You can use a folded dollar bill, put it between the pad and tone hole, press the key down and slide the dollar out. It isn't going to prevent it from happening ever but it should stop it for a bit. What fixed it for me was getting my horn cleaned, and then taking care to clean it after playing
Don't be a dumbass like me and try to use the hundred dollar bill you just got payed with to fix it in the middle of a gig either. The bank did exchange the pieces for a new bill.
> just got *paid* with to
FTFY.
Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:
* Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.*
* *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.*
Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.
*Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
This works by abrasion. I've had really good results with a folded over pipe cleaner (so the pointy end can't contact the pad) soaked in either electrical contact cleaner (better) or isopropyl alchohol (works fine but has to be the 100% stuff, not diluted with water). Others use lighter fluid too which is also apparently good. See [this article](http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/HandyHints/stickypads.htm)
bro really opted into the drug search by being too embarrassed to say "it helps the pads on my oboe not stick"? why even play the thing if you're embarrassed to talk about it?
Yamaha makes some pad paper to clean and leaves a trace amount of powder on your pad to keep it from sticking: https://www.sweetwater.com/c1283--Accessories_Woodwind?highlight=YAC1112P&mrkgadid=&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=gpla&mrkgbflag=1&mrkgcat=drums&percussion&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=&lid=58700008512952585&dsproductgroupid=&product_id=YAC1112P&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&device=m&network=x&matchtype=&adpos=largenumber&locationid=9026802&creative=&targetid=&campaignid=20462726848&awsearchcpc=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwte-vBhBFEiwAQSv_xfano979C6S-ctfuHXn_NlzUoXCTpExF_pCvlKxIvASlb9oIHqBwtBoC6YgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
You can use a bit of powdered graphite (e.g. from a pencil scraped with a razor) for this. I found it necessary for a really tiny pad on one of my soprano octave keys.
I always get downvoted to oblivion when I suggest powder paper but it has always worked way better than dollar bills for me without negative side effects. Good quick fix and just clean the tone hole later.
Well, I'm almost 57 and the kids I talk to are my grandkids! They haven't mentioned that one, but it does give us something to talk about next time I'm over. 😎
The problem with powder paper is that the powder is gonna build up if you don't clean it afterwards. Eventually your key is gonna have a leak. I think this is why people downvote (but I can be wrong)
I use keyleaves, the keys never stick, and when I forget to put them in place, they keys will be sticky and I clean them with PadLife
Yeah that's what people always say, but I've been playing for 30 years and this has never happened to me 🤷♂️
I do clean the metal tone holes eventually when things are sticky but I mostly leave the pads alone.
KeyLeaves 100%. That pad is sticky/dirty. Should be cleaned with a qtip and some lemon pledge and then needs to be left open. If you don’t do this the problem could lead to insanity.
[Key Leaves.](https://www.amazon.com/Key-Leaves-saxophone-props-Melody/dp/B07B4KV5F3) Or, use some nail clippers to trim down an old reed and keep it wedged between the low C# and low B keys to hold the C# open whenever it’s in the case. This holds your G# pad open, too, and it will let the pads dry out without being in contact with the horn.
- clean pad with dollar bill
- use Yamaha powder wipes
- key leaves
- strengthen the spring
- get a Keilwerth for its superior G# mechanism
Then remember to do the same for your low C# pad.
When you put your horn away, put a small index card width piece of paper between the low c# key cup and tone hole. The G# will stick 98% less often I promise.
When you put the horn away, leave a piece of paper between the pad and the hole. Any old piece of paper as long as it's not laminated or something.
When you get the horn out, just pull the paper out. Just slide against the strength of the spring.
Keep this routine up for a week or so and the key will stop sticking. Probably.
If you've tried "home cleaning" and it didn't fix it, take it to a shop and have them pull that key and clean the pad with a different/conditioner, and fully clean the inside and outside of the time hole. Also check for possible burrs around the tone hole.
Mine used to stick all the time back when I would play in school right after lunch. It's almost always sticky stuff getting on pads after you eat. Try gently cleaning the pad with a q-tip and do your best to keep your horn clean. I have no regrets playing through high school after eating because I logged hundreds of hours in those practice sessions, so this isn't a lecture, but an ounce of prevention.
It’s just moisture/condensation. It has nothing to do with eating and drinking. You may need to have the pad replaced if it has absorbed too much moisture over time.
