I’m a late bloomer boomer here….took alto sax lessons when I was 43, then lost interest and now at age 67, taking a refresher course ……it’s all coming back to me…….these are great tips I didn’t know this! They didn’t RUclips when I first played sax…..now I can learn everything on RUclips university……Thankyou!!
Absolutely inspirational... don't stop learning...keep going. I just bought my first sax after working/ saving up for months and it's stuff like this that inspires me to learn the sax even as a young adult with no background in music or music notes at all 😅
Ok, here is number 12, Never let sax hang from your neck strap unsupported with no hands. The neck strap could break or snap at any second, and bamm! Your sax is now smashed ! Always have 2 hands on sax or at least one hand. My strap hook separated from the sax body on my USAF mark 6, but I caught the horn!
Gives me the creeps when I see peeps letting the sax routinely hang by the strap, or routinely holding by one hand. Fair enough, there are times when you might have to BRIEFLY hold by one hand (turning sheet/book of music during practice at home or band room or during a marching band) but for Pete's sake not routinely 😱. If in doubt as to the potential damage, try dropping a sax from four feet to a hard floor 😳😳😳😳😳. Saxes are not as strong as they might appear; I have received two in the post, one with a damaged hard case and tone hole, the other with a smashed bell and disconnected bottom bow 🤬.
Ok here's another one, 7th grade band is done and kid says, I don't have time to put sax away, so I just carry fully assembled sax to parents car, who are waiting for him, I said, put your sax in the case. It only takes 45 seconds, sax body, fully swabbed, neck put away,clarinet swab through the neck, mouthpiece, reed, men's handkerchief pulled through mouthpiece. Neck strap done!
One thing I might add is to clean and disinfect your mouthpiece and reeds if you haven't played your horn in a while. I don't usually get my tenor sax out during the 6 month period between band performances. I generally practice on my EWI or clarinet for the sanity of my family. I had meticulously cleaned my horn before putting it away after the Christmas concert and when I took it out and played at the first rehearsal in June, I figured it would be good to go. About 6 hours later I started getting sick and barely made the concert the next day. Turns out I got food poisoning from the mouthpiece. Crud had grown even though I thought it was clean. I was floored for 3 days, so clean it before you use it if it's not been out of the case!
All good advice! I've been guilty of many of these things myself, and learned the hard way :)) One from me: be very careful using a swab on a one-piece soprano - you may have to get it out in bits when it gets stuck on the octave key breather...
Don't hold the soprano upside down when swabbing. You have to turn it upside down to get the end of swab string to fall through but turn it the right way up before pulling the rest through. The swab can fall in on itself and you end up trying to pull more material than will fit though the narrow opening at the top of a soprano.
Waiting for my Bettersax from Sweetwater. Thank you for waking up in me the little kid that used to play on a band, I just turned 66 and looking forward to make some music.
Great tips Jay-I’m already doing all of these, but I think it’s probably because I’ve been taking your courses and listening to your RUclips videos for several years! One of the little things that I do which may or may not prove useful for other people - when I’ve I finished with my sax, it is put on a stand and I then cover it with a cotton pillowcase just to keep dust out of the mechanics. Even in a really clean house it’s surprising how much dust there is floating about.
Even though I knew about 80% of this info, the strong warning to keep mouthpieces away from light and use only cold water I will heed, as I was using lukewarm water for a better clean. And yes, after my repair tech overhauled my Conn transitional tenor, I could sense his displeasure for my decision to not get a new case for it even though he suggested I do that. The original case doesn’t smell and is in okay shape, but yes I admit that wedging T-shirts and socks into the case for protection is less than ideal. Good stuff Jay, thank you!
Thanks for this video! It proves to me that I'm a good saxophonist. Certainly not in playing my instrument, but at least in how I treat my Sax. ;) There is none of these mistakes in my exercise behavior.
Not only is polishing an lacquered horn unnecessary, it is counter productive. Polishes are abrasive, and will quickly rub right through the lacquer. So unless you want to turn your horn into an unlacquered model, save the polish for your silver tea service.
Good tips. I regularly swab out my hard rubber mouthpiece, but there are some deposits that form on the outside near the tip, that aren't easy yo clean with cold water.
Thanks for number 5! It's so counterintuitive. I have stands now for my saxes but this should be taught to all young players. I definitely made this mistake and basically all beginners make it too!
I have a spit fluff that is 2 1/2 inches tall and 1 inch wide, and I don’t know if it does the same thing as your fancy mouthpiece swab. I’ve been playing for about 3 months, and I’m learning a lot about my sax by just watching this video. Thanks a lot!!!🎷😁
1) i never had my hardrubber mouthpiece on sun. 2) i used only lukewarm water. I don't use hard rubber mouthpieces anymore, so no this problem anymore ;) 3) after playing i clean the mouthpiece with stream of water and time to time with toothbrush. But your seabs looks perfect! 4) following 5) i did not knew. If i cannot put the sax to stand, i put it on the left side but always on couch or bed or something soft. 6) never had such strange idea. 7) shame on me! 8) who can be so stupid? 9) i never polished my 50 years old sax. i like its de-lacquer look. 10) i use original case which looks as new, but yes, really new are surely better. Perfect video Jay. Btw, how it goes with your Better tenor? Is already on the way?
