How to Inspect a Baritone Saxophone

The purchase of a new or used baritone saxophone is exciting for the lucky musician buying it. Brand new instruments from a music store will probably come with everything you need and will not require an additional inspection. For used instruments, however, you will need to give the baritone saxophone you are considering a thorough check to make sure everything is in good, solid working order.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Start by looking at the outside of the case. This can give you some insight to how much or little use the instrument may have had, where it was played and how well it may have been taken care of. Lots of scratches probably means lots of use, and a newer, ding-free case may mean that the instrument was rarely used or kept in excellent condition.

2. Open the case and examine the inside of the case before removing the saxophone. Look to see what is included in the small storage spaces, like neck straps, mouthpieces and ligatures. If the instrument is used, you may want to discard any reeds unless you know for a fact that they are brand new.

3. Remove the instrument and check for dents. A few small dents are not a problem, but larger dents can cause problems with the performance of the instrument. Many instrument repair shops can work out some of these problem dents.

4. Check each of the keys and make sure they can move freely and without clicking or clanging. Sometimes keys become loose and will need to be tightened where they screw into the horn. These repairs are usually made at the repair shop by professionals who know how to tighten the delicate pieces.

5. Examine the pads and corks. Look for any pads and corks that are brittle, sticky, coming unglued or missing. The pads and corks help produce the sound that your instrument makes by trapping or releasing air flow. The pads and corks should be pliable and free of mildew.