Saxophone low notes not working? Here's how to fix them!

[@mjrstardust]

I thought it was just me or my air support, but that one pad was actually missing! Thanks a bunch!

[@BjarneB88]

I used to spend loads of money to get my sax tuned up every year as my low keys would just suddenly give up! And I had no idea what is wrong and why!! Every time that happens I would think my sax is broken! Can't believe my sax technician would rob me blind just for 1/4 turn!!! I also attempted to adjust the bell on my own. My sax is not professional Yamaha or some another super expensive one. So I had nothing to loose.... couldn't make it worse as it was... and if I don't manage I would pay a lot by paying a visit to sax technician anyway! And success!! I managed to fix my sax completely by myself!! Truly amazing feeling that is! Feeling empowered =))) Thank you Steve!!! You are an absolute Star!! Bless your heart Steve!!!! From now on my sax technician will be missing me a lot! That's damn sure :DDDD

[@jesusvargas2842]

My low notes sound as if I’m playing them with the octave when I’m not

[@cookes2893]

Fucan_jesus 507 you know those notes at the very top of your sax make sure they are all on the wholes

[@jorrfreysert2530]

Same

[@JS-ns8dr]

Me too. It just started after I didn’t get to play for 2 weeks.

[@justinnguyen2573]

@@cookes2893 can you also help me i dont know what you mean by wholes

[@aleciasaxophonist1186]

Same

[@peterloveday9245]

Thank you Nigel. After months struggling with low notes, thinking it was my technique, this video and a quarter turn of a screw later, I can play them no problem!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

That's great to hear Pete, glad the video helped you.

[@vaughanbenson2609]

also with alto saxes make sure your mouthpiece is far enough on the crook ! if not bubbling on low notes can occur ! :)

[@andrecampbell7365]

vaughan benson this. Thank you. Now how do you make sure your instrument is in tune without pulling out the mouthpiece??

[@aidenlol2828]

Thank you sooo much!!!!

[@aidenlol2828]

I fixed it!

[@fenderlead1]

Thanks!!

[@eddiebrown7678]

I play Alto but purchased a cheap Tenor from a reputable UK company as I wanted to play both. I was having real trouble with anything below G. Wasn't sure if it was me or the sax. Been trying harder reeds, changing emboucher etc with much frustration. I Was about to give up totally when I came across this video. Slight adjustment of said screw and the problem has been solved. Thanks guys, much appreciated. Life changing video :-).

[@autoanorak]

So simple and yet 100% effective at fixing the problem. Thank you guys

[@jackdolphy8965]

This is a vitally crucial adjustment, and your demonstration and explanation gets to all of the basics and the subtleties. Spot on gentlemen, Thank You!!!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

You’re welcome Jack, thanks for watching.

[@ivanjjemba8450]

I’m still new to the sax but you just saved me a lot of headache with those low notes. Thank you so much 🥳

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

You are so welcome!

[@gabrielfiorotto1435]

Thank you! I knew something was off on exactly that place but didn't knew what to do! Just picked up the sax last week and the low notes gave me such a headache (literally) now thanks to you I quick fixed it and learned even more, thanks so much!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Great to hear that Gabriel. I’m glad this video helped you.

[@BjarneB88]

I can't believe someone would dislike this gold worth video!! I can bet one of them is my sax technician just figured out why I didn't pop in by now =]]]]]

[@nfladamgrim]

As a Music educator who has very little sax repair experience, THANK YOU

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

You’re welcome.

[@kadrianthomas3102]

Thank you so so so so so so much for this video teach Nigel. I know it wasn't my reed nor my embouchure because I play long tones every day for at least 10 minutes. The moment I got my screw drivers and followed the exact instructions given in this video my Low C#, low B and Bb Boom!!!!! Was fixed. Thanks a million.

[@serbantirla5298]

I love man. I've been struggling to blow low b for 3 months and in 3 minutes I solved the problem.you are the best

[@foschuckmusic]

Just watched the video and turned that screw and the sound from my sax low notes finally came back! Thanks a lot! Cheers from Brazil

[@joshua_prince]

I just fixed my Sax using this video, thanks Nigel!!

