Saxophone Care and Maintenance
Adam’s Music rents saxophones for musicians of all ages. We have a wide range of rental instruments for players at all skill levels and budgets. No matter how much your rental instrument costs, Adam’s Music ensures it is in good working order before you take it home. Use these handy care and maintenance tips to keep your instrument looking and sounding great.
Assembly
Apply cork grease
Apply a layer of cork grease to the cork section located on the neck assembly.
Insert the mouthpiece
Gently insert the neck assembly into the mouthpiece. Use a slight twisting motion until less than an inch of cork is showing.
Insert the neck
Apply cork grease to the lower section of the neck assembly. Then insert the neck into the body of the saxophone. Tighten the neck screw to secure the neck assembly.
Adjust the mouthpiece
Secure the reed in the mouthpiece and adjust the ligature. The embouchure hole should be aligned with the C# key.
Disassembly
Remove the neck
Loosen the neck screw and gently pull the neck assembly. Put the saxophone body in its case.
Remove the mouthpiece
Hold the neck assembly hand and the mouthpiece in the other. Gently pull the mouthpiece until it separates from the neck.
Remove the reed
Loosen the ligature and remove the reed.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Clean the saxophone body
After disassembly, pull a clean cloth through the body of the saxophone to remove any moisture. Also wipe down the body and keys of the saxophone.
Clean the mouthpiece
Dry the reed after use. Clean the mouthpiece with a clean cloth.
Store the reed
After the reed is cleaned, keep the reed in a reed protector to extend its use.
Be Careful !
Your saxophone was designed and built to make beautiful music, and to last for many years. While your saxophone is sturdy and made from durable materials, it’s not designed to work if it’s neglected or abused. Here are some dos and don’ts of proper saxophone care:
- Store your saxophone in its case when not in use
- Clean and store your reed in a reed protector after use
- Oil your keys regularly
- Use a soft cloth for regular cleaning and maintenance
- Do not over-tighten the mouthpiece
- Do not crush keys during assembly or disassembly
- Do not expose your saxophone to extreme temperatures
- Do not try to fix damaged or stuck parts yourself
If There's a Problem
Adam’s Music wants you to enjoy your saxophone. Our maintenance and care tips will help keep your saxophone in top playing shape. If you have a problem with your instrument, don’t try to fix it yourself. Contact Adam’s Music for instructions. Remember, we’re your friendly neighborhood music store in West Los Angeles.
Click here for a printable PDF version of the Adam’s Music Saxophone Care and Maintenance Page