how often should I wax the pads

[linebacker]

I recently purchased a new, student tenor sax and am enjoying it to no end. My music schooling was the trumpet so I don't know much about maintaining my new sax. I've found a ton of info on the web, but can't find out how often, and what technique I should use, to wax the pads. Any advice will be appreciated.

[Alan1123]

I'll go on a limb here - and state that I've NEVER heard of waxing pads - and have never done such a thing. This includes saxes I've played since the mid-1980's.

 

The pads on saxes are leather. I would avoid any coatings. Frequently - the G# pad will stick - just place a dollar bill (or higher denomination if ya's got it) on the tone hole, press the key down, and pull the bill through. This will clean off any sticky residue.

[sunburstbasser]

I took a repair class and we never waxed pads. Dollars work very well, or if you roll your own strips of cigarette rolling papers can be pulled around to see whether each pad is sealing right.

[TimOBrien]

The idea is to keep the pads CLEAN so they can seal properly.

 

All wax is going to do is attract gunk that'll keep 'em from sealing.

 

Bad idea...

[Lambros]

Exactly, and pads are also minutely porous to the extent which allows them to be cleaned. It's amazing how handy Q-tips are in cleaning a sticky pad, with a quick swipe of of a drop of lighter fluid on the seating (dries almost immediately) followed by some water.

Some folks apply mink oil as a conditioner but this, too, creates a situation to trap dirt and dust.

[linebacker]

My thanks to everybody. You saved me from making a BIggggg mistake.