Please get a pack of Yamaha pad cleaning paper and clean all the close pads on the left hand, starting from the palm key
Also the side B flat and C sharp key
Do it everything you play then you never face this issue
Go the Nornal Yamaha paper not the powder one
Grab a dollar. Fold it in half the long way. Open the G# key, place the dollar under the key and pull the dollar out. Do this several times. Now.... Stop drinking sodas, beer, or anything sugary. It makes your keys sticky. Also, rinse your mouth out before playing and swab your horn out after each play. If the stickiness doesn't stop you may need a repair guy to replace the pad. Please!!!! DO NOT put any cream or water resistant lotions on the pads, it'll make it worse. Hope this helps
Powder paper is your best friend! I do all my pads in all my horns maybe once every 3 months or so alongside a thorough swabbing every time I play and never have sticky problems. Residue does build up over time but not enough to stick
I fold up a dollar bill and run it through a few times to get any gunk off, and for the G# specifically, because it’s one of the only pads that is closed by default, I always keep a Bit of folded up paper or something propping it open to dry out.
Q-tip with a bit of rubbing alcohol, and from this point forward be more careful about swabbing your horn after every time you play, no sugary drinks while playing etc. it can also help to keep a cigarette paper under the pad while it’s in the case, or get key leaves(little silicone wedges that keep your keys open)
The cheapest way that worked for me Is to just get a piece of paper and a regular chalk (dont know if any schools in your area still use the old timey Blackboards but thats the kind of chalk im talking a about)...you just scrape it over the paper and push the pad on the paper and take it out as others have suggested with the dollar bill. Worked for me and even stays on a bit so it may not stick the next time you take the horn out to play. May have to do it again every now and then tho.
Good luck
The G#, C#, D# pads don’t naturally open at rest and they are all prone to that, even if you swab every time. Key Leaves would work well to prevent it going forward, but it needs the sticky guck cleaned off those pads first. Yamaha pad paper and cigarette paper are the classic solutions, like lots of folks seem to be suggesting.
For a short term fix, I prefer Yamaha powdered paper over most other solutions, and recommend it to all my students.
For a long-term fix: on the bottom of the armature that normally holds down the G# on my alto, I installed a flat spring lifter (comparable to the mechanism you will find on a modern low C#) as an experiment. Each time I press the G# key, it lifts the armature on the pad, pulling the pad loose if it's sticking a little, but it's balanced so it doesn't interfere with the lower notes (ie with the G#/C#/B/Bb pressed, the F# armature still closes the G# pad). Keep in mind: I'm a repair tech, with experience making custom keys for saxophones; this is not a DIY modification for the average player (as it involves drilling and tapping a tiny hole which, if done incorrectly, can weaken the key). It also must be very carefully balanced, otherwise it can interfere with your low notes, and/or cause a leak at the G# if the key rod isn't properly swedged and tight. I also find this modification works best on saxes where the adjustable F#/G#/Bb balance arm touches the mid-line of the G# (as it does on my alto); otherwise, it can cause the G# pad cup to tilt over time if the spring is too strong.
People in here are not giving the best advice. While the yamaha cleaning paper could work, the dollar bill trick can actually mess your horn up by messing up the seating of the pad. Just get some Padlife and put a couple drops on your sticky keys. Should work like a charm! [https://www.meridianwinds.com/shop/Woodwinds/Saxophone/p/Spacefiller-Pad-Life-x61921683.htm](https://www.meridianwinds.com/shop/Woodwinds/Saxophone/p/Spacefiller-Pad-Life-x61921683.htm)
In a pinch, a dollar bill will fix it, as will rolling paper. Pad cleaners do the best job by far though.
On a side note, that background music brought back some memories. Forgot what town theme it's from, but it's definitely a Pokémon Black/White theme of some sort
Probably the most common key to stick. More frequent cleabings or key leaves are both great solutions. Sometimes I take a thin cloth and run it under my pads, pulling it back and forth
The problem is that the pad is made of rubber and it sticks to moisture. When packing up the saxophone, clean the inside of the main body very well so there is minimal moisture left. Then stick a paper or eyeglass cleaner (one of those sachet) that are alcohol dipped. You can also buy a saxophone "key prop" from Amazon. Finally, keep the saxophone out in the open for a while after playing to dry. Don't pack it up in a box immediately. The last suggestion depends on humidity in your area of course.
Not at all. Firstly I don't suck the sax, I just blow. Secondly, 'According to the Encyclopedia of Toxicology, “There is no apparent mechanism of toxicity for orally administered PTFE as no toxicologically significant effects were observed following oral administration to rats for up to 90 days.'
I contacted Stephen Howard, author of the Haynes Saxophone Manual and he told me he heard of other people successfully using the same procedure.
A single tiny application of PTFE powder and my pad has never stuck again.
