How to Remove a Cleaning Swab From a Soprano Saxophone

You finished playing your soprano saxophone and are ready to put it away. You pull out the cleaning swab, drop it through the bell of the saxophone and then realize it's stuck about halfway through and you can't remove it. But don't worry, it's a fairly common occurrence, and you can have that elusive swab out in no time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Investigate where the swab is inside the saxophone. If it's not too far, you may be able to reach it with your fingers.

2. Remove the mouthpiece if you cannot reach the cleaning swab with your fingers. Stick a long pencil or knitting needle down the narrow part of the saxophone, which is where the mouthpiece was. Try to push the swab down through the bell.

3. Turn the saxophone upside down. Stick the pencil or knitting needle through the bell. Try to pin the swab along the inside of the horn and gradually slide the swab out.

4. Roll up a ball of sturdy tape and place it, sticky side out, on the end of the pencil. Do this only if Step 3 didn't work. Place the pencil back into the saxophone, grabbing the swab with the sticky part of the tape.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to place the swab down the bell of your soprano saxophone when cleaning. This makes it much easier to handle.
• Try turning your saxophone over so the weight of the cleaning swab travels down the body of your instrument. This might help prevent the swab from becoming stuck.