Getting your saxophone serviced regularly not only ensures you get the best playing quality out of your instrument, but it can prevent more costly repairs later down the line. But how often is enough, and what else can you do to keep your saxophone in top playing condition?
How often should I book in for a service?
If you only take your saxophone to a technician when you have a serious problem with your instrument, you could be getting less life and quality out of your sax.
If you’re playing regularly, a good rule of thumb is to book your instrument in for a service once a year. There’s nothing worse than a problem arising on the day of an important performance, and an annual service can help pick up issues that might become a larger problem, such as sticky keys or leaks.
Often, issues will appear gradually over time due to wear and tear, whether to the pads or the neck cork, and spotting these before they become a problem allows you to keep on playing year round.
If you are a student or recreational player, a service every two years might be plenty. You can always check in with your technician for a quick assessment on if the instrument needs attention right now.
Signs that you should get your instrument serviced
You’ll be able to hear and feel when your sax isn’t performing at its best, and it’s up to you how much those issues bother you and when it’s time to book in for a service.
Some tell tale signs that your saxophone might be ready to see a technician are:
- Sticky or sluggish keys
- Difficulty hitting certain notes
- Loose neck or cork
- Feeling like your instrument isn’t responding in the same way
What is included in a saxophone service?
It is important to explain to your technician any specific issues or concerns you have about your instrument when you take it for a service. Typically, a service will include the following:
- Full clean of the instrument (body and keywork)
- Pads checked, adjusted and replaced as required
- Rods cleaned and oiled
- Cork/felting checked and replaced as required
- Keywork oiled
What does a saxophone service not cover?
A saxophone service aims to keep your instrument in optimal condition through making corrections and adjustments. This can help to avoid larger and more costly repairs later down the line. However, if your instrument is already in need of repair, it may require more than a typical service.
If your instrument is bent, not playing, or requiring a significant overhaul, speak to your repairs and servicing specialist about what needs doing to get it back to playing condition. While a service is a great preventative measure, if your instrument has seen a lot of wear and tear, more attention might be required.
Keeping your sax in tip top condition between services
A few simple tweaks to how you practice and care for your sax can pay dividends when it comes to savings on long term servicing and repairs:
- Ensure your hands and mouth are clean before you practice. This prevents residue building up in the sax, which isn’t great for hygiene or your sound!
- Warm up your saxophone before you practice by blowing air into it and warming the outside with your hands – this is especially important if you are storing it somewhere cooler than room temperature.
- Use cork grease on the neck cork when assembling – only enough to lubricate it slightly, though.
- Remove the mouthpiece from the neck cork.
- Use a cleaning swab to clean your sax interior after every practice session.
Ready to book your sax service?
