What is included in the Protec A351 package?

The package contains a set of three individual palm key risers designed to fit the standard palm keys of a saxophone. These are typically used for the high D, Eb, and F keys.

Who are these risers specifically designed for?

They are designed for musicians with a short reach, particularly younger students or those with smaller hands. They help these players perform comfortably without straining their hand position.

Can these be used on a baritone saxophone?

Yes, they are compatible with most standard saxophones, including baritone models like the Yamaha YBS480. They are particularly useful on larger instruments where the reach to palm keys can be more substantial.

How do the risers improve performance?

By making the palm keys more ergonomic, they allow the musician to maintain a better hand shape. This reduces the movement required to trigger high notes, leading to smoother technical passages.

Are these risers a permanent modification?

No, the Protec A351 risers are designed to slide onto the existing keys. They can be removed or adjusted as needed without permanently altering the instrument's original hardware.

What is the typical price for the Protec A351 set?

The typical price range for this accessory set is approximately £5.00. This makes it a very affordable ergonomic upgrade for any saxophone player.

Do these risers affect the sound of the saxophone?

No, they do not change the tone or pitch of the instrument. Their function is strictly ergonomic, changing only how the keys feel to the player's touch.

Will they fit soprano saxophone palm keys?

The A351 risers are designed to be universal for most standard saxophone keys, including those on soprano saxophones. However, the fit may vary slightly depending on the specific dimensions of the mouthpiece and keywork used, such as on a Yamaha 5C setup.

Are there different sizes available in one pack?

The set includes three risers to cover the standard set of palm keys. They are generally uniform in size to provide a consistent increase in height across the high-register key cluster.

Do I need tools to install the Protec palm key risers?

No tools are required for installation. They are designed to be pressed onto the keys manually, held in place by the friction and the flexible nature of the material.

Can these be used with professional mouthpieces like the JodyJazz Super Jet?

Yes, the risers are independent of the mouthpiece. They can be used regardless of whether you are using a JodyJazz Super Jet, a Yamaha 5C, or any other mouthpiece model.

How do these compare to custom cork risers?

While professional technicians can build custom cork risers, the Protec A351 offers a much more affordable and reversible solution. They provide immediate results for around £5 without the need for workshop labour.

Gear article

Protec A351 Saxophone Palm Key Risers

The Protec A351 Saxophone Palm Key Risers are ergonomic accessories designed to enhance the playability of the saxophone for musicians with smaller hands or shorter reaches. Sold as a set of three, these risers attach directly to the palm keys to improve hand positioning and reduce physical strain during performance.

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Overview

The Protec A351 Palm Key Risers serve as a functional modification for woodwind players seeking to optimise their instrument's ergonomics. The saxophone's palm keys (typically D, Eb, and F) can occasionally be situated at an angle or distance that is difficult for players with smaller hands to reach comfortably without shifting their entire hand position. These risers mitigate this issue by increasing the height and profile of the keys.

Design and Functionality

Constructed to fit snugly over standard saxophone palm keys, the A351 set includes three individual risers. By raising the contact point of the key, the accessory allows for a more natural curvature of the hand, which is particularly beneficial for younger students or musicians transitioning to larger instruments like the tenor or baritone saxophone. The installation process is non-permanent, allowing for adjustments as the player's technique or hand size develops.

Ergonomic Benefits

The primary objective of the A351 is to provide comfortable playability. Improved ergonomics can lead to better technical execution, as the player does not need to 'stretch' for notes in the upper register. This helps in maintaining a stable embouchure and consistent hand posture, which are critical for advanced performance. While not a musical instrument themselves, they are considered essential utility items for personalising the feel of a saxophone.

Related Accessories

The Protec A351 is often used alongside other performance-enhancing accessories. Players frequently pair these ergonomic aids with high-quality reeds, such as D'Addario Organic Select Jazz or Vandoren Java series, and professional-grade ligatures like the Rovner Dark or Vandoren Cuir Leather series. While the risers address physical comfort, these other components focus on the tonal response of the instrument.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Protec A351 package?: The package contains a set of three individual palm key risers designed to fit the standard palm keys of a saxophone. These are typically used for the high D, Eb, and F keys.
Who are these risers specifically designed for?: They are designed for musicians with a short reach, particularly younger students or those with smaller hands. They help these players perform comfortably without straining their hand position.
Can these be used on a baritone saxophone?: Yes, they are compatible with most standard saxophones, including baritone models like the Yamaha YBS480. They are particularly useful on larger instruments where the reach to palm keys can be more substantial.
How do the risers improve performance?: By making the palm keys more ergonomic, they allow the musician to maintain a better hand shape. This reduces the movement required to trigger high notes, leading to smoother technical passages.
Are these risers a permanent modification?: No, the Protec A351 risers are designed to slide onto the existing keys. They can be removed or adjusted as needed without permanently altering the instrument's original hardware.
What is the typical price for the Protec A351 set?: The typical price range for this accessory set is approximately £5.00. This makes it a very affordable ergonomic upgrade for any saxophone player.
Do these risers affect the sound of the saxophone?: No, they do not change the tone or pitch of the instrument. Their function is strictly ergonomic, changing only how the keys feel to the player's touch.
Will they fit soprano saxophone palm keys?: The A351 risers are designed to be universal for most standard saxophone keys, including those on soprano saxophones. However, the fit may vary slightly depending on the specific dimensions of the mouthpiece and keywork used, such as on a Yamaha 5C setup.
Are there different sizes available in one pack?: The set includes three risers to cover the standard set of palm keys. They are generally uniform in size to provide a consistent increase in height across the high-register key cluster.
Do I need tools to install the Protec palm key risers?: No tools are required for installation. They are designed to be pressed onto the keys manually, held in place by the friction and the flexible nature of the material.
Can these be used with professional mouthpieces like the JodyJazz Super Jet?: Yes, the risers are independent of the mouthpiece. They can be used regardless of whether you are using a JodyJazz Super Jet, a Yamaha 5C, or any other mouthpiece model.
How do these compare to custom cork risers?: While professional technicians can build custom cork risers, the Protec A351 offers a much more affordable and reversible solution. They provide immediate results for around £5 without the need for workshop labour.