42-POINT PROFESSIONAL SET-UP

INCLUDED WITH ALL SAXOPHONES

At SAX, we have over 25 years of experience and a deep understanding of the crucial role a professionally set-up saxophone plays. Our dedicated team of experienced technicians meticulously checks and sets up all of our instruments, regardless of their size or price. When you choose to buy a saxophone from SAX, we prioritize providing you with an instrument that performs at its absolute best. We believe that our pro set up is essential to ensure your satisfaction with the saxophone you're purchasing.

Furthermore, we offer an exclusive benefit to our customers. Any new saxophone purchased from us can be returned within a year for a FREE checkover. This service guarantees that your saxophone continues to deliver its optimal performance over time. We are committed to supporting you on your musical journey and ensuring that your saxophone remains in top shape.

The SET-UP Process

Initial Handling
  • 24 hour acclimatisation period
  • Careful and professional unboxing
  • Case interior and exterior fully inspected
  • Confirm contents and accessories

Visual Checks
  • Exterior finish
  • Interior finish/bore
  • Neck cork 
  • Mouthpiece and ligature 
  • Straightness of body tube
  • Bell alignment
  • Solder joints
  • Posts and ribs
  • Braces
  • Tone hole shapes and surfaces
  • Key guards and screws
  • Thumb rest and screw
  • Neck screw
  • Lyre Screw
Mechanical Checks
  • Key fit
  • Springs and spring tensions
  • Pivot screws
  • Hinge tubes and rods
  • Key rollers
  • Lubrication
  • Neck tenon fit
Regulation and pad checks
  • Pads and resonators visually checked
  • Pad seals fully checked and adjusted
  • Key heights set
  • Key corks
  • Key felts
  • Adjustment screws
Playability checks
  • All key action verified
  • Basic intonation
  • Play-test all notes in a variety of dynamic ranges
  • Play-test chromatic scales and arpeggios
  • Playtest alternate fingerings
  • Mouthpiece fitting checked
Final packing
  • Clean and polish instrument
  • Replace bell key transit corks where necessary
  • Repack in original internal packing
  • Repack case into original box with any packing
  • Sealed in double ply branded boxes with additional packing

MEET OUR TECHNICIANS

AMY CRAIG

Amy, who started playing clarinet at 13, joined SAX after training at the Newark School of Woodwind Repair, specializing in saxophones. With extensive experience and a passion for reviving vintage instruments, she now leads the service department, ensuring smooth operations and expert repairs in both workshops.

LEWIS MACE

Lewis Mace, after two years of playing saxophone, studied music specializing in popular music for a year and jazz for two years. Inspired by a local repairer, he pursued his passion for making and repairing woodwind instruments. At Newark College, he mastered Woodwind Making & Repair, building Boehm system clarinets and maintaining the entire woodwind family. He also studied Engineering and tool making, acquiring the ability to craft his own tools. Lewis has worked with many renowned saxophonists, providing them with confidence for large-scale tours.

MARK BISHOP

Mark joined the store after completing The Woodwind making and repair course at Newark. Since the store's opening on Denmark Street, he has accumulated extensive experience working with a diverse range of saxophones spanning various eras. With a specialization in restoring vintage horns and key-work modification. His expertise and attention to detail ensure that these professional players can confidently perform at their large-scale gigs, knowing that their instruments have been meticulously cared for and optimized under Mark's skilled hands.

We're here to help

Purchasing a saxophone can be overwhelming and confusing. But fret not! Our knowledgeable team of experienced saxophone players is readily available to assist you every step of the way. Whether you have inquiries or require guidance, we're here to provide the answers and support you need to make an informed decision.

SPEAK TO A SAX SPECIALIST