Announcing the RULON Saxophone Key Riser for High F#
Today I am thrilled to announce the release of the RULON Saxophone Key Riser, inspired by a conversation I had with Dr. Robert Brooks, professor of saxophone at The Ohio State University. This ergonomic tool solves a long-standing challenge faced by sax players: the awkward and inefficient use of the High F# key.
This new, adjustable-height device adds 7–16mm to the High F# key, bringing it closer to your natural hand position. The result is a relaxed, efficient motion—removing the clunky ‘retract + press + replace’ action with a single swift finger flick. Now, it's like playing left hand palm keys, just drop a knuckle.
The standard High F# Key shown below feels like an afterthought add on with really bad ergonomics.
Raising up the High F# key to meet the natural arch of a players hand, makes that key as easy to play as the standard sax pearls.
Benefits of using the RULON High F# Key Riser on your saxophone include:
- Non-permanent mod that’s easy to install and remove
- Adds 7–16mm to the High F# key for improved reach and comfort
- Fits all alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones with a High F# key
- Gives fast, fluid access to saxophone altissimo
- Perfect for players with large hands, arthritis, or limited mobility
- Available in a plastic version, or premium made-to-order metal options
This idea bloomed from a conversation I had about saxophone ergonomics with Dr. Robert Brooks. As a veteran saxophonist and educator, Dr. Brooks spent decades mastering altissimo techniques using alternate fingerings on vintage horns without the High F# key. But when he began using a modern saxophone with the High F# key, he found the ergonomics limiting—especially due to his large hands.“I love the tone clarity that a High F# key provides,” said Dr. Brooks. “But it’s a sluggish reach that slows me down. I needed a better way, especially for my large hands. It was awesome that Rulon was willing to take on the design challenge.”
After months of testing prototypes on our personal saxes, this stacking system seems to do the trick. It instantly mounts to the sax to serve hands of all sizes. Rubber o-rings cross around the sax key arm to lock in the parts together.
“This RULON key riser has been a game changer for my students,” remarked Dr. Robert Brooks. “Especially older students with arthritis or age-related hand limitations. This has made all the difference for them being able to keep learning and playing high on their saxophones.”
Altissimo Fingering Chart Included
Dr. Brooks felt so inspired using the RULON Saxophone Key Riser, he created a custom set of altissimo fingerings specifically optimized for use with the High F# key. This exclusive fingering chart offers efficient, reliable options for getting into and through the altissimo range with greater ease and clarity.
“When the high F# key became easy for me to play, it expanded my thinking about altissimo,” noted Dr. Brooks. “Suddenly I was able to vent things a half step higher with fingerings that were much easier to play. I’m excited to keep expanding the chart as I and my students discover new possibilities.”
Informed by Dr. Brooks’ decades of performance experience and pedagogical insight, the chart is a powerful tool for saxophonists looking to expand their range and refine their technique. It is included free with every purchase of the RULON Saxophone Key Riser.
I hope you consider this ergonomic aid for yourself and your students. I'm excited to hear what more players thing as they try this new approach to sax ergonomics!
Sincerely,
- Rulon Brown