All very good advice! I wish I knew #10 some 30 years ago when I started learning on the same Keilwerth sax that my father got when he started learning as a kid!
One more comment: I did buy a new case for my sax, because… yeah… Ick! However I kept the old one, due to the provenance. My horn may have been used in Glenn Miller’s Army Air Corps band. It came with the original box that has stenciling on it that may support this. Be sure before you trash that stinky old box, that it doesn’t hav some significance to the value of the horn. I dig your channel, Jay! I haven’t visited in a while which is a shame! Mire shameful is I don’t practice near enough, not even close! I’m a baaaad boy! Ciao
These rules apply to clarinets as well! I just got my Selmer Series 10 rebuilt a few weeks ago, but I still use my case since it is in great shape and not moldy or smelly. However, I do plan to get a saxophone and will take these to heart.
I actually polished my silver plated 70:s Weltklang baritone with household silver polish. Came out nice, it was all black and brown when I bought it. Of course I took all the keys off first and replaced most of the pads as they were in bad shape.
Thanks for educating players on care of the sax. I must say I've never had a sax brought to my shop for laying the sax down wrong. If your sax goes out of adjustment laying it down "wrong" you need to get another sax. There is nothing wrong with laying it down on the way you commented. The keys and mechanism are usually pretty strong and won't be damaged this way. This is an old myth still perpetuating here I guess. Now, here's the one missed here big time. Never lift the sax out of the case by the bell! Ninety nine percent of saxes coming to me are damaged from doing this. Lifting it out wrong causes the metal to shift at the brace and causes the keys to fail to be able to close on the Bb, and B. Lift from the middle of the sax. This is a very nice feel and balance lifting it out and no you won't bend the keys or rods as they are pretty strong and have a tolerance level of bending. If a player feels they will bend then simply lift from the top but not the bell! Over my thirty years repairing saxes I see the same problem on almost every sax. We educate the players as soon as the sax is examined and see the light coming through the tone hole. If the bell is out of alignment, the bell has to be twisted back to position and not just bend the keys which may not solve the issue. Also, do not use alcohol on hard rubber mouthpieces as this dries out the rubber and makes them turn greenish. Hope the helps the players out there.
Great advice here. From the thumbnail photo, I initially thought the image on the left was don't buy a silver plated sax 😂. Now I see that it's a monochrome image (not to lay on the left side). A silver plated sax is perfectly fine...if you like polishing 😩. That unlaquered sax looked gorgeous 😍.
I give all my students a white 100% cotton men's handkerchief from K-mart or Walmart. This is perfect for wiping the inside of the hard rubber mouthpiece dry.
All great suggestions, I also specialize i repairing and restoring vintage Jazz instruments, my favorit is the Saxiphone! I also reator vintage cases and try to bring them back to "Original" condition and shape. i strive top restor these pieces for individuals who want to to play as close as possible vintage Jazz instruments in as best condition as possible today. Yes this process is very time consuming, so to offset that cost i dont charge top dollar for my work, and am selective about my costomers and there love for vintage instruments. i am a retierd Civil engineer and do this work for the people i meet and the love of the instruments and vintage music in general! I get a tremendous sence of satisfaction restoring a vintage instrument. So when i finish my biggest reward is the look on peoples faces as they look and play one of these fine instruments i such nice condition, that my most satisfying reward doing this work! of course i also enjoy customizing and upgrading these instruments to better and more modern standards so some users can experience what i call the "best of both worlds" in a completed finished instrument, and upgrading some of these fine instruments to be even better than they were the day they were new! Anyways i enjoy your practical and information as i am not a "great playe" as i feel i am as a tech, but i certanily love 20TH CENTURY American Music!
Just got my better sax cleaning kit, I’m a tenor saxophone in jazz band and trying for all suburban so I’m watching this for some tips. Still struggling with low notes tho
5:45 Holy CRAP, that's my HORN. I HAVE a Buescher Aristocrat that I bought in a pawn shop in 1987 for FORTY BUCKS. Spent $85 on a repadding. It's got almost no lacquer left, but plays GREAT (or would if its owner could....)
my buddy with a garbage rout found a retired rental (from oakland ca) Hollywood woodwinds Alto with 24kt gold plate. In a trash can. the steel pin springs worn. the seals leaking. valves loose because the hardware was worn. I found a 15$ amazon alto rebuild and spent a couple days overhauling it. only one seal from the kit didn't match the size. but that key sealed fine and didn't need a new one. it plays beautifully after overhauling.
i always brace the neck by grabbing it and not the horn when installing mouthpiece, since it's well greased it's not a hella tight fit. but i always disassemble neck first, reed, then swab neck and mouthpiece then pull them apart.
