Opening the case containing your new saxophone is a thrilling experience! 

Carefully remove all parts of your saxophone from the case, placing them on a clean, flat surface.  It's a good idea to place the metal body and neck of your sax on a towel to prevent scratching or bending of factory engineered keys and springs.

Your new saxophone will include the following: 

• saxophone body
• neckpiece
• mouthpiece
• mouthpiece cover
• ligature
• reed
• neckstrap

Check to make sure you have all the listed parts.

In addition, you will need cork grease, extra reeds and a soft cloth.  It is also advisable to acquire a saxophone stand so that your sax has a safe and reliable place to rest when it is out of the case.  

Remove all cork packing blocks from the saxophone.  Apply a small amount of cork grease to the smaller unlacquered part of the neckpiece and insert it gently into the saxophone body.  Tighten the screw wings to secure the neckpiece and the body.

Moisten the reed by placing the thin part of the reed in your mouth for approximately one minute.  This allows the reed to be moistened by saliva and readies it for playing.

Place the reed with the flat surface next to the opening in the mouthpiece so that the curved end of the reed matches the curvature of the mouthpiece.

Carefully place the ligature over the reed and mouthpiece, tightening the ligature over the mouthpiece and the rounded portion of the reed until it is secure.  You may have to experiment with the exact position of the reed on the mouthpiece until you find the best position for sound.  Remember that the movement of the reed forward or backward from the curvy tip of the mouthpiece should be done in small increments only.

To test the blowability of the reed and mouthpiece, place the mouthpiece in your mouth with your front teeth resting on the mouthpiece, about ½" from the curved front.  Curl your lip over your bottom teeth, resting the lip gently on the surface of the reed.  By blowing, a squawking sound should be produced.

Place a small amount of cork grease on the corked end of the neckpiece and gently place the mouthpiece on the neckpiece, turning the mouthpiece slightly from side to side.  Placing the mouthpiece further along the neckpiece will elevate the tone of your saxophone, i.e., make it sharper.  Conversely, withdrawing the mouthpiece somewhat will lower or "flatten" the pitch.

Note:  If the cork on the neckpiece is too large, use fine sandpaper to reduce the diameter until the mouthpiece fits snugly.

Now, place the neckstrap around your neck, attach it to the ring on the saxophone body, adjust the length until your saxophone is at a comfortable height for playing, and you are ready to make music!

When not in use, protect the reed by placing the mouthpiece cover carefully over the mouthpiece and reed.

Imagine...your own instrument...and you!

Caring For Your Saxophone

All saxophones require care, cleaning and maintenance.  Your continued attention to your sax will help to ensure its long life, brilliant appearance and top performance.  Treat it well, and it will play well for you!  Imagine...your own instrument!

Mouthpiece and Reed

Following each playing, the mouthpiece needs to be wiped dry with a soft cloth.  The reed should be carefully removed and dried as well.  Be sure to avoid pressure on the shaved end of the reed.  If possible, rinse the reed in luke-warm water to remove germs and prevent saliva from deteriorating the reed's fibers.

The reed and mouthpiece may be re-assembled and stored with the reed cover in place or you may store the reed in a reed container package that held the reed when you bought it.  Over time, you will choose your own method of reed selection, storage and maintenance.

Neckpiece and Body

Carefully remove the neckpiece from the saxophone body and dry any moisture that is observable.

If your saxophone comes with a drying insert, place the insert carefully into the saxophone body.  This may be left in the saxophone body as a drying device if your sax is being stored in its case.

If you plan to store your saxophone on a stand, remove the drying insert from the saxophone body, re-assemble the instrument, and place it carefully and securely on the stand. 

Be sure to wipe away any saliva that has settled in the bell of the saxophone or has leaked from the key pads.  This will ensure that your saxophone keeps its new and shiny appearance for many years.

Reed Selection

Saxophone reeds differ in size to fit soprano, alto, tenor, baritone or other sizes of instruments.  They are also graded by number in relation to strength (hardness) from 1 to 6, though rarely is a #1 or a #6 in use.

Saxophone reeds are commercially available in various sizes and hardnesses.  Many players use a #2 ½  to #3 ½ reed, although beginners may choose a softer reed such as a #2.  You will need to experiment with sax reeds of different hardnesses to find the strength that suits your mouthpiece and playing style.

Imagine...your own instrument...and you!