I thought it might be what you said about the octave key, but the repair guy and I proved that to not be the case. As much as I want it to be, a saxophone embouchure is not a “set it and forget it” thing. I was not changing the opening in my throat (as for low notes) when starting on that A. I was too tight, if that makes any sense. Still trying to figure all this out, but at least I feel one step closer now. Thanks. 🙂

When I really concentrate and pay attention (ahem) to what I’m doing, I can hit it right every time. You are right, though, it seemed to happen more upon tonguing than upon slurring. It’s an air supply, throat opening issue. If I think about it before I play it, I can hit it right every time. It was just in the middle of a song (kinda fast, tongued) that I was having the problem. The note before it was higher (B), and I think on my sax I have to open my throat more going down. Make sense? I just have to practice is repeatedly, as you mentioned. Thanks.