Hi if you have any advice on what is a the best soft read in your opinion would appreciate any advice got an option to buy a used Yamaha has 62 do you think this will be ok for a beginner will hopefully progress and thoghtbbuy once kinda thing any advice welcome
@@bettersax oh really? what vintage? My 26 TT fails to fit into anything contemporary, my 57 Kohlert fits in very few, mid 60s Weltkangs also fit in very few, my 70s Rampone & Cazzani only fits in the same case that accomodates the Kohlert so you are either talking shit or have little experience fitting vintage saxophones into comtemporary cases. Its way less easy than you would have people believe. Re: the Aristocrat - what vintage? I cannot envision anyone finding themselves satisfied with stuffing a saxophone case full of unwanted T-Shirts or foam to secure a saxophone. Many of my horns simply will not fit into other cases. The bell is too big OR too off-set OR the bell keys are on the wrong side etc etc etc. Too numerous posts at SOTW by those seeking a case that fits their horn.
@@apistosig4173 Protec cases should work. I keep my Aristocrats in an XL shaped case and the ProTec alto/soprano double case without problems. The XL will also fit the 400 with the enlarged bell. I just hate the nylon and plastic...
@@Ambaryerno That's useful to know, having seen the XL, I would also hate the zips; much prefer old school quick action metal catches ☺️. Listings for the XL state it accommodates (most?) vintage/big bell horns, so might be OK for my Buescher Super 400 (big bell, keys on rear of bell). I previously considered a Hiscox case but it was unclear whether it would fit. I have a Conn 10M in a Hiscox case (left hand bell keys); that fits fine. Edit: Just been informed that the only modern case that will satisfactory accommodate the BS400 is the Protec XL (nylon/zips 😔) and the Gator ABS (might need additional internal padding 🤨).
For the first time which is the change of color in the sun. What do I do if I’m in marching band. Is there a mouthpiece that is more resistant or a different material?
Thanks for the advice. For me it is also essential to wash your hands with neutral soap before and after using the saxophone. The grease from your hands contaminates and rusts it and the metal parts of the sax also contaminate your hands, which is not very hygienic. And the most important....love your sax!!!❤❤
Hey all a bit of advice, always wanted to learn to play the saxophone, was about to pull,the trigger and saw a video saying you can gat mouth injuries from your teeth cutting in to your bottom gum and split lips from the reed, any advice and honesty from the professionals on this channel would be gratefully received, as I’m as keen as mustard to get in to the learning,
How do you suggest best taking care of a case? I've got a BAM Trekking for my alto Reference (both were bought from new). Dust-like bits and pieces of what-not collects in the bottom of the case and I just pick it out. But surely, some of it must get in the sax - not to mention whatever sax grime gets in the lining. Vacuuming it too harsh, I'm guessing, and using any kind of cleaning product will probably leave residue damaging the sax. Any ideas?
I agree with everything he said except for throwing out the old case . Certainly if it stinks, however old original Conn and martin cases are collectible. Believe or not there are people who are missing the original case, and they are willing to pay high dollar.
My thoughts, exactly! I would consider it tragic to separate my 1923 Martin from its case and mouthpiece. No way! My dad always kept a bar of soap in his old 1957 Gretsch guitar case. He's almost twenty years deceased, but opening the case to play has a distinct irreplaceable scent that brings back so many reminiscences and memories. All I can advise is to take care of your gear. Somehow, we've lost the willingness to leave a legacy for others from ourselves.
Ditto. If you spent a gazillion dollars on a collectible vintage you should definitely keep the old case if original to the horn. Buy a new second case to store the sax but please keep the original.
Question for the the Soprano sax players here. My dad is learning on a curved suprano saxophone which i understand is a Bb intrument. When I ask him to play a C note the tunner shows me an A, when i am expecting an A#/Bb? We tried tunning it form the neck to get it there it can't as it seems to bottom out and stays too flat still. What can be the issue so that we can't tune it to a proper A#. He has been playing it as if it was a B natural instrument. I play a Bb flat trumpet and it would make it easier if we were tune the same. Help please. Thank you.
This vid was amazing and I barely knew these things and I’m so thankful I watched this but I’m wondering… for bari, when I don’t have my stand with me what side should I lay it on? Because when on the “wrong” side the the top bow and bottom bow seem to be the only parts touching the surface and they are just pure hard brass
I know it’s a year later and I may not get a response, but with #1 could a reed cap fix that problem if you’re playing outside? In marching band it seemed like I was the only one that used mine and my reeds lasted longer but also my mouthpiece is still in extremely good condition.
I just received my Selmer supreme and after a month of practice sill have problems with low E through especially low B flat as well as middle G and to a lessor extent A. In your video same instrument you made or had changes made for your style (only). Were they small tweaks or did they related to some of my issues. Thanks for your help.
Get your supreme looked at by a technician. You very likely have some leaks. You should be able to get it looked at by the shop that sold it to you and they hopefully they won’t charge you if you just purchased it new.
I've had a few professional sax players recommend I keep my mouthpiece on my neck most of the time so I get a better seal around the cork and consistent tuning. When I've finished playing I swab through them together. I also apply cork grease regularly... Is this ok?
That advice doesn't make any sense. We need to adjust our mouthpiece position on the cork reacting to the environment and the tuning of other instruments we play with. Cork is an organic substance who's lifespan will be greatly reduced by leaving the mouthpiece on the neck. Many professional saxophonists are terrible when it comes to taking care of their own instruments and maintenance which is part of the reason videos like this one are necessary.
