Cleaning Tips for Those Playing the Sax

 

Just like any other work, passion or hobby, musicians also need to keep their tools clean and in good working condition so that they will last longer and will serve you well over the years. Whether you are just beginning to take saxophone lessons or have already mastered it and are playing professionally, you would still need to know how to take care of your instrument. The sax is a beautiful if a somewhat heavy instrument and needs to be cleaned and kept carefully when not being used. For knowing more about buying a saxophone in Singapore, check out this article: http://saxophonelessonssingapore.com/buying-a-saxophone-in-singapore/

 

Beware of moisture

Moisture can reduce your instrument’s life drastically if you allow it to remain unchecked. Not only must you ensure that the instrument is kept safely away from moisture in an airtight case when not in use, you must also realize that the saxophone is exposed to it when you use it. This is especially true of the reeds and the mouthpiece. Remove the reeds and clean them separately, but never leave them in as they can ruin the mouthpiece. Brushing your teeth before playing can also be helpful in preventing the reeds from being destroyed by your saliva.

Moisture also builds up on the outer surface of the saxophone from the atmosphere when you take it out, as well as the inner surface when you blow into it. This means that both outer and inner surfaces of the instrument have to be regularly cleaned after use to ensure its long life.

One more precaution to take against moisture is to clean the saxophone and then let it dry for a while in a dry place before closing the case. It might not always be possible, but follow this procedure so the sax gets as much fresh air as possible.

 

Clean everything

A saxophone consists of many parts and each of them must be cleaned thoroughly in order to keep it clean. The art of saxophone playing also includes the many ways in which to maintain and keep the instrument in good working order.

  • Clean the reed by soaking it in hydrogen peroxide solution for about one minute and then remove it. Then soak it in mouthwash to kill the germs. This will definitely ensure that your reed will not give way at an importune moment.
  • Use lukewarm water to clean the mouthpiece. You can use a soft brush to brush away any particles, if required. Use the swab or any soft cloth and wipe it thoroughly. Keep it aside to dry completely before putting it away. If gunk has collected on the surface, take some cotton and add a few drops of vinegar to it, and place it where the gunk has collected. Once it has softened, remove it with the brush.
  • Swab the neck after brushing out the inside. You can also use lukewarm water for best effect, but make sure that it does not come into contact with the cork or the pad.
  • Swab the body, both inside and outside.
  • Check and clean the pads with the help of a pad cleaner.
  • Clean and grease the corks regularly in order to ensure a long life. If the cork gets saturated with grease, stop this step until it requires grease again.

 

Regular maintenance is essential for saxophonists as a beautiful looking and clean instrument will also play beautifully. Don’t wait for your sax to start deteriorating! With just a bit of effort, it can continue to give you the best service. To know more about saxophones in general, consult http://www.saxophonelessonssingapore.com/.