Every one has probably seen or at least heard off key leaves for sax . Blocking open 2 keys down by the bow . I made my own out of dense scrap foam rubber ,and started to block open all of the keys ,thinking the ones closer to the mouth piece get a lot of moisture also . Run a swab set them and leave them in for an hour or so, sax out of the case, this is at home of course . My question being does this wear out springs and is it overkill ? The saxophones I have purchased seem to have the pads closer to the mouthpiece in worse condition than the rest , has any one else noticed this , thanks in advance
leaves and keys
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I think the one designed for the palm keys is more useful (I have both). Those are the pads that rot and need to be replaced sooner. Having said that, I haven't been using either as much since I got some spit sponges. I have the same concerns regarding springs.
https://keyleaves.com/collections/all/products/spit-sponge-saxophone-size
https://keyleaves.com/collections/all/products/spit-sponge-saxophone-size
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I doubt anyone really has any way of knowing the effect those things have on springs. It would take some very scientific testing to figure that out, though I doubt, slipping a piece of paper under the G# key, as many of us do, has and real effect. I swab, then put a pad saver in the bore, for an hour on the stand, and then air dry with the pad saver removed, but of course, I'm only playing at home, so that's an easy solution for me. I used to do a piece of copy paper under the G#, too, but I haven't had to do that, for quite awhile, and I've had no sticking keys, anywhere on the horn.
I've used the Key Leaves now for just over 1 year on my alto and tenor. I HIGHLY recommend you give them a shot. They are super easy to use, and you won't even need to put anything under your G# key anymore. (I used to do the same like you with tissue paper, dollar bills, cigarette paper, even my shirt tail at times). I think you will be very surprised at how well they work, I know I certainly was. Check them out!
JepFo
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How will I know how well they work if I have never had a problem needing that solution?
Well, I see that you put a piece of tissue paper under your G# key, and that reminded me of how I used to do the same. I was just making a friendly suggestion about a possible alternative that I think you might be happy with.
While key leaves, paper, etc. work great, I ask myself is it worth the hassle to deal with these every day when I could get by just occasionally using a dollar bill or cigarette paper?
If you've never had a sticky pad like the good Doctor, then maybe you're doing something to prevent it, like diligent swabbing, drying on a stand or avoiding food/drink when you play. Or maybe you live in Arizona or are incredibly lucky.
If you've never had a sticky pad like the good Doctor, then maybe you're doing something to prevent it, like diligent swabbing, drying on a stand or avoiding food/drink when you play. Or maybe you live in Arizona or are incredibly lucky.
Lydian, I wish I was as lucky as the Doctor! I religiously swab the body, neck and mouthpiece in order to prevent a dirty horn/sticky pads. I try very hard to not eat before I play. I've even brought toothbrush and paste to a club gig and brushed in the restroom after! Yet I still get a sticky G#, usually while I'm in the middle of a song! Who knows, it could be the pH in my saliva, or just the luck of the draw. Either way, I found the Key Leaves to really help, and putting them on and taking them off takes no time at all. I spend more time swabbing out the horn after playing (I actually swab at least twice). But hey, if you don't need the Key Leaves, I totally get it. I just think they work for people who are still having sticky pads despite doing the regular daily maintenance routine we all do.
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