| The saxophone is easy to assemble, but there are a | | | | you play the Alto, or to your right side. If you play the |
| few things to watch out for. You should never force | | | | Tenor or Baritone, the saxophone should go to your |
| anything together! If it doesn't fit together easily, you | | | | right side. When you are standing, you can play all |
| should always use cork grease to help put the parts | | | | saxophones in front. Your neck strap should be |
| together. Cork grease can be purchased at a local | | | | positioned so that you can sit up straight and the |
| music store. It comes in liquid or a grease type | | | | mouthpiece will come directly into your mouth. If you |
| substance (like lip balm). | | | | have to stoop over, or lift your head up, you should |
| First, on all types of saxophones, you should put the | | | | adjust the neck strap to accommodate. If your head is |
| neck into the body of the instrument. If it doesn't go in | | | | tilted down it will cut off the air supply slightly. You can |
| easily, check to see if the screw on the side is | | | | try bending your head and breathing. Now put your |
| tightened. It will need to be loosened to fit in nicely. If | | | | head straight and feel how much easier it is to breath! |
| you have an older saxophone, the neck might not stay | | | | Your right hand should go down to the bottom half of |
| put when you place it in and tighten the screw. In this | | | | the saxophone, and your left hand on the top of the |
| case, you might consider NOT greasing the neck, but | | | | instrument. Your hands will form a "C" curve. Let you |
| wiping it clean instead. If it continues to be a problem, | | | | arms dangle to your sides and look at your hands. |
| take it to a repair shop and have the neck widened. | | | | They will naturally form the shape of a "C". This is the |
| The neck should line up straight with the saxophone. | | | | ideal hand position for playing the saxophone. Your |
| Sometimes the octave key will be affected if it is not | | | | fingers will touch the pearls on the saxophone. Use the |
| straight. Next place the mouthpiece on the cork part of | | | | fleshy part of the end of you finger to press the key. |
| the neck. You want to push the mouthpiece on with a | | | | The palms of your hands will press other keys that |
| gentle twisting motion. Cork grease may be necessary | | | | you see on your sax. Make sure that your fingers are |
| to help it go on smoothly. You should push the | | | | not pressing other keys at the same time. If you even |
| mouthpiece on about 3/4ths of the way to start with. | | | | press one other key, the note you intend to play will |
| The actual place will be determined later on in order to | | | | not happen! Always remain relaxed when you play. No |
| put the instrument in tune. "In tune" means that the | | | | part of your body should ever be tense. |
| instrument is playing at the same frequency as | | | | With good posture comes good sound and a much |
| another instrument. | | | | better playing experience! |
| The saxophone can be held in between your legs if | | | | |