Yeah, but on a Yamaha you need to hit the Eb palm key and no octave, and that makes a middle D that's better in tune. IMO, that doesn't sound half as good as all 6 down with the octave. If you're learning jazz, get the Tone Edge, but get a 6*. If it's classical you're talking about, yeah, an S-80 works alright on alto.

Thanks Golferguy you said it before I could. Using palm keys are not a good idea except for difficult technical passages or perhaps some wierd trill situations. In those cases using just Eb palm without the octave key on most horns is better for intonation. The tone just doesn't sound good. I really wouldn't advise using this as a solution to this particular problem. Bibbage- While certain horns are trickier than others, I suspect your problem is actually about your tongue position, and focus of your vocal chords. I think you are over shooting the D and actually getting an upper partial of the overtone series. Ideally when playing an A and then slurring up to a middle D you shouldn't have to change much just let the octave key do the work. An exercise for this would be to play low G (1,2, and 3rd fingers of the left hand, no octave key) Really try to get a deep full sound. Once you have a good strong sound, slur from G to G# and back. Try to maintain the focus of the G just let your fingers make the change. Your tongue should feel lower in your mouth like saying Aah or O and your vocal chords should be in a lower position as if you were trying to sing a low note. Then slur from G to A and back. Again just focus on that G and let the horn do the work. As you could probably guess, from here you continue slurring G to Bb and back, then G to B and back, G to C and so on. You are building your ability to slur into bigger and bigger intervals. Because middle D involves a different resistence it is harder to get this note smoothly if your focus isn't just right. The other notes you can still get to speak even if everything isn't perfect. The D won't let you get away with inconsistancies in your embouchere or vocal chords. The interval isn't as far as you think. In other words think low when you're trying to play that D. Also, as was stated in another post if your fingers don't arrive at the same time this could also be the culprit. Hold the first note of this exercise until you are ready to move to the next not only in focus but also that all your fingers are ready. Take your time, this isn't a speed exercise. You are looking for the perfect feel when playing each note, the sweet spot. This is similar to brass warmup exercises, they are looking for the feel of the interval. Good Luck Kristy

Thank you for all the advice, very helpful. Bib

I know what ur talking about bib I've done it before and to prevent it, I simply dropped the jaw a litlle bit when going to middle D. This helped playing it easier and bringing it more in tune because my Yamaha middle D was ALWAYS really sharp.