[Mando]

I recently got a tenor saxophone. I'm realizing how much larger it is than my alto, and I wonder if it is important to buy a new LARGER swab than what I currently have for my alto?

 

[Guto]

watch how well your swab scrubs against the walls and tone holes as you pass it through, how much humidity it pulls. if it barely touches the walls, then I'd say yes, get a larger one made for tenor. otherwise your alto swab will probably work OK.

 

[JL]

Yes, get one for your tenor. I'd highly recommend a Hodge silk tenor saxophone swab. It will do the job and will also work on the neck and mpc (unless it's a really small chamber mpc):

https://www.amazon.com/Hodge-Silk-Tenor-Saxophone-Swab/dp/B0002F4YFA

Also, after swabbing it out, it's a good idea to leave the sax out on its stand or in an open case for a couple of hours (or more) to let it dry thoroughly (esp the pads) before closing it up in the case. If on a gig, just do that after you get home.

 

[Guto]

Yes, get one for your tenor. I'd highly recommend a Hodge silk tenor saxophone swab. It will do the job and will also work on the neck and mpc (unless it's a really small chamber mpc):

https://www.amazon.com/Hodge-Silk-Tenor-Saxophone-Swab/dp/B0002F4YFA

Also, after swabbing it out, it's a good idea to leave the sax out on its stand or in an open case for a couple of hours (or more) to let it dry thoroughly (esp the pads) before closing it up in the case. If on a gig, just do that after you get home.

JL, I concur with both your recommendations! The latter point about letting it dry out completely before closing the case was a revelation to me about a decade ago. I always leave my sax to dry overnight before shutting the case. Ever since I adopted this routine, no more verdigris, red oxidation spots, nothing. Also my pads and sax adjustment seems to last longer. Storing with humidity is indeed the #1 enemy of saxophones.

 

[Islander51]

I have tried a few of them best so far for me on my Tenor is Yamaha they make a big one with two handles up can pull it back if it hangs on something and they are durable.
I now have two I run one thru hang it up run the 2nd one thru to finish. I have a smaller one for the neck and a brush with a swab on the other end do the neck and mouthpiece with that. Then I leave the sax on the stand in my air conditioned house it dries completly that way before I put it in the case. Major investment worth the few minutes to keep it up.
Islander

 

[AddictedToSax]

JL, I concur with both your recommendations! The latter point about letting it dry out completely before closing the case was a revelation to me about a decade ago. I always leave my sax to dry overnight before shutting the case. Ever since I adopted this routine, no more verdigris, red oxidation spots, nothing. Also my pads and sax adjustment seems to last longer. Storing with humidity is indeed the #1 enemy of saxophones.

When I got my Buffet Crampon R13 clarinet back in 1975 there were instructions that came with it that said to leave the case open for a few hours after you finish playing. I've been doing that with all my instruments ever since. Good advice. Even after you swab it out there's still moisture in the pads, and in a wood clarinet some remains in the wood pores.

 

[nvilletele]

I really like the Cannonball Drag'N Swab, but as the below thread indicates, it is hard to find many places to get one. It seems slightly discounted now at Paige's music. In the link for Paige's in the below thread they only show the alto one, but the tenor link is on the page for the alto one, but here it is too: http://www.paigesmusic.com/paiges/run?id=6&_item=7021081&_modbrand=&lvid=423

I got mine from a store in Albany NY but they wouldn't ship it, so I had a friend who lives there go buy it for me.

As with many in the thread, I don't understand why these are so difficult to get anywhere other than these very few places. They really are great swabs, different from any others I have seen.

https://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?170343-Cannonball-Drag-N-Swab-where-to-buy

 

[clodius]

Big thumbs up for the Cannonball Drag'N Swab. I can imagine using anything else. Of course I am anal about cleaning my horns. After swabbing, Key Leaves Spit Sponge on all the pads, then I put on the Key Leaves. Half hour with the "Horn Blower" USB fan then I leave the horn out for an hour before it goes in the case. No more sticky G#.

 

[saxyjare01]

I love the Boston Sax Shop tenor swab. I’d highly recommend it!

 

[BrianMitchellBrody]

Cannonball Dragon Swab

 

[mmichel]

I've used this Music Medic one for something like 15 years now. It's simple and inexpensive and works really well. The outside is a sort of microsuede that grips onto the inside of the bore and really absorbs water well, and the core is some sort of foam. It's held up through years of use and washings.

I like using silk swabs on clarinet and soprano, but this works much better for tenor, IMO.

 

[CliveMA]

 

[skeller047]

I just make my own from a chamois. Cut a long triangle, the base should be wide enough to completely go around the diameter of the bell, but no wider. Attach a long string (I used thin paracord), put a weight on the end (I wrap some solder around the end of the cord, then cover with shrink tubing), and you've got a washable swab that will last for years. Total outlay around $30, and some pleasant crafty time. I make a small one for the neck and mouthpiece.

One chamois will be enough for several horns, so if you have a tenor and an alto, you basically get 2 swabs for $30. Plus you will have enough to make neck/mouthpiece swabs. And maybe one for a clarinet!

Chamois - $13 on Amazon: Amazon.com: Airlab Chamois Cloth for Car - 35'' x 23.6'' - Drying Towel Natural Shammy Towel Real Leather Washing Cloth Cleaning Towel Car Wipes: Home & Kitchen
Paracord - $6 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Gear-Aid-Paracord-Carabiner-Utility/dp/B07JHNQ9XM/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1
Solder - $6 on Amazon: SONEAK 60/40 Rosin Core Solder, Pocket Tube Solder Wire Tin Lead Electrical Soldering Tools for DIY 0.8mm (1 Pack) - - Amazon.com
Heat Shrink tube - $6 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/TEMCo-Marine...2LG7G2/ref=sr_1_6?crid=33TFX9IRRROC1&dchild=1

Make sure to get thin paracord, the 550 stuff is too stiff to make a good swab.

I have used chamois swabs on clarinet and saxophone for 60 years, I change them every 5 or so (10??) years, when they get funky just wash in the sink with dishwashing soap (you should probably wash the chamois before using it the first time), I swab my horns every time I play them, I've never had an issue with these. Cheaper than the ones you buy, and better too.

 

[BalancedReaction]

I use a BG round swab for the body, which is easy to use and wipes it well. For the neck and mouthpiece, I happen to use a curved soprano swab.