[@petegalindez9961]

You are a genius! I just bought a gorgeous silver Mark VI…it has two issues…low notes below C and a stuffy sounding front C in the middle register only….I brought it to my tech who had it for 2 weeks…I was told he re-aligned the bell and made a few adjustments, but nothing changed! I was so pissed! So, while searching for how to fix the stuffy front C I found this and tried it…worked like a champ! BOOM! Low note issues solved! Now I still need to figure out he stuffy front C fingering…it’s in tune, just stuffy…very weird…same thing happens with Bb fingered with the B and F keys…

[@JRNL75]

Thanks guys! Priceless stuff! After all it was the screw screwing up the sound all the way. Two painful years and now it's as easy as any other key! 🙏

[@darwood6861]

You guys just fixed my soprano saxophone. About 1/4 turn clockwise on that screw that you demonstrated. Thank you

[@jonathandavis5228]

I was in panic mode , this helped me a lot , Screwed it just a little bit and it changed everything. , love you guys a lot !!!!!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Awesome! Glad it helped you Jonathan!

[@jonpileggi2621]

Thanks for the video, I’m an old man beginning to play. I bought an old tenor sax, and the low C is so hard to get, gonna take it in.

[@mercugandhi5984]

Thanks Nigel, I will have my class exam next week, and suddenly my low notes were disappeared... I was in panic but then I found this video. I fix mine in no time..... I've never thought loosed screw for low notes is a common problem... This video really helps

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Brilliant. I'm so glad this helped you Mercu!

[@nikkiearich6952]

Nobody: Lawnmowers: My low C

[@joskinboy]

Amazing tip! This just worked an absolute dream. Can we have a series of these tricks of the repair trade please?

[@julianoverall6575]

Thanks very much - I've now fixed my soprano!

[@jasonhumphries]

wow, how great is this, i am glad i have watched these clips, would love to become a repairer my self.

[@AUGUSTALLEN28]

I cannot begin to tell you how thankful I am of this video. Ive been trying to play this thing for years and for the life of me could not play low bd cleanly,if at all.I contemplated giving this up for good. because I coudn't utilize all of the instrument by not being able to play certain notes. So what would be the point in continuing? i tried everything,sometimes twice. I noticed that I had the same wobbly G# issue and made the screw driver adjustments from the video,. After the first few turns,nothing changed.Then I turned it more and noticed that the G# no longer moved.That's when I heard a sound from my instrument that I thought I would never hear. tears were filling my eyes. I could not believe what just happened. Not only will I subscribe,but if you need a organ donor let me know.LOL. This is life changing.

[@chrisdo4147]

Just picking my tenor up after over 20 years of nothing and couldn’t understand why low notes were not playing -e was warbling! This may just help! Thanks so much, I’d hate to return it to a repair shop again. Last time I sent it in, it ended up in storage, and I want to play!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Hope you get it sorted Chris!

[@Erik-jk8zx]

I had heard of most of those solutions over the years, but never considered the possibility of a bell misalignment. I've been handling my alto by the bell for three years now, unaware that this could lead to misalignment, and I am just beginning to have low-note problems. I hate to think that I have caused the damage myself. Thank you so much for this nice video.

[@jonathanmaher6663]

Really hard video to follow. Needs close up shots of the pads/bars he is talking about.

[@jessu9175]

Thank you so much for the tutorial. I was able to ID that my issue was the cork on the pad cup. I own an antique Buesher Big B, and there's always something that needs fixing.

[@saxfish]

< Next Day : I´m back to tell you guys how haPPy you´ve made my life with this adjustemt knowledge, Bloody Low Bb is my friend again! I live in Nicaragua with no qualified techs, or Sax paraphernalia, so I have to fix things myself. More of this knowledge is most appreciated. My respects !! haPPyLiFe ! >

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Brilliant! Glad it helped Mike.

[@palletcolorato]

I'm in the same boat.

[@mrjp1819]

I just had this problem ... And tried to adjust ... But I can see that I have probably screwed too much ... Super instructive. Johnny from Denmark.

[@palletcolorato]

Thx for posting this video! I've been playing for two years, and always thought the problem with low notes was my embouchure. I kept trying and trying, but no luck. Then I saw this video. Problem SOLVED! Just a small strip of electricians tape.

[@ikeeichenberg9068]

You're an absolute life saver, this video couldn't have come at a better time

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Brilliant! Glad it helped you.

