Saxophones are captivating instruments with jazzy tunes popping in one’s head each time the term is brought up. If you are starting out and want to invest in a saxophone, you might be wondering about the average lifespan of one.
Generally, a well-kept saxophone can last you a good deal of years. However, it is extremely important to take good care of your sax if you plan on keeping it for long.
Daily Care
Before Playing
A saxophone’s tone and pitch can be impacted by extreme temperatures. Hence, it is best to place it at room temperature.
Before you start playing, make sure your hands, face, and teeth are clean; any residue might clog the airway and allow mold to form.
After Playing
Wipe the joins to eliminate any extra and unabsorbed cork oil after playing and dismantling the saxophone. Use cork oil only as required; too much of it might disintegrate the glue underneath the cork.
It’s critical to eliminate moisture from all areas of the instrument after playing, including the primary air channel, the reed, and the pads on the bottom of the keys. Detach the neck and mouthpiece first, and then remove the reed and ligature from the mouthpiece.
While excess water and saliva should be cleaned off the reed after usage, the reed should not be allowed to dry up. With consistent practice and performance, a reed may only last a fortnight before degrading and needing to be replaced.
Long-Term Care
Monthly
You would have to clean between the keys. You must remove dirt and dust from the surfaces of keys and key posts using polishing gauze. Remove any debris or dust from the areas between the keys, pads, and body with a tone hole cleaner. Make certain that no keys, posts, or arms are bent.
It is also crucial to lubricate the keyboard. Apply a little quantity of key oil to the keys’ working components. Take cautious not to use too much oil. After applying, push each key down to allow the oil to permeate throughout the lever mechanism. Wipe away any extra oil.
Every 6 Months
It is best practice to engage in neck cleaning every 6 months by following these steps:
- Make a lukewarm soap solution by combining brass soap and water in a 1:10 ratio.
- Remove the key from the neck using a tiny screwdriver.
- Wrap the cork with adhesive tape to keep it from becoming wet.
- Scrub the inside of the neck with the neck brush and part of the soap solution.
- Once the brush appears to have removed most of the dirt, rinse it with clean water.
- Scrub the interior of the neck with water.
- Using a cleaning swab, dry the inside of the neck.
- Using a polishing cloth, dry the outside of the neck.
Annually
A saxophone is entirely dismantled and thoroughly cleaned during a comprehensive service, allowing any damage or wear to be detected and corrected. It is recommended to get it serviced by a certified saxophone technician once a year.
The Crux
Depending on how much care you offer to your instrument on a regular and long-term basis, a saxophone might even last you nearly a lifetime.
