Problem Solving.  

Saxophones have very few problems but its well worth getting to know the mechanics of your instrument just in case.  

Sticky Pads.  Pads can get sticky if the inside of the sax is not dried properly,  and then they either stay stuck down or have a "delayed reaction" when you use them.  You can usually solve the sticky pad problem in the following way.  Cut a strip of clean white paper slightly wider than the problem pad and slide it under the pad. Push down firmly on the pad and drag the paper out, hopefully dragging out the sticky substance as well.  You usually have to repeat this 3 - 4 times. If it's still sticky put a little talcum powder on the paper or scribble on the paper with a lead pencil, then repeat the process. In our workshop we use Yamaha Powder Papers.

Springs.  Every key has a spring that returns it to its position of rest.  This is not a curly spring but a straight rod of sprung steel approx. 2-3 cm. long that looks like a pin. Very occasionally these break but more often they just come unhooked. This is usually the problem if you have a key just flapping about with no tension on it.  Several times I've travelled for 1 hour or more to spend 10 seconds hooking a spring back on !  Waggle the key up and down and follow the rod that operates it until you find the spring.  The spring will be held firmly at one end and should be hooked under a notch at the other. If it appears to have come out from under the notch, try to hook it back under again.  Sometimes these can be fiddly to get to and I've found a straightened paper clip with a 90 degree bend at the end, a very useful tool.

Sax only playing in the upper octave. This can be a few different things but it is very common for the octave mechanism to get slightly bent as you put the crook on and off.  This results in the tiny pad sitting on the top of the crook not sitting down properly and sealing the hole. You can take it to a repairer or try just squeezing the curved metal mechanism attached to the crook so that the pad sits down properly.

Your sax will benefit greatly from an annual service by an experienced brass and woodwind repairer.

Sax Repairs and Servicing