@@bettersax thank you for replying and for the advice! I agree that the tuning argument isn't great, but the constant taking off and putting on again of the mouthpiece can also damage the cork, no?
My sax came in a wooden case, it s a Jupiter JAS-669, will the case be fine? It’s god a decently thick layer of wood on it and from what I have seen it was taken good care of, along with a repair tech a went to a little bit ago and he never commented on the case, I’d just like to know
Thanks for what you do. I'm wanting to get back into playing. I own a 1904 Conn Pro (Silver) in very good shape. I think I should sell it and get a modern instrument. What do you think?
I'm a clarinet player and beginner clarinet players should see this video, they could avoid bad habits (the legendary "not swabbing mouthpiece"...), and on Bass and Alto clarinets we have metal part to take care of.
What are your thoughts about silver saxes and polishing them? I have a silver Mark VI and I use a specific sax cloth for silver saxes with the polish built in to keep it looking nice…any issues with that?
I had a silver soprano for 10 years. Had the problem I'm sure you're having with it tarnishing. I NEVER used polish and was told when I bought it that you should not use polish of any kind. Only a cloth specific for silver, yes they make them. That kept it nice and shiny. By the way, my icon is me with that sax.
Question about reusing the case. I am currently having my 1926 conn C melody overhauled. The case is musty as they usually are. I have been able to get some of the must smell out. Any suggestions on replacing that case as they don't make a molded gig bag for a c melody that I can find.
@@kylmiii you can pick it up by the bell or if you can, with your hands in playing position (you can do this if picking up from the case or if it was lying down) When picking up from a stand. grasp it from below the neck tenon joint. Some people slip their finger under the tenon joint or Lyre screw, depending on the sax design.
Hey Jay! Just saw this video. So much good information. I Subscribe, have purchased your Swab kit, seen many of your videos, gotten valuable tips & exercises, etc. Although I’ve been playing professionally for many years, your channel has helped me improve considerably over the last 2 years. I’m looking for a Strathon AdjustaTone Tenor Mouthpiece with a 6 tip opening. Any Suggestions?Thank You!
i started paying the sax reed upside-down with the mouthpiece, my first tutor never ever seen someone play the sax like that before and he was blown away on how i did i managed it lol
Do you ever find yourself at the Festival Django Reinhardt in Samois-sur-Seine? I grew up there and have many fond memories of jazz wafting through the village, but haven't been back in some years.
Great video! I learned a lot, honestly.
Thanks shedbro
Hello, I'm a fellow sax player speaking on behalf of the audience. Simple, short, and concise question concerning both parties. Collab?
@@bettersax LMAO shedbro
I’m a late bloomer boomer here….took alto sax lessons when I was 43, then lost interest and now at age 67, taking a refresher course ……it’s all coming back to me…….these are great tips I didn’t know this! They didn’t RUclips when I first played sax…..now I can learn everything on RUclips university……Thankyou!!
My sax teacher is a 23 year old 😀I’m teaching him about rock n roll saxophone riffs from the 50s & 60s …….
Absolutely inspirational... don't stop learning...keep going. I just bought my first sax after working/ saving up for months and it's stuff like this that inspires me to learn the sax even as a young adult with no background in music or music notes at all 😅
Ok, here is number 12,
Never let sax hang from your neck strap unsupported with no hands. The neck strap could break or snap at any second, and bamm! Your sax is now smashed ! Always have 2 hands on sax or at least one hand. My strap hook separated from the sax body on my USAF mark 6, but I caught the horn!
I learned that the hard way....
Gives me the creeps when I see peeps letting the sax routinely hang by the strap, or routinely holding by one hand. Fair enough, there are times when you might have to BRIEFLY hold by one hand (turning sheet/book of music during practice at home or band room or during a marching band) but for Pete's sake not routinely 😱. If in doubt as to the potential damage, try dropping a sax from four feet to a hard floor 😳😳😳😳😳. Saxes are not as strong as they might appear; I have received two in the post, one with a damaged hard case and tone hole, the other with a smashed bell and disconnected bottom bow 🤬.
But i like hanging my alto
Ok here's another one, 7th grade band is done and kid says, I don't have time to put sax away, so I just carry fully assembled sax to parents car, who are waiting for him, I said, put your sax in the case. It only takes 45 seconds, sax body, fully swabbed, neck put away,clarinet swab through the neck, mouthpiece, reed, men's handkerchief pulled through mouthpiece. Neck strap done!
Yeah, I sometimes do it for like 0.00001 milliseconds every once in a while
Thanks for making this! It gives a clear reasoning why we want to avoid these certain mistakes, super helpful!
You’re welcome!
One thing I might add is to clean and disinfect your mouthpiece and reeds if you haven't played your horn in a while. I don't usually get my tenor sax out during the 6 month period between band performances. I generally practice on my EWI or clarinet for the sanity of my family. I had meticulously cleaned my horn before putting it away after the Christmas concert and when I took it out and played at the first rehearsal in June, I figured it would be good to go. About 6 hours later I started getting sick and barely made the concert the next day. Turns out I got food poisoning from the mouthpiece. Crud had grown even though I thought it was clean. I was floored for 3 days, so clean it before you use it if it's not been out of the case!
