Second octave notes "motor-boating" on low volumes

[-TH]

My Yani 991 alto plays fine expect it has started to do that "motor-boating"-effect (where the actual tone rapidly alters between the tone one octave lower). This happens especially on second octave G. When playing softer, quieter, this happens. I tried to press all the closed keys with my other hand while playing the G to find out if there's a leak somewhere but nothing has helped so far.

So, what keys should I check for leaks more closely?

Thanks!
-TH

[Nordbo]

Check if the body octave pip is free of obstructions. Clean out if necessary.

Regards Bo

[milandro]

When playing softer this happens often times because your breath support also decreases and the note breaks into its several harmonics (on the plus side you are playing your first multiphonics!).
That G2 is also a critical note, because there there is the break with the body/neck octave, anyway try making a conscious effect to tense your belly muscles and keep the volume low and you should see an improvement.

[-TH]

Thanks,

This effect does not happen on my vintage Martin alto. On the Yani alto when I play louder I can still hear to lower octave note coming through (not so loud but it's still clearly audible).

[milandro]

it has also to do with different mouthpieces which have different air speed but it is tricky to play at lower volumes whilst maintaining pressure

[abadcliche]

Also check that the neck is sealing properly- though you need the correct tool to do so. My vote is get it checked up by a repairman.

[milandro]

well, about the neck, you could be turning it too much left or right and the top octave could be just, because of this, ever so slightly pushed open (or be slow to close) try to put it more in the middle when you have this phenomenon, it could be what’s happening

[buddy lee]

I've read that a way to check for neck seal is to spread a thin layer of cork grease on the neck tenon and then put the neck in the horn. If it helps the problem, your neck is probably leaking where it connects to the horn.

[-TH]

Thanks all!

I'll try to check the octave pip later today and check the neck / sax -connection. If that doesn't help I'll be forced to visit a tech

-TH

[milandro]

never a bad idea, most of the times there is no charge even for small things and if there is anything more serious you have to go to see your tech anyway

[Tony5175]

That happened to me for a while. If you use faster, more focused air it seems to go away. If you blow slow air it comes back. Although as Milandro said, it makes a good multiphonic.

[Agent27]

I've noticed this happen (usually on 'A') sometimes due to my reed not sufficiently balanced. If I tilt my head to the side and close off one side of the reed, it goes away. If I balance out the reed, the problem goes away.

[frnkfrkl]

My Noblet tenor was doing that until I changed the neck cork. It was getting pretty sloppy, I had checked for leaks just about everywhere and the cork job did the trick.