FAQ

A few frequently asked questions by our customers

How do I know it is time to get my instrument serviced?

In order to keep your instrument in top playing condition we recommend getting your instrument checked every 6-12 months. It will not always need work, it all depends on how often you play and how the mechanics of your instrument are working together. Another good tip is to check the Eb pad, does it look dirty, it is torn? The Eb pad gets dirty the fastest. We offer free evaluations at any time, come and see us and we can discuss if your instrument needs some attention to get it in top playing condition.

I just purchased my instrument new - Do you set up new instruments?

Of course. Quite often new instruments are not correctly setup from the factory. This is mostly due to the time it takes to manufacture the instrument, weighed up by the cost of the instrument itself. Quite often the instruments are set up quickly and are not given the attention they need to be in top playing condition. We specialise in new instrument set ups and are usually very cost effective as we just correct little mistakes made in the factory line. 

How do I keep my instrument in top playing condition?

In between each playing we recommend you swab out your instrument at least twice to remove the moisture created from blowing hot air into a cold instrument. It is good to do it after playing for around 20 minutes of playing then swab again when you finish playing. Using cork grease on the neck cork every so often is also highly recommended to ensure long life of the cork. Before closing your case after playing we also recommend you leave the case open for around 20 minutes to help your instrument more fully dry before closing it up. 

What things should be in my case?

As well as your instrument, we recommend most importantly the end plug - this helps your saxophone not move during transport. Secondly you need instrument swabs or pull-thoroughs, after every time you play make sure you throughly swab out your instrument. This keeps the pads in good condition for as long as possible. But what about the fluffy pad saver... we don't recommend those to stay in your instrument, good for swabbing instrument but its not good to store inside the saxophone, it actually keeps the moisture on the pads making them wear faster. Other good things to have: Cork grease, good reeds in a case & key leaves - A product designed to help pads last longer by holding the G#, C# & Eb pads open to air. 

I cannot afford a Full service at the moment, Can you do just a little at a time?

Of course! We are here to help you get your instrument playing its best and are more than happy to work with your budget. For example if your saxophone needed a Full service or quite a few pads that need replacing - On your first visit we can give your saxophone a good clean, including all the keys, rods, rollers and pivot screws and oil all the mechanisms. Second visit we can look at the top half of the saxophone, correcting all the play in the mechanisms, correcting all the connections and replace the pads as needed. Third visit we can do the same for the lower half of the instrument. Though it is always best to book in some time to get it all done at once, we do what works for you and your budget. Give us a call to discuss your instrument and your goals. 

Tips from the repair bench:

Remember to swab your instrument after each time you play. This helps keep your instrument in great playing condition for longer and helps the pads last for many years

Wash your mouthpiece with cold water and a little dish soap once a week to keep your mouthpiece fresh 

Reeds sadly don't last forever; When you get chips or cracks or it just looks tired, it is probably time to replace it.