How to Repair Saxophone Pads

Learning how to repair the pads on your sax will save you a lot of money.

Saxophone pads must be replaced, and not repaired. If you don't think you can do this, don't. It is better to just pay a repairer instead of seriously messing up your instrument. However, if you're mechanically minded, then by all means go ahead and repair your instrument. Learning how to repair your saxophone yourself is a great way to become better acquainted with your instrument. Plus, doing it yourself will save you hundreds of dollars in repair fees.

Things You'll Need

• Work surface
• Dry polish cloth
• Saxophone pads
• Pad cement

Instructions

1. 

   Remove the keys to get access to the pads.

   Remove the keys for the pad that is being replaced and set aside. Keep the keys and screws in order when you set them aside.

2. 

   Use a polish cloth to clean the sax.

   Once the keys are off, clean the sax. Use your polish cloth to remove any impurities from the surface of the instrument.

3. 

   Use a lighter if the pad sticks.

   Scrape out the old pads from the saxophone. If the pad sticks, apply heat to the pad cup using a lighter to loosen the glue.

4. 

   Let the glue set before you reassemble the sax.

   Put a small amount of glue in the pad cup, place the pad on top and let the saxophone sit for three to four hours before reassembly.

5. 

   Reassemble the saxophone with the new pads installed.

   Reassemble the saxophone. This will be a lot easier if you kept the removed screws and pads in order.

6. 

   By now, your saxophone should be ready to play again.

   Adjust for any air leaks by using a lighter to heat the back of the pad cup until the glue is softened. Let the pad rest lightly against the tone hole, and continue to adjust until there are no more leaks. This will take some trial and error to get right.

Tips & Warnings

• Professional repairers suggest that you learn how to repair saxophone pads on an old junk instrument first. Otherwise, you could make a mistake and seriously damage your instrument.

References

• Shop for Band: Installing Saxophone Pads