A set of 3 solid wood side key risers that raise the side keys to meet your hand, available for Yamaha (which covers most other modern saxophones) and vintage Selmer Mark VI.
These install with a thin layer of epoxy over a lightly scuffed area on the key, so they're fixed to the horn rather than slipped over it. I recommend having your technician do the install; epoxy is sold separately if you want to do it yourself.
The cheap rubber risers most players try first are loose, slip off, and gum up the keys. These solve that at the root — solid wood, dense and smooth under the fingers, and once installed they don't move, keeping the side keys closer to your hand for a more efficient reach. They're also shaped to continue the contour of your own key, including the slight L-shaped slope on the high E key, so the riser reads as part of the key rather than something added on top.
When you upgrade your horn one day, a tech can release these with gentle heat and they transfer to the next one.
Finding Your Side Key Riser Height
Side key risers aren't one-size-fits-all. The right height depends on your saxophone, your key setup, and your hands. Here is how to measure your fit before you order.
What you'll need: a roll of painter's tape and a ruler.
Step 1, build your shim. Stack layers of painter's tape on top of one of your side keys. Play a few notes and adjust, adding layers if the key still feels too far and taking them away if it feels stiff or cramped, until your hand feels relaxed and the key responds naturally.
Step 2, measure the stack. Measure the height of your tape stack. That is your number. You only need to measure one key, since the risers come as a set.
Step 3, order. Match your measurement to the sizes below.
Small, adds around 6mm (1/4")
Medium, adds around 8mm (5/16")
Large, adds around 10mm (3/8")
The set installs at one even height, so if you're between sizes, write to me with your horn and I'll help you choose. It comes straight to me, and I answer everything myself.