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The tips you will find here are not permanent, they are only intended for last minute repairs. Seek professional help afterward. |
[Pad problems][Springs, srews & Ligature][Other problems]
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"Sticky" pads
Simple, it is dirty just clean it with your cloth or paper money that works good too.
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Leaking pads
The smaller pads on top (high D, E/Eb &F) are the ones that need to be replaced the most frequently. You know those long ballons that clowns often use to shape animals and stuff? Those are the best ones, just cut about an inch and a half of the ballon and slip it around the key and over the pad. Of course, keep in mind that it's going to need to be replaced soon. (Unless you think it looks *groovy* ; in that case, I suggest that you put on a different color each time... heheheh)
Ballons work well for the small pads, if it's a larger one, use plastic wrap instead. However, it doesn't last as long as the ballons.
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Replacing a pad that fell off...
First thing to do is check if the pad is still in good condition. (look for cracks, molds or change in color)
If not in good condition you can temporarly make it hold and prevent leaks by using the ballon tip as described above.
It may happen in some cases that a pad in good condition falls, humidity does that sometimes. No sweat... on the back of the pad, there is some kind of semi-transparent "plastic-like" material. Not to confuse with the resonnator--> Round plastic button on the front of the pad. Place the pad back into it's place, hold your sax right side down, pick up a lighter and heat up the brass where the pad is located for a few seconds. Apply pressure for about 5 minutes. wipe off the black spot caused by the flame with your cloth.
If that doesn't do, melt a drop or two of candle wax behind the pad and repeat the same operation.
Use wax it's easyer to remove than glue. Also the ammount you put does have an effect on sound.
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Out of place Spring
Use your fingers if small enough or if not, a pair of tweeser to gently pull back in place. Don't sqweeze or force it, take your time.
Broken or loose springs.
Substitute the spring's action by tying an elastic around the key in question and thighten to a close-by part of the sax that's stable.
Broken or missing screw.
You know those wire made attaches that come with garbage bags and that we never use? Use one of those to temporarly replace the screw.
Broken Ligature
Same thing, substitute your ligature or it's screw(s) with garbage bag attaches.
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Cork no longer air tight
Well that must be the oldest trick in the book but here it is anyway... wrap a piece of paper around the cork to make it fit properly to your mouthpiece.
Missing felt
Cut a piece of felt the appropriate size and glue it where it belongs.
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