Cleaning a saxophone is a relatively simple operation. This article explains how to clean a typical curved sax. To clean upright saxes, such as the soprano, you need tools that are not mentioned in this guide. Cleaning the instrument is essential to keep the stamp unaltered and avoid the development of bacteria inside it.
Steps
Step 1. Clean the mouthpiece
Remove reed and ligature. Use the cleaning brush to remove any debris from inside the mouthpiece and run it through warm water. Finally wipe the mouthpiece inside and out with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Step 2. Dab the neck
Use the special tool, a piece of cloth attached to a flexible tube with a brush at the other end. Pass it through the neck starting from the widest part and pulling it out from where the cork is fixed: first rub with the pipe cleaner and then pass the swab. It is possible to run lukewarm water through the neck, but you must never wet the cork, which otherwise deforms.
Step 3. Pat the body
In a standard cleaning kit, you'll find a tool consisting of a brush at the end of a lanyard and a cloth-covered weight on the other. Insert the weight into the bell and turn the sax over: the weight will flow along the whole body. Repeat the operation while holding down the keys. You may notice a green color on the cloth after a few steps: this is absolutely normal. It is not rust and it is not harmful to metal: when brass comes into contact with air it oxidizes. The reason you dab the saxophone is to remove residue that can promote the growth of bacteria, since when you blow into the instrument you spit everything into it.
Step 4. Check and clean the keys (or keys)
Given how many there are in a sax, this will be the longest part of the cleaning process. Check each key individually, and if you find any damaged, have them repaired. Proceed as follows: press each key and place a cloth between it and the hole; lower the button and slowly remove the cloth.
Step 5. Tighten the loose screws
Usually the screws are flat head. Don't screw them too tight, or you may no longer be able to press certain keys, such as high C or F #.
Step 6. Dab and lubricate the cork
Dry the neck cork completely and lubricate it well. You can also apply the lubricant in two layers. Repeat this every week to maintain an airtight seal. After some time the cork will be full of lubricant: it is time to stop the applications to preserve the cork itself. There is no need to lubricate any other cork pieces.
Step 7. The swab must also be cleaned
Remove debris that has dried on the swab at least once a month.
Step 8. Reassemble your sax:
it should look great and sound great!
Advice
- You have to clean the sax at least every time you play it. Moisture inside the sax promotes mold and some non-brass parts may rust. By cleaning the instrument when wet, you also avoid the formation of dry residues inside, which over time would become more and more difficult to remove.
- Remember to keep two tampons: one for the body and one for the neck.
- Using a Pad-Saver instead of cleaning the instrument is not a good idea in principle: it is a soft brush that is inserted inside the sax after using it to absorb moisture and protect the key pads. However, the moisture absorbed by the Pad-Saver remains in the sax. It is good to insert the Pad-Saver after the usual cleaning, to protect the keys, and it can be useful to those who live in a very humid environment as a preventive measure to keep the sax tone unchanged.
Warnings
- Never use hot water to clean the mouthpiece and reed: use only cold or barely warm water, otherwise you could warp the pieces.
- Do not apply oil, replace frets, do not repair drafts or smooth serrations - have it done by a professional. If you have rented your instrument, know that in many cases these services are included.
- If you are a beginner, never try to oil the frets of the sax or any other wind instrument. If you really need to oil them, get someone who knows how to do it.
