How To Clean Your Saxophone - Amro Music

The saxophone is one of the most intricate and delicately adjusted woodwind instruments. Many keys are interrelated - meaning that opening or closing one key also moves others. It's very important that the saxophone remain in proper adjustment in order to respond well in every range on each note.

But did you know that bumps and drops aren't the only things that can make your saxophone not play well? Sugars, dirt particles, and other contaminants can cause the saxophone to stop responding or keys to stick. Over time, dirt can even work its way into hinge posts and screws, causing the metal to wear down.

Your best defense against a dirty instrument is a good offense. Let's take a look at what comes in the saxophone care kit and how to use each part to keep your saxophone in tip-top shape.

Mouthpiece

It's a good idea to wash your mouthpiece once a week using warm (not hot!), soapy water. Use the mouthpiece brush to clean the inside facing and corners, removing any build-up.

Each time you finish playing, make sure you remove the reed and store it in a proper reed case. This will prevent bacteria from growing as quickly on the mouthpiece, and help your reeds last longer (saving you money!).

Saxophone Body

When you finish playing, use the swab that came with your care kit, pulling it through the body several times to remove moisture. It's important to keep the inside of the instrument as dry as possible when stored in the case. Not only does this prevent mildew in the saxophone, but it keeps the leather pads from deteriorating.

If you notice fingerprints on the body of the saxophone, wipe them down with the polish cloth that came in your care kit. Pay special attention to the keys and rods where your hands make contact. Some players' perspiration and natural finger oils are very acidic and can quickly wear down the metal plating on the keys if they are not kept clean.

Sticky Keys

A great way to prevent sticky keys is to brush your teeth before playing. But, with time, everyone will encounter a sticking key eventually. Take a sheet of pad paper and place it between the pad and the tone hole. Gently holding the key down, pull the paper out, removing any sugars and buid-up. You may need to do this more than once to get all the fouling substance.

When to Call the Repair Shop

If your saxophone seems to be very dirty, keys are sticking frequently, or notes aren't responding consistently and immediately when you try to play, your sax might need a professional cleaning; possibly even a re-pad job. Once your instrument is checked out by the shop and returned to proper working condition, these simple steps above should help your sax last and stay in good shape for good length of time.

Good luck!