All good advice! I've been guilty of many of these things myself, and learned the hard way :)) One from me: be very careful using a swab on a one-piece soprano - you may have to get it out in bits when it gets stuck on the octave key breather...
Don't hold the soprano upside down when swabbing. You have to turn it upside down to get the end of swab string to fall through but turn it the right way up before pulling the rest through. The swab can fall in on itself and you end up trying to pull more material than will fit though the narrow opening at the top of a soprano.
This shelf with mouthpieces is just a paradise!😃
im going to get a alto sax soon thanks for the tips so i make it last decades
#11 - NOT putting stickers on your sax for fear of "ruining" it.
Literally my #11
Ha ha !!!!!!
Stickers on your horn is the correct thing to do though.
I don't get it
I didn't and still don't care, I put a sticker on it that my crush game me and a sticker I've had for a while
Waiting for my Bettersax from Sweetwater. Thank you for waking up in me the little kid that used to play on a band, I just turned 66 and looking forward to make some music.
Congrats! Enjoy it.
Great tips Jay-I’m already doing all of these, but I think it’s probably because I’ve been taking your courses and listening to your RUclips videos for several years!
One of the little things that I do which may or may not prove useful for other people - when I’ve I finished with my sax, it is put on a stand and I then cover it with a cotton pillowcase just to keep dust out of the mechanics. Even in a really clean house it’s surprising how much dust there is floating about.
I was very fortunate, my first sax instructor started with the basic techniques mentioned.
Even though I knew about 80% of this info, the strong warning to keep mouthpieces away from light and use only cold water I will heed, as I was using lukewarm water for a better clean. And yes, after my repair tech overhauled my Conn transitional tenor, I could sense his displeasure for my decision to not get a new case for it even though he suggested I do that. The original case doesn’t smell and is in okay shape, but yes I admit that wedging T-shirts and socks into the case for protection is less than ideal. Good stuff Jay, thank you!
Thanks for this video!
It proves to me that I'm a good saxophonist.
Certainly not in playing my instrument, but at least in how I treat my Sax. ;)
There is none of these mistakes in my exercise behavior.
Not only is polishing an lacquered horn unnecessary, it is counter productive. Polishes are abrasive, and will quickly rub right through the lacquer. So unless you want to turn your horn into an unlacquered model, save the polish for your silver tea service.
Good tips. I regularly swab out my hard rubber mouthpiece, but there are some deposits that form on the outside near the tip, that aren't easy yo clean with cold water.
Over the years l don't swab my mouthpiece l always wash it out every time l am finished playing and or practising.
Thanks for number 5! It's so counterintuitive. I have stands now for my saxes but this should be taught to all young players. I definitely made this mistake and basically all beginners make it too!
I have a spit fluff that is 2 1/2 inches tall and 1 inch wide, and I don’t know if it does the same thing as your fancy mouthpiece swab. I’ve been playing for about 3 months, and I’m learning a lot about my sax by just watching this video. Thanks a lot!!!🎷😁
Thanks for taking time to awnser peoples questions about your vids!
1) i never had my hardrubber mouthpiece on sun.
2) i used only lukewarm water. I don't use hard rubber mouthpieces anymore, so no this problem anymore ;)
3) after playing i clean the mouthpiece with stream of water and time to time with toothbrush. But your seabs looks perfect!
4) following
5) i did not knew. If i cannot put the sax to stand, i put it on the left side but always on couch or bed or something soft.
6) never had such strange idea.
7) shame on me!
8) who can be so stupid?
9) i never polished my 50 years old sax. i like its de-lacquer look.
10) i use original case which looks as new, but yes, really new are surely better.
Perfect video Jay. Btw, how it goes with your Better tenor? Is already on the way?
Tenor is in development
So great that I have already done everything for up-keeping my saxophone through the years!
Jay, thank you so much for your reminder!
Thank you for all the video about saxophone. I love them
All very good advice! I wish I knew #10 some 30 years ago when I started learning on the same Keilwerth sax that my father got when he started learning as a kid!
Great video, Jay! Lots of great stuff packed into this video.
Yep. Made the UV mistake last week on my soprano MPC. Now it's cammo coloured for extra sneaky jazz.
This made me giggle
Thanks for all the info ,you're site is the greatest . Is there anyway to restore a green faded hard rubber mouthpiece
Yeah, my Bari Sax mouthpiece is almost green! That's my souvenir from 7 years of High School and College marching bands.
One more comment: I did buy a new case for my sax, because… yeah… Ick! However I kept the old one, due to the provenance. My horn may have been used in Glenn Miller’s Army Air Corps band. It came with the original box that has stenciling on it that may support this. Be sure before you trash that stinky old box, that it doesn’t hav some significance to the value of the horn.
I dig your channel, Jay! I haven’t visited in a while which is a shame! Mire shameful is I don’t practice near enough, not even close! I’m a baaaad boy!
Ciao
These rules apply to clarinets as well! I just got my Selmer Series 10 rebuilt a few weeks ago, but I still use my case since it is in great shape and not moldy or smelly. However, I do plan to get a saxophone and will take these to heart.
