Mouthpieces Mouthpiece & Reed Hygiene

[kevgermany]

no cos I don't chew gum and I do brush my teeth twice a day, just not before the sax.

 

[TomMapfumo]

no cos I don't chew gum and I do brush my teeth twice a day, just not before the sax.

So where does the Gunk come from - either your mouth or? You may need to brush them three times a day AND use chewing gum to help develop a Gunk free existence......................

Love and Cuddles,
Tom

 

[sushidushi]

I think it's time to give my mouthpiece a thorough clean.

 

[gregerhillman]

Hi David!

This is my checklist and advice for keeping reeds, mouthpiece and saxophone in good shape.

1. Always brush teeth before playing the sax

Simply because you do not want to blow what's left of lunch into your horn. Same thing goes for sodas and snacks. If you don't take care of your mouth hygiene in this way your sax will soon be hard to play and you'll have sticky pads and eventually you'll have to bring it to the shop.

2. Never leave the reed you play on the mouthpiece when your done playing

For several reasons. The hygiene aspect applies here as we'll, but also the fact that the reed will last longer and play a lot better if you keep it in a reed guard, which will keep the reed flat even as it drys up. I use an old reed on the mouthpiece because you do not want to screw the ligature on the MP without a reed. Why, well because that will damage the flat surface of the mouthpiece, which needs to be without ANY damages. If you got dents or similar damage there it will cause the air to leak between the reed and MP, which messes up your overall sax sound and playing.

3. Keep a separate toothbrush to be used when cleaning out the mouthpiece using just water and maybe a little soap.

I use a separate toothbrush for my mouthpieces. You should be careful not to use too hot water, especially if you play a rubber mouthpiece.
I've actually tried cleaning one mouthpiece I had (should probably add that this was waaaaay back) by putting it in boiling water. Yes, it was a rubber MP. No, hadn't been drinking. I just wanted it to be super duper clean. Needless to say, that mouthpiece is no more.
There you go, now you do not have to make that mistake😉


4. Use a rag or a piece of toilet paper / hanky to wipe the mouthpiece clean after playing and secure the reed in the reed guard

As soon as I am done playing I always clean out the sax using a rag and as far as the mouthpiece goes I wipe it down with a rag or piece of paper.
You do not want to wait before taking care of the mp and reed because that will make it harder to keep it in good shape.

I normally clean my mouthpiece once a week using just water and a bit of soap.

*sidenote: Did you know that the bacteria that ends up in your mouthpiece if you do not take good care of it on a regular basis soon adds up to more than you find in poo? Yes, I'm serious! Keep it clean

Hope that helps,

Play On!

//Greger