1. Place the thin end of your reed in your mouth to moisten it while you assemble the rest of the saxophone.

2. If the cork on the neck is dry, rub a small amount of cork grease on it.

3. Lift the body of your saxophone out of the case by the bell.

4. Hold the body of the saxophone with your left hand. Loosen the neck screw, and remove the end plug. Gently twist the neck into the body with your right hand, taking care not to bend the octave key. Tighten the neck screw.

5. Twist the mouthpiece gently onto the neck so that it covers approximately ½ of the cork.

6. With the ligature already around the mouthpiece, slide the thick end of the reed under the ligature and align the tip of the reed with the tip of the mouthpiece. Tighten the ligature screws to hold the reed firmly in place.

7. Put the neck strap around your neck and attach the hook to the ring on the back of the saxophone. Adjust the length of the strap so you can comfortably put the mouthpiece in your mouth.

When you finish playing

1. Disassemble your saxophone in the reverse order above.

2. Use your swab to remove moisture from inside your saxophone’s body and neck. Drop the weight end and string down the bell, turn the instrument upside down so the weight falls through the body and pull the swab through. (The brown leather pads under each key stop air flow when you play; moisture causes the pads to get stiff and leak, making your saxophone harder to play.)

3. Remove your reed from your mouthpiece and place it in your reed holder. (Your reed holder protects your reed and keeps it from warping.)

4. Use a lacquer polish cloth to wipe the fingerprints off your saxophone. (Your fingerprints contain acid that will make your saxophone's finish dull.)

5. Put your saxophone in its case and fasten both latches. (Most saxophone damage occurs when the instrument is left out on a bed or a chair, or on the floor. If you'd like to leave it out, use a saxophone stand.)

6. Check for loose objects in your case that could bounce into your saxophone, scratching or denting it.

Periodically

1. Clean your mouthpiece with a mouthpiece brush and warm water.

2. Clean the finish of your saxophone thoroughly with a saxophone polish cloth. (Liquid polish is not recommended as it can ruin the pads, and brass polish should never be used as it removes a saxophone's clear lacquer.)

3. Use a small key brush to clean between the keys.

4. Wash out your swab or replace it with a new one.

5. Apply a small amount of key oil to the pivot points of your keys. (To apply the right amount, put a drip of oil on a piece of paper; then dip a toothpick into it and touch it to the pivot points on your saxophone.)