Can you clean a saxophone with water?

Can you clean a saxophone with water?

Run cold or lukewarm water through the mouthpiece, then pull a clean, lint-free cloth through the mouthpiece to dry and remove any particles missed by the brush. Soaking in antiseptic mouthwash or detergent is helpful for particularly dirty mouthpieces.

How long do pads last on a saxophone?

For intervals between complete repads, a rule of thumb for a sax that is well cared for would be 12 to 20 years depending upon how often it is played. Springs, corks, felts, etc. do not tend to wear out if properly installed, but they do become loose and fall off over time and need to be replaced.

Why does my saxophone smell bad?

The most common cause for a horn to smell bad is if the pads are old and 'rotting' and that smell can be translated to the case. Perhaps it also affects the mpc & neck.

How do you sterilize a saxophone mouthpiece?

If you are a student in school or a hobbyist you may need to get it looked at every 12 to 18 months and professionally cleaned every 2 years. A professional cleaning is different than just wiping it down or running a swab through it. In the industry we refer to this process as a Clean, Oil, and Adjust or (COA).

How do you remove scratches from a saxophone?

Good pads should last many years. I am currently padding my horns with a material that should remain stable and not need pad coverage adjustments for about 30 years. I will do a C. O. A. every two to three years on these instruments though, because that is proper mechanical maintenance for a saxophone.

Is there a spit valve on an alto sax?

The most commonly-played today are the soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones. … Two types of saxophones—baritone and contrabass—have something else in common with brass instruments. Like trumpets and trombones, they have a spit valve. When you play a brass instrument, your breath will condense in the instrument.

Do saxophones need to be tuned?

When playing a saxophone, whether in a small ensemble, full band, or even solo, tuning is very important. Good tuning makes for a clear, beautiful sound, and it is essential for every player to know how to tune and adjust their instrument.