Saxophone Maintenance Guide

Saxophone Maintenance Guide

• To prevent the reed from being damaged after playing, carefully remove it from the mouthpiece, replace the ligature and store the reed in the reed guard provided until your next play.
• Use the swab enclosed in your outfit to clean any moisture from the mouthpiece.
• The top section joint (crook) must also be swabbed out to remove any moisture.
• It is important to remove all moisture, from the different sections. This will prevent the keywork from tarnishing and prevent the pads from swelling.
• Always pass the swab through the instrument from top to bottom.
• Periodically replace the cleaning swab.
• Keywork allows for the opening and closing of the tone holes. Regularly check that the pads are air tight and the springs that operate the mechanism have not become loose. Any retail music store will assist. It is essential the mechanism functions correctly to ensure the saxophone plays properly.
• USA reeds are provided with your outfit. Reeds need to be treated with care. Reeds which become worn need replacing regularly to maintain a good musical sound. Reeds are available from all good music stores. It is prudent to always have at least 2 or 3 reeds safely stored in your saxophone case.

• Sudden changes in temperature can affect the tone and fundamental pitch of your instrument.
• Playing the instrument at room temperature is advisable for the best tone and pitch of the instrument.

• Before playing the instrument, always apply grease to the cork joints.
• An approved soft impregnated polishing cloth is useful to keep the keywork free of dust and grease. Under no circumstances, use oil, solvents or anti-corrosive products to clean your instrument.