[@stevecrowable]

Champion Urbosa Great thanks

[@ikeeichenberg9068]

McGill Music Sax School Well in theory it sounded like it was gonna solve all my problems, but in practice not really. But I think my low Bb's are operator error and not the sax so I just need more practice, this is still a good thing to know

[@divad435]

OMG such a long time playing with difficult lower notes, I thought it was just my bad form. NOPE this fixed the issue, stoked, thank you for this video.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Brilliant to hear that. Glad it helped you.

[@bryanballot5684]

Wow! ¼ turn of a screw and now all my low notes come out! Thanks a bazillion!

[@REBart58]

I had a problem with the B and Bb notes on my tenor. Your video helped me to solve this with a slight turn of the G# cup screw. Thanks for the quality information, first class stuff.

[@DuGOization]

Awesome helpful! Thank you so much! I can play low notes now:):)) I looked with the ligh in the bell, but never think about the G sharp...so i belived, i have to practise low notes more and more...but now i am low note guru:) Thanks again!

[@Theodoresha]

Thank you so much 😭 You've no idea how great I feel having got my G note back by having a go myself

[@palletcolorato]

Finally got my "new" used tenor sax tuned as best I can. Picked it up for only $100! Needs new pads. Now I know what you mean to lower your jaw and open your throat up to hit the low notes. Wow! My alto feels light in comparison.

[@rufus-h4h]

This is very interesting and can help you get through a gig.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

I hope so!

[@manuelsosa6483]

Thank you both! This is a problem that happens to me every so often and drives me crazy. Now I know how to tackle it. Thanks again. A McGill Sax School student.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

You’re welcome Manuel!

[@pengidev4553]

Thank you soo much, I've been having this problem for years and I finally got it fixed!

[@423chriscampbell]

Returned to sax the other day bought a cheap alto and tenor (I fell for a matching pair) both had the keys out of adjustment. Now I can hit the full scale down with relative confidence, I recommend a GOOD screwdriver be in any sax case (pocket).

[@adriennedeleon451]

Although the video angles aren't the best, after rewatching a few times and tinkering around,I am actually able to play a low B and B flat after YEARS. I could have looked this up years ago, don't know why I didn't. Thank you!!!

[@GarethRidout]

I have this problem on my vintage Buescher alto (no screws). My repairman has done what he can short of complete re-pad but still no joy. Yes pushing the mpc in helped (until I got home). He amazed me with one odd demonstration: dropping the mpc cover inside the bell of the sax cured it. No luck with tape.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Sounds like it might be ready for a full overhaul Gareth - that will sort out the venting (key heights) and bring the tuning inline.

[@keithcampbell6806]

Good morning and Merry Christmas to all in the saxophone world. I usually have a small screwdriver some contact cement and a piece of cork in my saxophone case. Fortunately l have a mechanical background so l know the real value of adjustment screws and material. I have read that many players have said they wouldn't buy a saxophone without the high F sharp key .l agree with them but l would add l wouldn't ever buy a saxophone in the future without adjustment screws on the right and left hand stacks either. Keep up your good work.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Good point.

[@MigDonalds4235]

Oh my god, thank you, this video helps me out a lot because My sax sounds very "airy" and is very difficult to play around the F natural key and I always wondered how to adjust and make it sound better, thanks so much for this video.

[@isaaconi56]

Omg thank you so much I'm full of joy right now euphoria like my B and Bb have been an issue since I got my sax today I decided to rematch this video cause I was finally feed up and viola they now sounding I'm so glad funny I've watched this video a lot of times but today I got a crew and I'm all good you're the best. And doing that seemed to have made my other notes sound better and easier my altissimo notes inclusive

[@NightVideoApp]

Hey guys, I had this very problem. I thought it was me or maybe that the sax was too bad. I had given up. With half a turn in the screw, problem solved! Now I can't help playing the low notes like crazy. :-). Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Awesome! I’m so glad it helped you sort the problem.

[@beproudwitheric5238]

Wow just tried this and it worked! thank you so much!

[@Dally_Sparkles]

thankyou so much brand new tenor yts62iii out of the box needed a quarter turn now it actually plays awesomely

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Brilliant! Glad it helped you.

Thanks so much for sharing this. I am experiencing exactly the issue you are talking about. I will give a shot to Steve's troubleshooting technique.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

I hope it helps you Benoit.

It sure did. It is fixed ! As I bought my Yamaha online it needed a 1/4 of a turn on that G sharp screw.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Brilliant!

