Cleaning a saxophone is a relatively simple process, provided
that your saxophone is the standard, half-bell shape. Straight
saxophones, such as a common soprano saxophone type, require tools
not mentioned here. This article will assist you in understanding
the mechanics and basics of cleaning your saxophone to maintain a
clear, deep tone.
Steps
- Clean your mouthpiece. Remove the reed and
ligature, and use the mouthpiece brush to remove any foreign
material inside the mouthpiece. Run cold water through the
mouthpiece at the sink. Finally, using a clean, lint-free cloth,
pull it through the mouthpiece to dry and remove any particles
missed by the brush. This may take a few passes.
- Swab the neck. Use the brush attachment (looks
like a flexible metal hose with a rag ball on one end, and a small
brush on the other) and pass it through the larger, base opening on
the neck, coming out on the narrow side to which the cork is
attached. Brush out the inside to remove any foreign particles or
bacterial growth, and use the swab last. You can run water
through the neck as well, just be sure that no water comes in
contact with the cork, or it will swell and deform. Be wary of the
pad on the octave valve as well.
- Swab the body. With a standard cleaning kit,
there is an attachment that looks like a brush and cloth on a long
string weighted on the opposite end. Put the weighted end into the
bell of the saxophone, and turn the sax upside down, bringing the
weighted end completely through the body and coming at the narrow
end to which the neck is attached. Gently pull the swab through the
body, repeating this process several times. If possible, hold the
keys down as you do this. It is not unusual to see a slight green
color on the pad after a few passes. This is corrosion on the
inside of the saxophone, as brass rusts green due to the
copper.
- Check & clean the valve pads. There are
many on the saxophone, so this may be the most time consuming step.
Visually inspect each pad, looking for wear or tears. If a pad is
torn, take it to your local repair shop for replacement. Using a
piece of paper, (don't use a dollar bill), or a pad cleaner, slide
the paper underneath the pad, close the valve, and slowly pull the
paper out. This helps remove foreign material from the pad.
- Tighten loose screws. Most screws on a
saxophone are of the flat head, not phillip's. You can tighten
loose rod screws safely, but do not over-torque them. If this
happens, you may not be able to press keys such as those necessary
for a high-D or F#.
- Swab and grease the corks. Dry the cork on the
neck completely, and add a liberal amount of cork grease. Rub the
grease into the cork to 'condition' it, and add another light
coating. Do this weekly, and you'll maintain an impressive seal.
After some time of doing this, the cork will get saturated with
grease; do not grease further, or you will hasten the deterioration
of the cork. Don't try to grease the little bits of cork on the
ends of actions; they're there for padding.
- Clean swab every month for removal of wastes and for decreased
build up of corrosion.
- Reassemble your saxophone. It should look,
smell, and play beautifully!
Tips
- Purchase a "Sax Saver" from a local store. A sax saver is a
body insert that looks like a furry rod that is placed into the
body of the saxophone during transport and storage. Not only will
the saver help absorb excess moisture, you won't have to worry
about losing another neck cap. However, the use of these are VERY
controversial, as many claim that they absorb the excess moisture
and let mold g
