How to check and adjust key venting on your saxophone!

In this video, we get to hang out with my good friend Mark Hamblin. He brings us his YTS 62 tenor saxophone with some concerns about his key venting.
I show you how to check and adjust key venting on your saxophone. This is something you should probably let your technician take care of but if you’re comfortable with it, you could try it yourself.
Thanks for watching, and please subscribe!
Scott Reed 
0:00 intro
0:29 what is key venting
6:37 how to check
7:41 how to make adjustments
15:04 final playtest
17:02 outro

[@mactech44]

I put clear packing tape on the back of several strips on sandpaper and keep them on my bench. This eliminates scratching without having to put tape on the instrument or removing the key. I enjoy your videos.

[@Scottsmusiccave]

Smart idea! I'll try that and thanks for watching! Scott

[@keithcampbell6806]

Good video on most saxophones the side C is more accurately in tune than the front C . This is what l have found on most saxophones l have worked on. Keep them coming bro.

[@Scottsmusiccave]

Thanks, Keith!

[@banserr]

Great video. I also have the issue with my middle C sounding stuffy vs side C. I have a P Mauriat System 76 Alto. I’ll try your adjustment.

[@Scottsmusiccave]

I hope this helps. I just did a review on the tenor version if you want to check that out on my channel. Nice sax!

[@SuperJemser]

Bane of my life is that G# key on my KIng Super 20, circa 43 make. eventually I figured out a way to keep it open when not in use, by using soft cloth under a bottom key the keep that G# open, and remove when playing

[@Scottsmusiccave]

That’s super frustrating. Maybe this video will help. If not it you try replacing the pad or Adding spring tension to the G# key and lever. How to fix sticking pads on your saxophone! kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2Lam4WnaLCfm5I

[@frankversteeg8107]

Hi Scott, my midlle D is indeed stuffy, especially when used with the octave key, i do notice that , when i lift the C sharp key a little, it opens up more. this includes both my tenors, Keilwerth Toneking from 1973, and the Toneking Special from 1977

[@Scottsmusiccave]

Hi Frank, More that likely the low C venting is the culprit. If you're comfortable with this you can take a razor blade and trim some felt or turn the adjustment screw on the guard. Sometimes just turning the screw is enough, but sometimes the felt needs to be trimmed or both. Those are great saxophones, I have an alto stencil that I really like and I played a tenor for awhile. Let me know it that helps and thanks for watching! Scott

[@frankversteeg8107]

@@Scottsmusiccave I will look into this, curious if this indeed will solve the ''problem'' i'll let you know, just to make sure, i turn this screw counterclockwise, so this C key will have a little higher keyhight..?

[@Scottsmusiccave]

@@frankversteeg8107 That is correct.

[@frankversteeg8107]

@@Scottsmusiccave Hi Scott, i opened the low C key, i gave it a full 360 degrees and a quarter. there is a noticeable difference, also what I noticed, that how you voice makes a big difference, since i am still a student, for little more than three years now, I still have so much to learn. Which mpc you use in combination with which ligature is also what determines the sound. I will do some more experimenting, to confirm myself i'm on the right path with this. Mpc used was HR*JodyJazz #6* , and a OttoLink STM NY #5, lig. on the HR* a Optimum Vandoren and a Bambu Nova, for STM NY the stock lig. and Bambu Nova(Bb Klarinet) the Bambu makes it a bit warmer and darker

[@Scottsmusiccave]

@@frankversteeg8107 Thanks for the feedback. Those are nice setups you have. It all takes time and it sounds like you're making good progress.

[@user-xn9ep2vy9z]

Peace, it’s 21:28 PST (9:28pm). Like for you to look at my Tenor. Where are you located?

[@Scottsmusiccave]

I’m in the Kansas City area.

[@badlourising]

Mouthpiece choice is number 1 issue. Then work horn over when your sound is right.

[@Scottsmusiccave]

The horn has to be right as far as adjustments but you also have to have a mouthpiece that works for you. Of course the person blowing is the most important part.

[@dansherbon2482]

I thought your explanation about venting was very good. I'm having trouble with a very stuffy D whether 4th line or below the staff. You mentioned the problem in your discussion but never really addressed it. It makes my tenor really not very enjoyable to play.

[@Scottsmusiccave]

Sorry for the late reply! Thanks for the nice words. I should probably make a follow up video on that specifically. You can either trim the felt with the razor blade or on most modern saxophones. You can actually unscrew the Field holder and raise the key. I hope that helps and stay tuned for a short video on that subject.

[@badlourising]

Inferior horn won't ever play well

[@Scottsmusiccave]

Thanks for watching!