[@tkurosaka]

Thank you for the repair tips! I had an issue with low notes (after fixing an octave key problem!) with my old saxophone that I bought decades ago used. Unfortunately this sax doesn't have any screw on the regulation bar but the electrician tape method worked!

[@RonPorteous]

OMG! I am learing some new songs that use a ton of the notes below C and I was struggling. I thought that I just sucked. A tiny adjustment on the G# screw and I can hit those notes again. If you were here I'd hug you!

[@rasmustin]

Thank you, very useful. Recently my low C# malfunctioned. It turned out that a pad got sticky when wet. I was given the advice to put a piece of tea filter under the pad, when I put the saxophone away. It solved the problem.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cool, glad you got it sorted. Tea filter is a good idea.

[@thomasbailey742]

The first tip worked! Thank you :)

[@UnknownNinja_]

You absolute legend. Also turned out by Bis key was also not being held down then pushing the F key

[@Mitch617a]

Thank you guys

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

You’re welcome!

[@jeromeking6001]

This was such a great video! I actually used this to temporarily fix my sax!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Awesome!

[@TonyAguirreJazz]

This was perfect! Thanks, I just repadded my Selmer and had this problem

[@realkursed]

Thank you!! Totally fixed my issue!

[@susukar]

You are great ... thnx so much for so valuable FREE tips.. God Bless

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers!

[@therealkrazyeyz]

For me mine was to far screwed in so thank you so much I couldn’t even get a sound out of the instrument before I saw this video😇

[@bigcee6114]

Thank you for the fix! My cork fell off yesterday.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

No probs.Glad it helped you and you’re back up and running with your sax!

[@artlex_]

Fino este video mano!!! excelente, gracias por la info y por el invitado!!!

[@jerryfarmer5989]

I have an Old Bundy like the Elckart. The G# key bar on mine does not have that screw like my Bundy II has. I found a tiny bit of felt made a big difference.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cool!

[@Jarrettfan]

Big help! Exactly my problem! Thank you!

[@h01l226]

Fab! So relieved it was so easy to fix - thank you!

[@Baraccccccccus]

Excellent video. Thank you a lot

[@peterl.5299]

Thanks, this just solved my problem

[@atishayjain4183]

Thank You. It worked!!!!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Awesome!

[@readytext]

Ha! Saved me a premature trip to the repair guy with my tenor. Weird - seems this can happen while the horn s in the case - no drops or trips, this screw just went less than a quarter turn out seemingly spontaneously and I thought I must've been practicing overblowing too much since I couldn't't do anything but blow overtones under low C!

[@Desertduleler_88]

That adjustment made the transition to lower Bb to lower C# slightly better, I need a little finger extension I think.....

[@deanworsley5208]

Awesome Nigel (and Steve), this is excellent information. I’m definitely interested in as much as you can produce on maintenance, spares kits and the like. Would you think a video on proper storage and transport of your sax/saxes would be worthwhile? Thanks heaps, keep it up 👍🏼

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Dean! Yes, that’s a good suggestion. I’ll have a chat with Steve about that.

[@stevecrowable]

Cheers dean

[@SamChaneyProductions]

This video would be amazing if the top-down view weren't filmed with a potato

[@brotimwelt]

i knoe dight

[@dazzab4244]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@stevecrowable]

Thank you

[@DimasAnggaFM]

Really great video! Kindly wait for more maintenance and emergency-repair tricks! :)

[@benjaminthurston8284]

Hi again. Yeah I thought it was to do with the sax, so I ordered a new one to try, just in case, and guess what?...the undertones happened on the new one aswell, so it must be to do with me. If i use a harder reed it helps a bit, but the problem is still there...really strange. Great video by the way, very informative! Ben

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

That's interesting Ben. Might be a good idea to experiment with how much mouthpiece you are using. Hope you get it sorted.

[@stevecrowable]

Hi Benjamin Is this problem with just a few note? If so which ones. Cheers steve

[@vangildermichael1767]

cheerio on your diagnosis ideas. Now I know, before I even go and check. That maybe, just maybe, my embouchure is better than, the not even near what I want it to be. If my sax is dysfunctional. Then after correction, I might have the strongest embouchure know to mankind. Probably not, but it is technically possible.

[@ryanbaldonade7257]

It really helps! Thanks

[@ruby_gleyzes]

Fanstastic video. Thanks.

