How to Troubleshoot a Saxophone

A saxophone can provide a mellow sound to any instrumental piece of music. However, there are a number of things that can cause the saxophone to be off key. Here are a few things you can do to troubleshoot a saxophone before you call on an expert.

Things You'll Need

• Tobacco paper
• Small screwdriver
• Towel
• Flashlight

Instructions

1. Make sure you have properly assembled the saxophone. The neck and mouthpiece should be in their correct position or the saxophone may not play correctly. Also make sure the reed is in good condition.

2. Play your saxophone. Play scales, especially chromatic scales, to use all the keys. Sometimes a key sticks when the saxophone is cold. Warm up your instrument before playing any piece of music.

3. Identify any key that is sticky. Clean the pad. You can slip a piece of tobacco paper between the key hole and the pad. Firmly depress the key and gently pull the paper out.

4. Stuff a towel into the end of the saxophone. Take the saxophone into a dark room. Shine a flashlight into the instrument to see if you can see any spots where the light is leaking out. This is a quick and easy way to troubleshoot leaky keys.

5. Replace any pads that are loose. Follow the directions that come with the pad replacement.

6. Carefully examine all the screws on the saxophone. Tighten all the screws with a small screwdriver. If you have a screwdriver from an eyeglass repair kit, it is the ideal size to use.

7. Troubleshoot all the springs on the saxophone. They can pop off while you play the instrument. If you locate a spring that has come loose, reattach it.