How to Cure Sticky Pads on a Saxophone

Woodwind instruments, like the clarinet, saxophone, flute and oboe, must be swabbed. This involves running a small cloth attached to a string through the length of the instrument. The primary purpose of this is to prevent mold growth caused by drying saliva. When an instrument is not swabbed, it causes damage to the pads, the paper-like round circles that cover the holes. Luckily, if a pad is damaged, it can often be easily fixed by using a dollar bill.

Things You'll Need

• Crisp dollar bill

Instructions

1. Identify the sticky pad. Sometimes this is difficult to do. If the exact pad can't be found, this process can be repeated on any pad, even if it is not sticky.

2. Open the pad. Some pads stay open and some stay closed by default. If the sticky pad is one that stays closed, it is OK to gently and carefully lift it with your fingers. Do not use any kind of sharp tool, which may damage the pad.

3. Place the dollar bill over the tone hole. The tone hole is the hole that the sticky pad covers. Use a corner of the dollar bill and cover the entire tone hole. It is important that the bill covers the entire tone hole.

4. Close the pad over the dollar bill. Use a small amount of pressure so the pad is firmly pressed on to the dollar bill. Too much pressure can bend the delicate rods, so be careful.

5. Without releasing the pressure, pull the dollar bill out from between the pad and the hole. Repeat the entire process if the sticky pad is not fixed after the first time.

Tips & Warnings

• If this does not work, the pad may need to be replaced. This can be done at a music store at a very affordable price.

• Don't attempt to change pads at home. They must be precisely adjusted by an experienced technician.

References

• How to fix a sticky pad