I just got a 1938 holton alto and can't wait to learn how to play it!😊
I actually polished my silver plated 70:s Weltklang baritone with household silver polish. Came out nice, it was all black and brown when I bought it. Of course I took all the keys off first and replaced most of the pads as they were in bad shape.
Just took a small plunge, got a YAS 23. Thanks for the tips. I definitely wouldn't have considered many of them.
Just bought the swab kit! Thank you Jay!
i definitely do some of these. thanks for these tips, i definitely learned some new things to avoid. Thanks, Jay!
Thanks for educating players on care of the sax. I must say I've never had a sax brought to my shop for laying the sax down wrong. If your sax goes out of adjustment laying it down "wrong" you need to get another sax. There is nothing wrong with laying it down on the way you commented. The keys and mechanism are usually pretty strong and won't be damaged this way. This is an old myth still perpetuating here I guess. Now, here's the one missed here big time. Never lift the sax out of the case by the bell! Ninety nine percent of saxes coming to me are damaged from doing this. Lifting it out wrong causes the metal to shift at the brace and causes the keys to fail to be able to close on the Bb, and B. Lift from the middle of the sax. This is a very nice feel and balance lifting it out and no you won't bend the keys or rods as they are pretty strong and have a tolerance level of bending. If a player feels they will bend then simply lift from the top but not the bell! Over my thirty years repairing saxes I see the same problem on almost every sax. We educate the players as soon as the sax is examined and see the light coming through the tone hole. If the bell is out of alignment, the bell has to be twisted back to position and not just bend the keys which may not solve the issue. Also, do not use alcohol on hard rubber mouthpieces as this dries out the rubber and makes them turn greenish. Hope the helps the players out there.
Great advice here. From the thumbnail photo, I initially thought the image on the left was don't buy a silver plated sax 😂. Now I see that it's a monochrome image (not to lay on the left side). A silver plated sax is perfectly fine...if you like polishing 😩. That unlaquered sax looked gorgeous 😍.
How can I get your practice tools
I give all my students a white 100% cotton men's handkerchief from K-mart or Walmart. This is perfect for wiping the inside of the hard rubber mouthpiece dry.
I'm glad you made this video! I did some of that mistakes, but I'm sure I will not from now on!
All great suggestions, I also specialize i repairing and restoring vintage Jazz instruments, my favorit is the Saxiphone!
I also reator vintage cases and try to bring them back to "Original" condition and shape.
i strive top restor these pieces for individuals who want to to play as close as possible vintage Jazz instruments in as best condition as possible today.
Yes this process is very time consuming, so to offset that cost i dont charge top dollar for my work, and am selective about my costomers and there love for vintage instruments.
i am a retierd Civil engineer and do this work for the people i meet and the love of the instruments and vintage music in general!
I get a tremendous sence of satisfaction restoring a vintage instrument. So when i finish my biggest reward is the look on peoples faces as they look and play one of these fine instruments i such nice condition, that my most satisfying reward doing this work!
of course i also enjoy customizing and upgrading these instruments to better and more modern standards so some users can experience what i call the "best of both worlds" in a completed finished instrument, and upgrading some of these fine instruments to be even better than they were the day they were new!
Anyways i enjoy your practical and information as i am not a "great playe" as i feel i am as a tech, but i certanily love 20TH CENTURY American Music!
GREAT 👍 VIDEO 📸.I LEARNED A LOT,HONESTLY.
Thanks Jay, for this important tips!
Just got my better sax cleaning kit, I’m a tenor saxophone in jazz band and trying for all suburban so I’m watching this for some tips. Still struggling with low notes tho
Superbly valuable video👍
5:45 Holy CRAP, that's my HORN. I HAVE a Buescher Aristocrat that I bought in a pawn shop in 1987 for FORTY BUCKS. Spent $85 on a repadding. It's got almost no lacquer left, but plays GREAT (or would if its owner could....)
For the hard rubber mouthpiece, does the sun only affect the looks or does it affect sound quality as well?
The sun could warp the mouthpiece. So it affects the playability too.
my buddy with a garbage rout found a retired rental (from oakland ca) Hollywood woodwinds Alto with 24kt gold plate. In a trash can. the steel pin springs worn. the seals leaking. valves loose because the hardware was worn. I found a 15$ amazon alto rebuild and spent a couple days overhauling it. only one seal from the kit didn't match the size. but that key sealed fine and didn't need a new one. it plays beautifully after overhauling.
Thanks for the advice. I didnt know the things i did were wrong till i watched this video. Again Thank you👍
i always brace the neck by grabbing it and not the horn when installing mouthpiece, since it's well greased it's not a hella tight fit. but i always disassemble neck first, reed, then swab neck and mouthpiece then pull them apart.
Any case recommendations? Alto (model 26)
Hi if you have any advice on what is a the best soft read in your opinion would appreciate any advice got an option to buy a used Yamaha has 62 do you think this will be ok for a beginner will hopefully progress and thoghtbbuy once kinda thing any advice welcome
Love the video Jay, but I’d love to see more Bari Sax videos.
for sure, I'd love some more tips for bari
Thanks for the information
This was very helpful
It can be somewhere between difficult to near impossible finding a case for a vintage horn if they have split bell keys or LHS bell keys.
Not true. My buescher aristocrat fits well into multiple modern cases.
