[Mando]

I’m going to lightly lubricate my used Yamaha 23, as one or two places need a touch, and I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt other mechanisms to have a tiny bit. I see the local music shop sells light, medium, and heavy key oil. My instinct would be to go for light, but that’s based on a wheelbarrow-full of ignorance. Any better informed advice is most welcomed.

 

[bruce bailey]

It depends on how loose the keywork is. For saxes, I generally use about 30w for vintage horns to quiet the old keys. On modern flutes, usually a thinner oil like Al Cass valve oil or similar. It all depends on how much wear or wobble the keys have. My 30W is just common car engine oil.

 

[milandro]

oil ( which) and oiling (how to) has been the subject of lot of VERY heated debate (as it often happens among technicians ) over the years.

I chose just a few of the hundreds of hits, you will find all on how to and what with...

Good luck!

https://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?130833-Oiling-the-action

https://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?78372-Step-by-Step-Key-Oil-Procedures

https://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?144136-best-key-oil-for-woodwind

 

[B Flat]

I use chilli oil.

 

[PigSquealer]

I use chilli oil.

Avocado is better.

 

[PigSquealer]

I'm going to lightly lubricate my used Yamaha 23, as one or two places need a touch, and I'm sure it wouldn't hurt other mechanisms to have a tiny bit. I see the local music shop sells light, medium, and heavy key oil. My instinct would be to go for light, but that's based on a wheelbarrow-full of ignorance. Any better informed advice is most welcomed.

Are you mechanically inclined ? If your 23 is getting sticky it most likely needs cleaning too. Disassembled, cleaned , oiled & reassembled. Just take lots of pictures. Write notes. Study and ask questions before you start. Stop if you get stuck.
Know how to post pictures here for help.

A quality saxophone screwdriver and spring hook. Wrong size screwdriver will wedge screws into posts.

https://musicmedic.com/products/repair-tools/screwdrivers.html

See the repair & maintenance subsection here.

https://forum.saxontheweb.net/forumdisplay.php?54-Sax-Repair-Maintenance-and-Modification

good site to learn from.
http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/index.htm

 

[saxoclese]

This is what I use on most saxes Ultimax Low Viscoscity

 

[Johan H Nilsson]

Just take motor oil from your garage.

 

[turf3]

I just use the stuff marked "woodwind key oil" from the music store. Been working fine for the last 40 years or so.

 

[Mando]

Many thanks for the input. I hadn't realized this was a "what's the best lube for your bike chain" question! Lots of helpful info in your responses, though, and whatever choice I make, it will at least be an "informed" choice.

 

[Dr G]

There is an excellent video by Matt Stohrer on YouTube called "Saxophone Repair Topic: Changing the Oil".

 

[Bottle Opener]

Unfortunately, you won't find the answer on this website.

 

[Hassles]

"Oils Ain't Oils". Simply consider what you want & need the oil to do. A choice should be simple once you have answered these questions. Plenty of purpose specific oils to be had from woodwind stores and suppliers and these oils exist in applicator bottles which make the task easier (a bonus) OR take a read of Stephen Howard's Saxophone Manual where he cites SAE 80 as being "just right".

 

[skeller047]

I'm going to lightly lubricate my used Yamaha 23, as one or two places need a touch, and I'm sure it wouldn't hurt other mechanisms to have a tiny bit. I see the local music shop sells light, medium, and heavy key oil. My instinct would be to go for light, but that's based on a wheelbarrow-full of ignorance. Any better informed advice is most welcomed.

If you are going to oil it without taking the keys off, get the light stuff. If you are going to take the keys off, follow the Matt Stohrer video linked above. I use synthetic gear oil as recommended by Stephen Howard, but the Ultimax stuff from Music Medic is good too.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[reeddoubler]

40w motor oil. I was told Haynes used a couple of cases a year on their flutes.

 

[AddictedToSax]

Mando, you just got a lesson on "there are no simple answers on SOTW".

 

[PigSquealer]

Mando, you just got a lesson on "there are no simple answers on SOTW".

Today I'm using a mediterranean mix. Goes good with anything.

 

[Mando]

yuck yuck yuck. I’d try a bit of olive oil, but Popeye might not like it.... Seriously, though, I do appreciate all the helpful info and links to info, and if the humour often lacks, just remember, as a bluegrass mandolin player, I’m used to corny jokes and banjos.

 

[BH9]

In southern Alabama we prefer bacon grease.

 

[PigSquealer]

In southern Alabama we prefer bacon grease.

Ouch!