Saxophone Maintenance Guide

AFTER PLAYING

• Remove the neck from the body and then the mouthpiece from the neck.
  This will prevent the neck from being bent while disassembling. When
  assembling, reverse this order (ie- mouthpiece on neck first, then put neck
  onto body).
• To prevent the reed from being damaged, carefully remove it from the
  mouthpiece and store it in a reed guard until you next play. Replace the
  ligature and cap on the mouthpiece and store it in the space provided in the
  case. Allow your reed to recover for a day or two before using it again by
  having at least two that you use alternately.
• Wash the mouthpiece in cool water after playing and then dry it with a small
  swab or cloth. Do not rub on the facing or the rails (the bits that are in
  contact with the reed) as this can cause uneven wear of the mouthpiece
  facing which will prevent it working properly.
• The neck (Crook) must also be swabbed out to remove any moisture. Do not
  use the body swab for this purpose – it is too big and will become stuck
  inside!!!
• Remove all moisture from the inside of the sax by using a pull-though swab.
  This prevents the formation of moulds and keeps the pads dry. The pads are
  made of leather, felt and cardboard, all of which can absorb moisture. If wet,
  the pads will distort, rot or become mouldy. If this happens, they will no longer
  make an air-tight seal on the tone-holes.
• Always pass the swab through the instrument from the top to bottom. Never
  bunch up the swab as you put it in – it will get stuck inside if you do!!!
• Never store a wet swab inside the case with the instrument. Allow it to air-dry
  for a couple of minutes before putting it away.
• Periodically wash the cleaning swab. Replace it if it becomes worn
• Use a separate lint-free, soft, dry cloth to remove finger marks etc from m the
• keys and the outside of the body.