| Woodwind instruments with mouthpieces: Clarinet, Saxophone |
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EVERY DAY -
Glance at the instrument to check for loose or missing screws. Check especially the top key stack pivot screw, and the bottom key stack pivot screw(s).
Wipe excess moisture from the instrument bore and wipe fingerprints from the exterior surface.
Remove the reed from the mouthpiece and wipe excess moisture from it.
Carefully place the reed in "reed keeper". Mold will quickly grow on the underside of the reed if it is not removed from the mouthpiece and dried.
Carefully place the instrument in the case, checking for weak or broken case latches.
Avoid placing excessive amounts of "stuff" in the case that might damage the instrument.
DO NOTs -
Do not place the instrument on a music stand, chair, bed, or other surface from where it can fall or where it can be sat upon. Most instruments are damaged from falling or being dropped or being crushed.
Always hold the instrument, have it held by another player, or put it in the case.
Do not overly twist or play with the Saxophone neck screw. Constant tightening and loosening will wear the soft threads and cause it to unscrew and be more easily lost.
Do not attempt to adjust the instrument. Adjustment screws become worn with constant tightening and loosening.
Do not brush against the exposed pad surface while cleaning or polishing the instrument. The pad skin is easily worn and contact will cause premature failure of the pad.
Do not use abrasive polish on lacquered brass, silver or nickel finishes. Abrasive polishes remove the protective lacquer finish and promotes dulling of the finish. Residue from the polish coats the pads, encourages "rusting" of the hinge rods and pivot screws. Overuse of polish causes unattractive accumulation under the keys and is difficult to properly remove.
Do not allow the instrument to become water-soaked. Rain water and excessively damp weather will cause pad failure and "rusting" of pivot screws and hinge rods.
Do not over-oil the keys. Excess oil can penetrate the pads and corks. Excess oil will dissolve glue and cause key corks to fall off the instrument. A small drop of oil at each pivot point is all that is needed. Do not oil the keys more often than once a month. If your band director prefers that you do not oil the instrument, refer to a qualified repairman.
Do not wash the mouthpiece in water that is so hot you cannot place your hand in it. Use liquid soap and avoid getting the cork on clarinet mouthpieces soaked. WARNING: extremely hot water will warp mouthpiece tips and ruin the mouthpiece.
DOs
Do keep a small soft cotton cloth in the instrument case or available to wipe fingerprints off the instrument and use to clean the bore. A few drops of plain water on the cloth will help clean fingerprints off the instrument. Avoid contacting the pad surface or key corks with the cloth.
Do use a small, soft paint brush to carefully remove dust from under the keys. Be very careful to avoid breaking off the small key corks.
Do avoid contact with the pad surfaces and key corks when cleaning or polishing the instrument. Key corks regulate the proper height of the keys and silence the metal-to-metal contact when the instrument is played.
Do learn to properly oil the pivot points and hinge rods. Oil not only lubricates moving parts but also coats the hinge rod and pivot point metal - reducing oxidation - and helps avoid "rusting" or corrosion caused by moisture and bi-metal contact.
Do keep a mouthpiece cap on the mouthpiece when the instrument is not being played. Damage to the reed and mouthpiece will be avoided.
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES:
Handkerchief-size soft cleaning cloth (periodically cleaned in the clothes washer)
Swab cloth for cleaning bore.
Key oil (use sparingly)
Reed Keeper (metal or plastic reed holder which allows reeds to dry)
Cork Grease (use sparingly - overuse will effect cork glue and cause tenon corks to come off.
Mouthpiece brush
MOST COMMON REPAIR PROBLEMS:
Clarinet - loose middle tenon cork
Bent keys (bridge, C#, Ab)
Missing pads
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