@@bettersax oh really? what vintage? My 26 TT fails to fit into anything contemporary, my 57 Kohlert fits in very few, mid 60s Weltkangs also fit in very few, my 70s Rampone & Cazzani only fits in the same case that accomodates the Kohlert so you are either talking shit or have little experience fitting vintage saxophones into comtemporary cases. Its way less easy than you would have people believe. Re: the Aristocrat - what vintage?
I cannot envision anyone finding themselves satisfied with stuffing a saxophone case full of unwanted T-Shirts or foam to secure a saxophone. Many of my horns simply will not fit into other cases. The bell is too big OR too off-set OR the bell keys are on the wrong side etc etc etc. Too numerous posts at SOTW by those seeking a case that fits their horn.
@@apistosig4173 Protec cases should work. I keep my Aristocrats in an XL shaped case and the ProTec alto/soprano double case without problems. The XL will also fit the 400 with the enlarged bell.
I just hate the nylon and plastic...
@@Ambaryerno That's useful to know, having seen the XL, I would also hate the zips; much prefer old school quick action metal catches ☺️. Listings for the XL state it accommodates (most?) vintage/big bell horns, so might be OK for my Buescher Super 400 (big bell, keys on rear of bell). I previously considered a Hiscox case but it was unclear whether it would fit. I have a Conn 10M in a Hiscox case (left hand bell keys); that fits fine.
Edit: Just been informed that the only modern case that will satisfactory accommodate the BS400 is the Protec XL (nylon/zips 😔) and the Gator ABS (might need additional internal padding 🤨).
What do you do for a case when it's a Conn new wonder series one c melody?
i am just curious but can you do tips on maintaining specifically a bari sax
Does laying on the key on true for bari too?
what would you recommend for cleaning a bari sax?
Hey I have a brush does that work as a mouthpiece cleaner
For the first time which is the change of color in the sun. What do I do if I’m in marching band. Is there a mouthpiece that is more resistant or a different material?
Thanks for the advice. For me it is also essential to wash your hands with neutral soap before and after using the saxophone. The grease from your hands contaminates and rusts it and the metal parts of the sax also contaminate your hands, which is not very hygienic.
And the most important....love your sax!!!❤❤
Thanks for this Jay 🙏
Hey all a bit of advice, always wanted to learn to play the saxophone, was about to pull,the trigger and saw a video saying you can gat mouth injuries from your teeth cutting in to your bottom gum and split lips from the reed, any advice and honesty from the professionals on this channel would be gratefully received, as I’m as keen as mustard to get in to the learning,
That won't be a problem if you use soft enough reeds and don't bite too hard.
thanks for the info loving ur videos
I just started playing alto sax thank you
Thank you bro !
If we leave it in the case, does it matter how we lay it?
How do you suggest best taking care of a case? I've got a BAM Trekking for my alto Reference (both were bought from new). Dust-like bits and pieces of what-not collects in the bottom of the case and I just pick it out. But surely, some of it must get in the sax - not to mention whatever sax grime gets in the lining. Vacuuming it too harsh, I'm guessing, and using any kind of cleaning product will probably leave residue damaging the sax. Any ideas?
You can use a brush to clean stuff out.
I agree with everything he said except for throwing out the old case . Certainly if it stinks, however old original Conn and martin cases are collectible. Believe or not there are people who are missing the original case, and they are willing to pay high dollar.
My thoughts, exactly! I would consider it tragic to separate my 1923 Martin from its case and mouthpiece. No way! My dad always kept a bar of soap in his old 1957 Gretsch guitar case. He's almost twenty years deceased, but opening the case to play has a distinct irreplaceable scent that brings back so many reminiscences and memories. All I can advise is to take care of your gear. Somehow, we've lost the willingness to leave a legacy for others from ourselves.
@@PhinAI yes exactly
Ditto. If you spent a gazillion dollars on a collectible vintage you should definitely keep the old case if original to the horn. Buy a new second case to store the sax but please keep the original.
i have a vintage conn case!! i don’t use it as i worry about it breaking as it’s 90 years old, but i love it sm it’s so pretty
Question for the the Soprano sax players here. My dad is learning on a curved suprano saxophone which i understand is a Bb intrument. When I ask him to play a C note the tunner shows me an A, when i am expecting an A#/Bb? We tried tunning it form the neck to get it there it can't as it seems to bottom out and stays too flat still. What can be the issue so that we can't tune it to a proper A#. He has been playing it as if it was a B natural instrument. I play a Bb flat trumpet and it would make it easier if we were tune the same. Help please. Thank you.
This vid was amazing and I barely knew these things and I’m so thankful I watched this but I’m wondering… for bari, when I don’t have my stand with me what side should I lay it on? Because when on the “wrong” side the the top bow and bottom bow seem to be the only parts touching the surface and they are just pure hard brass
Love this channel! Thanks
Thanks for watching!
I know it’s a year later and I may not get a response, but with #1 could a reed cap fix that problem if you’re playing outside? In marching band it seemed like I was the only one that used mine and my reeds lasted longer but also my mouthpiece is still in extremely good condition.
