How to Fix a Sticky Baritone Saxophone Key

A sticky key on a baritone saxophone can make playing music very difficult. To check if this is the problem, press the key, continue holding it down, and then push the pad down. If the pad stays in place until you manually flick it up, it is a sticky key. When pads get old or worn out, the sticky key problem often arises. There's a simple solution to this problem.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Powder paper

1. Buy powder paper for just a few dollars a pack. Always carry this booklet when playing the instrument. You can usually find powder paper online or at a local music store.

2. Position the paper with the clean side up toward the pad and the powder side facing down into the opening of the saxophone so the powder can be applied to the rim of the tone hole.

3. Push the paper all of the way over the opening until it covers the entire tone hole.

4. Compress down firmly with the pad against the paper, applying as much pressure as possible with your fingers.

5. Release the pad, and slide the paper over slightly.

6. Press the pad down over the paper again firmly with as much pressure as possible.

7. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 once more and check to see if the key is still sticking by pressing the key and pushing against the pad. It should automatically pop up without any help now.

[CMastro]

on 12/4/2008 Good topic, and I'm sure it's a fine fix, but to anyone reading this, just use the currency that you might use to purchase the "powder paper". A dollar bill will work but for some reason because of the detail that goes into larger bills, tens and twenties seem to work better. If the pad still sticks after that, especially the "low C#", then take some cloth and put some lighter fluid on it. After that, your pad should be just delightful.