The saxophone is arguably the most iconic of all instruments, but with its graceful form and soulful tone it's easy to forget that it's still a machine. It's a complicated machine, too, and even a slight fault in the mechanism can affect the way it feels and plays. This innovative manual explains clearly and simply how the mechanism functions and what can be done to maintain it, as well as to improve its performance with professional set-up techniques, with few or no specialist tools. This manual is essential reading for everyone who plays the saxophone.

Table of Contents

The action described - how it works and what can go wrong. Lubrication and preventing wear. Removing and refitting the keywork. Setting up the action - improving the feel and tweaking for performance. Trouble-shooting common problems - tricks, tips and trade secrets. Major problems - when to call on a repairer.

About the Author

Stephen Howard has been a professional repairer for over 30 years, and a player for even longer. He has an international reputation for his down-to-earth approach that cuts through the myth and jargon and gets straight to the point in an informal and engaging style.