I just received my Selmer supreme and after a month of practice sill have problems with low E through especially low B flat as well as middle G and to a lessor extent A. In your video same instrument you made or had changes made for your style (only). Were they small tweaks or did they related to some of my issues. Thanks for your help.
Get your supreme looked at by a technician. You very likely have some leaks. You should be able to get it looked at by the shop that sold it to you and they hopefully they won’t charge you if you just purchased it new.
Love it when I see a Buescher!!
I've had a few professional sax players recommend I keep my mouthpiece on my neck most of the time so I get a better seal around the cork and consistent tuning. When I've finished playing I swab through them together. I also apply cork grease regularly... Is this ok?
That advice doesn't make any sense. We need to adjust our mouthpiece position on the cork reacting to the environment and the tuning of other instruments we play with. Cork is an organic substance who's lifespan will be greatly reduced by leaving the mouthpiece on the neck. Many professional saxophonists are terrible when it comes to taking care of their own instruments and maintenance which is part of the reason videos like this one are necessary.
@@bettersax thank you for replying and for the advice! I agree that the tuning argument isn't great, but the constant taking off and putting on again of the mouthpiece can also damage the cork, no?
My sax came in a wooden case, it s a Jupiter JAS-669, will the case be fine? It’s god a decently thick layer of wood on it and from what I have seen it was taken good care of, along with a repair tech a went to a little bit ago and he never commented on the case, I’d just like to know
how often do i have to change reed's
Thank you so much for number 5! I’ve been doing it wrong for years, I wish I knew earlier.
Watch out of you play baritone.
You don‘t want to lay most of them on the key side
Hi Jay, what case do you recommend for my Yanagisawa 9930 Tenor? Thanks, Dave.👍
I like BAM cases.
@@bettersax I’ll check ‘em out, thanks! I was checking out a video of you playing Tenor Madness with Joey D. Good stuff!!
@@bettersax what one do you use?
Thanks for what you do. I'm wanting to get back into playing. I own a 1904 Conn Pro (Silver) in very good shape. I think I should sell it and get a modern instrument. What do you think?
I'm a clarinet player and beginner clarinet players should see this video, they could avoid bad habits (the legendary "not swabbing mouthpiece"...), and on Bass and Alto clarinets we have metal part to take care of.
muchas gracias.
Great vid. Thanks. (43 yo guitarist/drummer/singer thinking about getting a sax)
I tend to have this white gunk that builds up on my mouthpiece and similar gunk that builds up on my reed. Is there something i can do to fix this?
Yes, swab out the horn, neck and mouthpiece using our swab kit after every playing session.
Great tips Jay! How do you recommend picking the sax up? From the body or from the bell?
Doesn’t matter really. I pick it up mostly from the body near the bell to body brace.
Always best to use 2 hands when picking up the sax.
loved the vid.
alto or tenor?
Thank you
What are your thoughts about silver saxes and polishing them? I have a silver Mark VI and I use a specific sax cloth for silver saxes with the polish built in to keep it looking nice…any issues with that?
I had a silver soprano for 10 years. Had the problem I'm sure you're having with it tarnishing. I NEVER used polish and was told when I bought it that you should not use polish of any kind. Only a cloth specific for silver, yes they make them. That kept it nice and shiny. By the way, my icon is me with that sax.
Question about reusing the case. I am currently having my 1926 conn C melody overhauled. The case is musty as they usually are. I have been able to get some of the must smell out. Any suggestions on replacing that case as they don't make a molded gig bag for a c melody that I can find.
That’s a tough one. Not sure who makes a c melody case. You could get a soft gig bag that might fit but offer less protection.
can you make a video about hitting the upper register on bari sax? and more bari videos in general :)
#1 picking up the sax by the neck!
Wait how are you supposed to pick it up?
@@kylmiii you can pick it up by the bell or if you can, with your hands in playing position (you can do this if picking up from the case or if it was lying down) When picking up from a stand. grasp it from below the neck tenon joint. Some people slip their finger under the tenon joint or Lyre screw, depending on the sax design.
Hey Jay! Just saw this video. So much good information. I Subscribe, have purchased your Swab kit, seen many of your videos, gotten valuable tips & exercises, etc. Although I’ve been playing professionally for many years, your channel has helped me improve considerably over the last 2 years. I’m looking for a Strathon AdjustaTone Tenor Mouthpiece with a 6 tip opening. Any Suggestions?Thank You!
Oh no.... where was this video back in 1990 🤔🥴😂. I've d@mn near boiled many of old "vintage" hard rubber mouthpieces. Love your channel... Thanks Jay!
Thank you for the tips! I’ll make sure to avoid these mistakes so I don’t run into bad habits.
Does the sax swab work with clarinet
it depends on which one you buy but generally speaking anything that's for soprano sax likely works with clarinet too
i started paying the sax reed upside-down with the mouthpiece, my first tutor never ever seen someone play the sax like that before and he was blown away on how i did i managed it lol
My teacher gave me a brush to use on the mouthpiece. Does that work the same as a swab? Just wondering.
Swabs are better.
Do you ever find yourself at the Festival Django Reinhardt in Samois-sur-Seine? I grew up there and have many fond memories of jazz wafting through the village, but haven't been back in some years.