

[Martin Magna Commitee Sax]

Thanks for all the tips, I wouldn't dare shave off the cork myself so one day I'll have to bring it into the repair shop. But on the other hand it's slightly amusing in its current state, every time I reach a bit of music that requires high D and up I quickly push the mouthpiece in, and when the music goes below high D I bite on the mouthpiece and pull it out. Its actually really challenging, you should try it.