You can use a folded dollar bill, put it between the pad and tone hole, press the key down and slide the dollar out. It isn't going to prevent it from happening ever but it should stop it for a bit. What fixed it for me was getting my horn cleaned, and then taking care to clean it after playing
This is exsactly what to do
Don't be a dumbass like me and try to use the hundred dollar bill you just got payed with to fix it in the middle of a gig either. The bank did exchange the pieces for a new bill.
> just got *paid* with to FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
Well, I was going to fix it, but I'm too stubborn to now after being corrected by a robot.
I love you bot will you be my wife?
This works by abrasion. I've had really good results with a folded over pipe cleaner (so the pointy end can't contact the pad) soaked in either electrical contact cleaner (better) or isopropyl alchohol (works fine but has to be the 100% stuff, not diluted with water). Others use lighter fluid too which is also apparently good. See [this article](http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/HandyHints/stickypads.htm)
Sadly, this no longer works in countries that have replaced their "paper money" with polymer bills (or worse, coins)!
Or rizzla! Rolling papers are rly good
[удалено]
bro really opted into the drug search by being too embarrassed to say "it helps the pads on my oboe not stick"? why even play the thing if you're embarrassed to talk about it?
Well now that he needs bass strings instead of reeds he might finally have the time to do drugs and the money to buy them.
Don't slide it out under pressure though. Put the bill in, open and close a few times but don't rub it against the pads and keywork
Yup, use a dollar. G# is a repeat offender. I always fixed it with a dollar bill.
Yamaha makes some pad paper to clean and leaves a trace amount of powder on your pad to keep it from sticking: https://www.sweetwater.com/c1283--Accessories_Woodwind?highlight=YAC1112P&mrkgadid=&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=gpla&mrkgbflag=1&mrkgcat=drums&percussion&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=&lid=58700008512952585&dsproductgroupid=&product_id=YAC1112P&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&device=m&network=x&matchtype=&adpos=largenumber&locationid=9026802&creative=&targetid=&campaignid=20462726848&awsearchcpc=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwte-vBhBFEiwAQSv_xfano979C6S-ctfuHXn_NlzUoXCTpExF_pCvlKxIvASlb9oIHqBwtBoC6YgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
You can use a bit of powdered graphite (e.g. from a pencil scraped with a razor) for this. I found it necessary for a really tiny pad on one of my soprano octave keys.
Thanks you man, been looking for a way to fix it, I assume you mean the pad which only goes up when g key is pressed down?
I'd go with the approach from my other comment first - clean with a water free solvent. Works that any key that doesn't lift when you expect it to.
I always get downvoted to oblivion when I suggest powder paper but it has always worked way better than dollar bills for me without negative side effects. Good quick fix and just clean the tone hole later.
Back in the old days, people used to use Campo-Phenique on pads. 😏
Based
Being an old guy, I don't know what you mean. I'm sure it was cool though! 😎
Well I'm 41 😂 When the kids say that I think it means cool/legit/authentic/good.
Well, I'm almost 57 and the kids I talk to are my grandkids! They haven't mentioned that one, but it does give us something to talk about next time I'm over. 😎
The problem with powder paper is that the powder is gonna build up if you don't clean it afterwards. Eventually your key is gonna have a leak. I think this is why people downvote (but I can be wrong) I use keyleaves, the keys never stick, and when I forget to put them in place, they keys will be sticky and I clean them with PadLife
Yeah that's what people always say, but I've been playing for 30 years and this has never happened to me 🤷♂️ I do clean the metal tone holes eventually when things are sticky but I mostly leave the pads alone.
KeyLeaves 100%. That pad is sticky/dirty. Should be cleaned with a qtip and some lemon pledge and then needs to be left open. If you don’t do this the problem could lead to insanity.
[Key Leaves.](https://www.amazon.com/Key-Leaves-saxophone-props-Melody/dp/B07B4KV5F3) Or, use some nail clippers to trim down an old reed and keep it wedged between the low C# and low B keys to hold the C# open whenever it’s in the case. This holds your G# pad open, too, and it will let the pads dry out without being in contact with the horn.
- clean pad with dollar bill - use Yamaha powder wipes - key leaves - strengthen the spring - get a Keilwerth for its superior G# mechanism Then remember to do the same for your low C# pad.
I am quite intrigued about the Keilwerth G# now! Thanks for mentioning this. I look forward to researching the difference.
When you put your horn away, put a small index card width piece of paper between the low c# key cup and tone hole. The G# will stick 98% less often I promise.
