Author: jhoyla
Date: 2008-01-13 19:55
I don't have the Sawicki so I'm not sure which screw you are talking about. If Elizabeth is correct, and if the pad is not closing when you are not depressing either of the G# keys, you do indeed have a problem that easily explains the absence of your "D" note!
"screw #8" - if it is he - may solve the problem of the D notes. However it should be closing enough to grip the cigarette paper without this. You still have a problem.
The actual G# key on a conservatoire system is sprung open; The "return" spring is the spring on the little left-hand pinkie-finger key. Which cannot be removed (usually) without taking out the G# key itself.
There are several possibilities, nearly all of which involve removing the G# key. I do hope Sawicki explains this procedure well!
1. The pad (which I assume is white, and not cork) is no longer functional but all the keywork is okay - in this case, you need to remove the key, replace the pad, "float" it or sand it flush with the crown of the key.
2. The hinge is all gunged up with years of oil residue - remove the keys one by one (unhook the springs before removal), clean out the tubes with a pipe cleaner and a fine oil, clean the stainless-steel rod also, and then re-insert the keys one-by one engaging the spring hooks as you go. DON'T FORGET the LH Pinky key rod, tube and spring once you have removed the G# key!
3. The springs are unbalanced. Test this with a sliver of cigarette paper where the pinky-rocker and the G# key mechanism meet. You may be lucky - can you disengage the pinky-key spring without removing the key itself? if so, you may be able to tension it a tiny bit and then engage it to try again. Be careful not to break the spring - it's tiny!
Good luck,
J.
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