Q&A for How to Clean a Saxophone

There are a few possibilities. You might be pressing a button and not noticing, and or your saxophone is not being properly tuned. If it's sounding low, push your mouth peace in; if it's too high, pull it out. Also, check to make sure that your bottom lip is tucked in between your mouth and mouthpiece when you play.

You should have the cork removed and replaced. In the future, regularly clean the new cork, because mold is harmful and difficult to remove.

Every time you're done playing you should completely take apart your sax. For cleaning you need to to clean all the parts.

Invest in one of those cleaner rags on a string, for the inside. For the outside, you can probably buy or make a cleaner using a micro-cloth. Or, you could get it cleaned at a shop.

Just use a swab and clean it out a lot. If it has a lot of gunk in it, then you will most likely have to wash the swab and repeat the process, until it is like new again.

Not really, because you can cause more damage to it. The best thing you can do is to take it into a shop that does repairs and usually they will just knock a small dent out it for you free of charge or for a very small cost.

The simple answer is to practice. This is most likely occurring because you are playing too fast, so use a metronome and take it one note at a time, noting any troubles you have with fingerings. Also, before playing, stretch you fingers a bit so they don't cramp and accidentally hit another key.

It sounds like you may have exposed it to water or over-greased it. If so, you will probably have to replace the cork. If you have trouble, bring it in to a musical instrument store and they should be able to help you.

If you've never done it before, take it to a music shop and have them fix it so it does not get damaged.

I added a longer string to a standard swab. It takes a bit of gymnastics to direct the weighted end through the top, but it is doable.

You could clean it by using a swab, or take it to your local music store for servicing.

Each time you play, which should be daily. Rinsing out your mouthpiece is a weekly task.

Try to change your embouchure, try changing your reed size/brand. Lastly, see what notes are giving you the most trouble in particular.

If you have never done this before, take it to a professional to avoid further damage.

Make sure you're not putting to much pressure on the cleaner. A lighter hand may help. Also, consider trying a different brand.

If you got it stuck in the neck, use a long stick of some sort, stick it in the cork side of the saxophone and push gently. Gradually apply more pressure if needed. If you got it stuck in the body, you'll probably have to take it to a professional.

If you really want to, you can cut your swab to fit. Otherwise, follow the instructions listed in the article above.

If you have a high pitch, you should probably move your tongue up a little farther if you're playing octave keys, and try cleaning again.

It is easier to just replace the cork. Remove the old cork and use sandpaper on only the area that will have cork on it to prepare the surface, then use a contact cement to glue the cork on. Let it sit overnight to avoid having the cork slide around before the glue dries.

For the body, you can tie a microfiber or other gentle cloth to one end of a string and tie some sort of weight to the other. For the neck, mouthpiece and reed, use a toothbrush.

Yes, for the body they clean moisture off the pads and keep them from sticking (G#, D#). You can use them, but do not leave them in for more than a few days after playing, as it could contain bacteria. Air it and the horn out before reuse.

Use a microfiber cloth (not paper towels or regular towels). If desired, add a small amount of spray furniture wax.

You need to use any kind of key oil. Just make sure that you don't get it on your key pads.

Cork paste is used to moisten the cork on your instrument so that it cork doesn't break. It typically looks like chapstick.

No. Every time I swab my saxophone, a green line comes out too. It's just taking out what is in your saxophone. There is nothing to worry about.

Maybe it's your embouchure. Sometimes I hear it too, so I usually change my embouchure, and If I still hear it, I usually make sure my ligature is on there snug. It could also be because you're not using enough air when you're playing.

Use Selmer's sax polish or orange Pledge. Both work well. The most important step is wiping down your instrument after each practice session. This removes hand oils and other contaminants.

Wash with 10% bleach (1 part bleach, 9 parts water).

Your embouchure may be a little off, or you may need to try checking your pads.

You really can't, but you can safely ignore it.