Saxophone Cleaning Instructions

Recommended Accessories: 
Cleaning/Care Kit  /  Ligature   /   Oils&Lubricants  
Pad Saver  /   Reeds   /   Reed Saver   /   Swab

ASSEMBLY

Apply a light film of cork grease around the neck cork.

Firmly grab the neck around the base and insert it into the saxophone body receiver. With a slight twisting motion, lower the neck. The octave key should be in an open position when installing the neck.

It is important to adjust the neck to the right position. Generally the neck should be turned until it is in line with the thumb rest. Each saxophone is different and minor movement right or left may be necessary. A correct position allows the octave key to remain closed when no keys are depressed.

Tighten the neck receiver.

Slip the mouthpiece over the cork joint. The mouthpiece should cover about 3/4 of the cork joint. Adjustment may be necessary for tuning.

Slip the ligature over the mouthpiece. Insert the reed between the ligature and the mouthpiece. Secure the reed by tightening the screws on the ligature.

CARE

Always remove the reed before taking the mouthpiece off of the neck. Carefully slide the reed into the Reedgard.

Loosen the neck receiver screw and firmly grab the neck at the base and with a slight twisting motion, lift upward to remove.

Drop the string of the sax neck cleaner into the bottom of the neck and pull the swab through. Drop the string of the sax swab into the top of the instrument. Allow the string to drop far enough into the instrument until it comes out of the bell. Pull the sax swab through the body to remove excess moisture. This procedure should be repeated as needed.

Polish the keys with the polishing cloth. Give extra attention to the areas where your hands hold and touch the body and key levers.

The small duster brush can be used to clean the dust and dirt under the key shafts. Be careful not to force the brush into any tight areas or damage the pads.

Always insert the end plug into the neck receiver before putting the instrument back into the case. The end plug protects the lower octave mechanism.

Wash the mouthpiece with a solution of liquid soap and cold water. Run the mouthpiece brush back and forth to remove any built up residue. Rinse with cold water (never use hot water).

THINGS TO AVOID

Never carry the saxophone by the neck.

Never insert or remove the sax neck by grabbing the end of the neck. Excess pressure on the end will damage the neck tubing.

Do not chew gum, eat or drink soft drinks just before or while you play your instrument. Food particles and sugar are difficult to dislodge and eventually will affect the playing qualities. If possible, rinse your mouth with water before playing.

Never force the mouthpiece onto the neck. Additional cork grease should be added weekly or as needed. If the mouthpiece fits too tight or too loose, the cork will need to be adjusted or replaced. See a qualified repairman.

Never leave your reed on the mouthpiece while storing it in your case. The Reedgard is designed to protect the reed and allows it to dry out properly.

If you stop for a break or end your playing session; put your instrument back into the case. Avoid laying the instrument down unprotected.

Unless your case has a proper compartment, it is not advisable to carry books, music, papers or other large objects in the case.

For Repair costs and estimates, please feel free to contact us.

Call:  1-800-872-2263
Fax:  1-605-225-2051
Email:  repair@taylormusic.com

We offer repair services on all Brasswind, Woodwind, Strings and Percussion Equipment.

Saxophones

Recommended Accessories: 
Cleaning/Care Kit  /  Ligature   /   Oils&Lubricants  
Pad Saver  /   Reeds   /   Reed Saver   /   Swab