How long do saxophone pads last

You should do this with a cloth attached to a string with a weight — this allows you to pull the cloth through the entire instrument. You are constantly blowing moisture into your instrument as you play, and that moisture can build up close to the pads and wear them out. Moisture and pads do not mix well. In fact, I recommend running the swab through your saxophone multiple times after each playing session if you can. This is just to ensure that you get as much moisture out as possible.

Also, it is probably best to store your saxophone with all the keys open. The palm keys, the G key, E-flat key, low C key, and several of the side keys are normally closed by default. Consequently, these are often the first pads to get worn out. The reason for this is that the moisture builds up right next to the pads, causing them to erode much more rapidly than the other keys. You can get a device to keep the keys open while your saxophone dries out. This will cover your E-flat, G , and C keys, which are the most prone to getting damaged.

Finally, make sure that you promptly clean any pads that are starting to get sticky. Speaking of which…. However, you can do the same process with powder paper to ensure that the pad does not stick in the future. This is a process best left to a skilled repair person. A mistake here could leave the saxophone unplayable. My personal recommendation is to find a repair person who specializes in the saxophone. If you really want to do it yourself, I think this article explains it quite well.

This is not something to attempt for the faint of heart, though! If your pads absolutely need replacing, get that done. Otherwise, focus on maintaining your pads so that they hopefully never need replacement. I'm the owner of woodwindsection. There could be a loose screw, or a bent rod, or a torn pad, etc. It may be an easy fix. A microphone will pick up the key noise. If you want as little extra noise as possible when making a recording a solo saxophone or saxophone and piano duet especially , then you may want to get your saxophone tuned up by a repairman.

Getting keys oiled as well as replacing old or missing felts and corks will reduce extra key noise. Dents and broken pieces are all fixable. Get an estimate first. It might make sense to buy a new, better horn. You can always turn your old saxophone into a lamp. These are just a few common problems that can occur. Depending on the specific problem, it can be fixed by either you, your teacher, or a woodwind repairman.

If you take away only one thing from this article, take away this: swab your saxophone every time you are finished playing. This is the most effective form of saxophone maintenance to prevent your saxophone from needing frequent repairs.

One of them should be able to fix it or point you in the direction of a good repairman. Daily saxophone maintenance as well as periodic maintenance will make playing the saxophone a lot easier and a lot less stressful. One final piece of advice- definitely consider the cost of maintenance when purchasing an instrument. Cheap instruments will need to be repaired more frequently than more expensive instruments.

If you buy a cheap Chinese or Taiwanese saxophone, you will probably pay more for repairs than if you buy a reliable, time-tested brand. You will probably need to get a Kia repaired more often than a Toyota. Do your research before purchasing.

Chris K. Should the reed be left attach to the mouth piece when stored and can it be left sitting on its stand between lessons? Toggle navigation Contact Us Login. Daily Saxophone Maintenance Daily saxophone maintenance is the most effective way to prevent mechanical problems from occurring quickly and frequently. Selmer Saxophone Le Pactole Swab The saxophone is made of mostly brass, but the pads underneath each key are made of leather. Periodic Saxophone Maintenance In addition to daily saxophone maintenance, periodic maintenance is needed as well.

Common Problems and Diagnoses Even with meticulous daily saxophone maintenance and prevention strategies, problems still do occur. Conclusion If you take away only one thing from this article, take away this: swab your saxophone every time you are finished playing. Tags: instrument maintenance , instruments , Saxophone one comment About Chris K. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published.

Notice the bacteria and yeast growth on the pad leather and the ring of dark green metal corrosion around the tone hole chimney and pad seat ring. It was overhauled in using waterproofed Pisoni pads and silver resonators, then cared for by a pro musician who used a Hodge silk swab after every play session. See how the Eb pad leather ages faster than the Low C pad? Even on a great horn with quality pads and pro care, the leather pad seat ring on the Eb shows stain and age.

Look at the difference in the tarnish on the pad resonators! They are both solid silver but one aged much faster. The Low C pad is sprung open to dry, but the Eb and Low C keys are sprung shut so they trap corrosive bacteria and moisture against pad leather and the sax tone hole.