[@dsans6507]

Wow, how ironic. I just sent my Tenor to the Shop for this exact reason. In between practice's, my wife knocked my horn over and put a nice size dent a few inches from the opening of the bell. Yep, knocked it totally out of alignment. Needless to say, it was going to cost quite a bit of money. Therefore, the company I bought it from was able to give me a decent trade in for an upgrade and new horn...so back to breaking in again. Lesson learned, ALWAYS case your horn and use KEY CLAMPS! Even though I had the key clamps on, it still caused quite a bit of damage. Happy Horning!!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Oh no! Glad you got an upgrade out of it though!

[@saxfish]

< Love the "F" and G# trick. Most GrateFull !¡ >

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Mike, glad it was helpful.

[@JSWilliamssr]

Great information!

[@terryscotcher842]

In the video you mention some people pick up their sax by the bell, I was always taught that was the correct way. Maybe that's not so good - so what is the right way to pick up a sax (I've got a tenor).

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Good question Terry, I always pick up my sax by the body, but without putting pressure on (or squashing) any of the keywork. I guess I’m always conscious that the bell is only clamped onto the body, so it can move under pressure. You’re on a safe bet holding around the main tube, but just avoid the palm keys.

[@Hi-sx7ty]

by the neck

[@sola1814]

UnFazEd lol picks it up by the neck. Saxophone proceeds to smash on the floor. Actually that’s not funny 😭. My poor saxophone.

[@chefasap2747]

Best way to play low notes is just to buy a bari sax

[@gustavobertoni1381]

true

[@Cookie-fe7mn]

Kinda not really lol, if you're buying a Bari just for low notes it's not worth the money And also it's kinda harder to play low notes on a bari

[@thegreenstache04]

Mines 30 years old, and my low B isn't working, so that's why I'm here -_-

[@ELIZADA-]

@@Cookie-fe7mn sometimes not all the time though

[@48laws45]

LMFAO indeed

[@TheTardisDreamer]

I wanted to get back into playing the second hand Armstrong alto sax I had in highschool. Went to a brass shop to get some reeds. Asked if they did services, because I don't know when the saxophone was last serviced. Repairmen took one look at my saxophone and declared it "not worth fixing" because it would be so expensive and I could get a refurbished betrer saxophone for not much more. The key pads were all completely busted. Perhaps explaining why I struggled with playing it. I always just thought I was doing a bad job. 😂

[@AndrePomales]

Seriously dude, thanks!!!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

No problem Andre. Hope it was helpful.

[@PathodDayshade]

I literally turned the cork 1mm and every note comes out clear. I was thinking my embouchure was the problem for like 2 months

[@KadrianThomas]

Hello sir McGill I'm from Jamaica, I am currently in china and I seem to be having a problem with my Low D Key, it does'nt not come out clean when I play it. Please suggest a tip for repairing that. Thanks for the tips already offered here.

[@saxophonerman1239]

Kadrian Thomas make sure there's no leaks at all

[@Gkitchens1]

I bought a Chinese sax a couple days ago, used. The guy gave me a great deal on it after chatting. He told me thd bottom rrgister notes don't play well unless you press down harder. Hecthiught it needed new pads but the pictures look like the thing has never been played. Obviously oictires can be deceiving but, in any case he got a good clear picture i was able to zoom in on after seeing this video and it really looks like the cork is gone off that screw! You might have solved the problem with it before its even arrived! I now know how to check if thsrs the issue before I even attempt to play it!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Great to hear the video helped Gregory. Good luck with the new sax.

[@Arda66135]

in alto sax, if we press which keys together with the octave key, the octave crook key does not go up?

[@Hulkamazing]

My high and low F NATURAL D AND E are not working, as well as low c and low B, B flat, every other key is fine high and low all the Altissimo notes are fine as well.

[@michaelwendell7771]

What about the C sharp key adjuster ?

[@saxgrrrl]

D'oh, first thing to check: is something stuffed in the bell - like the cleaning pull through?

[@allaboutanythings]

Hi Nigel, I am just curious to ask, is it possible to convert or fit alto saxophone mouth piece to soprano saxophone? thank you for your reply in advance.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Hi, don’t think so -at least I have never tried to do this.

[@WojciechKalka]

Thank you

[@QBSLAYER27YT]

Whenever I try to play anything lower than a g on the alto it sounds like I'm holding the octave key when I'm not