A Saxophone Players Guide to Success – The Short Version

I.       Inspection

            A.  Inspect for dents and have all repaired

            B.  Neck

                        1.  Inspect tightness of fitting (make sure collar screw is loose)

                        2.  Flush neck with warm water (cover octave key hole)

                        3.  Clean octave key hole with pipe cleaner

                        4.  Inspect neck cork

                                    a.  Torn, cracked, or severely compressed cork should be replaced

                                    b.  Dirty cork can be cleaned with denatured alcohol and a rag

                                    c.  Mouthpiece should be snug

            C.  Body

                        1.  Alignment

                        2.  Pad quality

                                    a.  Check for torn, frayed, discolored, or hard pads

                                    b.  Clean tone holes with pipe cleaner or Q-Tip

                                    c.  Leaks

                        3.  Fit should be snug with cork grease applied, never loose

            D.  Pad quality

                        1.  Check for torn, frayed, discolored, or hard pads

                        2.  Leaks

                                    a.  Individual pads may leak (use play test, eyes, light, or feeler gauges)

                                                I.  Adjust pad seating (reseat with heat)

                                                II.  Use of cork on some keys

                                    b.  Pads must close together (adjust screws or feet)

                                                I.  Adjust screws

                                                II.  Check cork on feet

            E.  Felts

                        1.  Replace all compressed, dirty, or torn felts and bumpers

            F.  Inspect all screws and springs

                        1.  Replace rusted springs

                        2.  Check for secure fit

            G.  Key Movement

                        1.  Do all keys move freely?

                        2.  Lazy keys could mean bent rod, lack of oil, or lack of spring tension

            H.  Rods

                        1.  Play in between keys and posts

                        2.  Rusted or dirty rods (clean and/or replace)

II.  Prevention

          A.  Keep saxophone clean (use soft, clean rag to polish daily)

                        1.  MOUTHPIECE!!

                                    a.  Clean with toothpaste and warm (not hot) water

                                    b.  Do not try to sterilize with mouthwashes, etc.

            B.  Keep saxophone well oiled

                        1.  Syringe or key oil dropper and Q-Tip

                        2.  Work chromatically to insure all keys are oiled

III.  Necessary Items

          A.  Quality mouthpiece and cap

            B.  Vandoren A25 or A27, Selmer C* or S-190

            C.  Quality ligature (Rovner or Harrison)

            D.  Key oil and Q-Tip/cork grease

            E.  Swab and/or LaVoz pad saver

            F.  Reedmate (provides flat surface and humidity control)

            G.  400 grit sandpaper (for flattening reeds)

            H.  Fine File

            I.  Quality reeds (many choices, but Vandoren and Brancher are good)

IV.  Reed Care

          A.  Soak new reeds for 30 minutes, 3times, before playing

                        1.  Store on cut side to dry between soakings

            B.  Using thumb, rub fibers down 40-50 times in same direction

            C.  Soak again

            D.  (optional) using knife or razor, scrape ridge down before playing

            E.  Do not overplay reeds for first few times

            F.  Have at least 2 reeds ready to play always

            G.  Some reeds will play off center better than straight

            H.  Light oil (aromatics) can help to condition reeds quicker