Sometimes when you go between some notes on saxophone, it’s not clean- you hear a note in between that don’t mean to play! It’s called ‘schmutz’ (dirtiness) by some people. I first heard that term from George Young who played in NY for a while.
The problem can be a sticky pad. You should only be drinking water when you play and it’s good to brush your teeth before hand. That can prevent the problem.
To fix the sticky pad, you can use a clean dollar bill since it has fiber in it. You put it under the pad, press the pad down with a little pressure and then slide it out. That’s a quick fix anyway. You may need to take it to a sax repair guy.
It’s also just difficult to play between certain notes cleanly. Between the D and B on the staff is one example. The little key near your middle finger on your left hand tends to stick.
The schmutz can be your fault too. Practicing going between these notes can help clean up your technique.
Another great post, Neal. You’re really doing a splendid job with this blogsite.
“Schmutz”? First I’ve heard that term used to describe it. It’s a keeper. 🙂
Typical of many saxophones, my G# pad is a notorious schmutzer. To a much less degree, so is my bis Bb.
I used to use pad powder on the G#, which worked great but tended to cake, and I finally stopped using it. The thing I miss most about it is the cloud-like puff that would emerge from the G# key when I blew into the horn after applying the powder. Now I just use the dollar bill trick (or whatever resilient paper I’ve got on hand).
I played a gig last year with my former repairman, now retired, and noticed that he stuck a small square of paper between his G# pad and his tone hole when he put his horn in the case. I tried it and it works great! A quarter of a standard Sticky-Note is ideal (without the sticky stuff, of course).
.-= Bob´s last blog ..Countdown to March =-.
Hey Bob,
Thank you.
Yep G# and the Bb bis key have been problems too. I think the bis key is the one that sticks sometimes between D and B.
The money trick seems to mostly work, maybe I’ll try out the sticky note sometime. Thanks