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You must assemble, clean, and tune your new saxophone prior to playing.
Saxophones are delicate instruments and can be damaged easily. Handle
with care. If you have a saxophone instructor we recommend you see him
or her to assist you with assembling, cleaning and tuning your
instrument for the first time.
If cannot wait, follow the steps below:
 
Neck
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Take the neck out of the case being sure to hold it with the palm of your hand over the octave key
- Apply a small amount of cork grease to the cork-end of the neck and
attach the mouthpiece to the neck using a slow twisting motion to push
the mouthpiece about 3/4 of the way down.
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Remove the saxophone body from the case by lifting from the bell. Remember; do NOT grab the instrument over the keys or rods!
- Cecilio saxophones are shipped with small pieces of shipping foam
lodged between some keys to protect your instrument during shipping.
Remove these being careful not to inadvertently remove any piece of
cork or knock a spring out of place.
- While holding the saxophone from the bell, loosen the neck screw
and attach the neck by inserting it into the neck receiver using a slow
twisting motion then retighten the neck screw. If there is too much
friction you can apply a small amount of cork grease on the neck joint.
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Next attach the reed to the mouthpiece and adjust the reed. See below
Attaching the Reed
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Moisten the thin end of the reed in your mouth or in cup of water.
- Remove the ligature from the mouthpiece then position the reed on
the mouthpiece so that the tip of the mouthpiece is seen just over the
end of the reed.
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While holding the reed in place slide the ligature over the reed and
mouthpiece, adjust to fit, and tighten the ligature screws.
Tuning your Saxophone
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Pitch is affected by temperature, so warm your saxophone up before playing by blowing air through it.
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Be sure that the mouthpiece covers 3/4 of the neck cork. This is ideal placement for tuning.
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Use the correct pitch for tuning. Eb Alto saxophone tuning pitch is G, the Bb Tenor and Bb Soprano saxophone use tuning pitch C.
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Pulling out or pushing in the mouthpiece in small increments can adjust the intonation from sharp
to flat.
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The length you pull out, or push in, depends on individual preference and method of playing.
Maintenance
It is important to disassemble and thoroughly clean the instrument
after playing, and especially prior to placing it in its case for
storage between playing sessions. We recommend that you follow the
routine below to ensure that the instrument is kept in peak condition
by using the products contained in the Saxophone Care Kit (Model C-SCK)
In addition to the steps described below we recommend that you take
you instrument to a skilled technician at least once a year to be
serviced.
Removing your reed
Remove the reed from the mouthpiece by loosening the ligature and
sliding it off. Gently dry the reed with a clean cloth and place it in
a reed holder.
Cleaning the interior
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After playing always insert your cleaning swab into your instrument to remove moisture.
- After each use rub the outside of the mouthpiece with a soft cloth
then scrub the inside of your mouthpiece with a mouthpiece brush. You
can use lukewarm water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a
soft cloth.
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Use a neck snake once a week to remove particles and moisture from the
neck of your saxophone. Run the brush end through the neck to remove
particles. Use the cotton swab end to remove any residue and/or
moisture.
Cleaning the Pads
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Dry the pads by inserting cleaning pad paper between it and the tone
hole. Lightly press the key down and carefully pull the paper away
Cleaning the exterior
- After each use, rub on outside of your instrument to remove
particles and fingerprints. Rub briskly to return finish to its fine
luster.
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Use a key brush once a week to remove dust or lint that accumulates around post and springs and under key rods.
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Use a pipe cleaner on hard to reach areas.
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Apply small amounts of cork grease on neck cork to maintain the quality
of the cork and to make mouthpiece assembly easy. Remember to always
remove your mouthpiece when not in use.
Other helpful hints
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Avoid fluids that contain sugar prior to playing. If drinking or eating prior to playing rinse out
your mouth.
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Remove your trumpet from its case by lifting it from the lead pipe and bell
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Always remove the mouthpiece from your trumpet when not in use
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Always store your trumpet in its case when not in use to prevent damage
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Your instrument is a valuable item and should be treated with respect.
By following the guidelines above your instrument should provide you
and your listeners with years of enjoyment
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