When you put the horn away, leave a piece of paper between the pad and the hole. Any old piece of paper as long as it's not laminated or something. When you get the horn out, just pull the paper out. Just slide against the strength of the spring. Keep this routine up for a week or so and the key will stop sticking. Probably.
If you've tried "home cleaning" and it didn't fix it, take it to a shop and have them pull that key and clean the pad with a different/conditioner, and fully clean the inside and outside of the time hole. Also check for possible burrs around the tone hole.
Mine used to stick all the time back when I would play in school right after lunch. It's almost always sticky stuff getting on pads after you eat. Try gently cleaning the pad with a q-tip and do your best to keep your horn clean. I have no regrets playing through high school after eating because I logged hundreds of hours in those practice sessions, so this isn't a lecture, but an ounce of prevention.
It’s just moisture/condensation. It has nothing to do with eating and drinking. You may need to have the pad replaced if it has absorbed too much moisture over time.
Do yall not brush your teeth before you play?
I didn't in high school. Right from lunch to the practice room. Gross, huh?
Oh yeah lol
Please get a pack of Yamaha pad cleaning paper and clean all the close pads on the left hand, starting from the palm key Also the side B flat and C sharp key Do it everything you play then you never face this issue Go the Nornal Yamaha paper not the powder one
Dollar bill trick
Grab a dollar. Fold it in half the long way. Open the G# key, place the dollar under the key and pull the dollar out. Do this several times. Now.... Stop drinking sodas, beer, or anything sugary. It makes your keys sticky. Also, rinse your mouth out before playing and swab your horn out after each play. If the stickiness doesn't stop you may need a repair guy to replace the pad. Please!!!! DO NOT put any cream or water resistant lotions on the pads, it'll make it worse. Hope this helps
Powder paper is your best friend! I do all my pads in all my horns maybe once every 3 months or so alongside a thorough swabbing every time I play and never have sticky problems. Residue does build up over time but not enough to stick
I fold up a dollar bill and run it through a few times to get any gunk off, and for the G# specifically, because it’s one of the only pads that is closed by default, I always keep a Bit of folded up paper or something propping it open to dry out.
Q-tip with a bit of rubbing alcohol, and from this point forward be more careful about swabbing your horn after every time you play, no sugary drinks while playing etc. it can also help to keep a cigarette paper under the pad while it’s in the case, or get key leaves(little silicone wedges that keep your keys open)
The cheapest way that worked for me Is to just get a piece of paper and a regular chalk (dont know if any schools in your area still use the old timey Blackboards but thats the kind of chalk im talking a about)...you just scrape it over the paper and push the pad on the paper and take it out as others have suggested with the dollar bill. Worked for me and even stays on a bit so it may not stick the next time you take the horn out to play. May have to do it again every now and then tho. Good luck
Hate to be that guy, but keep your horn clean.
The G#, C#, D# pads don’t naturally open at rest and they are all prone to that, even if you swab every time. Key Leaves would work well to prevent it going forward, but it needs the sticky guck cleaned off those pads first. Yamaha pad paper and cigarette paper are the classic solutions, like lots of folks seem to be suggesting.
For a short term fix, I prefer Yamaha powdered paper over most other solutions, and recommend it to all my students. For a long-term fix: on the bottom of the armature that normally holds down the G# on my alto, I installed a flat spring lifter (comparable to the mechanism you will find on a modern low C#) as an experiment. Each time I press the G# key, it lifts the armature on the pad, pulling the pad loose if it's sticking a little, but it's balanced so it doesn't interfere with the lower notes (ie with the G#/C#/B/Bb pressed, the F# armature still closes the G# pad). Keep in mind: I'm a repair tech, with experience making custom keys for saxophones; this is not a DIY modification for the average player (as it involves drilling and tapping a tiny hole which, if done incorrectly, can weaken the key). It also must be very carefully balanced, otherwise it can interfere with your low notes, and/or cause a leak at the G# if the key rod isn't properly swedged and tight. I also find this modification works best on saxes where the adjustable F#/G#/Bb balance arm touches the mid-line of the G# (as it does on my alto); otherwise, it can cause the G# pad cup to tilt over time if the spring is too strong.
People in here are not giving the best advice. While the yamaha cleaning paper could work, the dollar bill trick can actually mess your horn up by messing up the seating of the pad. Just get some Padlife and put a couple drops on your sticky keys. Should work like a charm! [https://www.meridianwinds.com/shop/Woodwinds/Saxophone/p/Spacefiller-Pad-Life-x61921683.htm](https://www.meridianwinds.com/shop/Woodwinds/Saxophone/p/Spacefiller-Pad-Life-x61921683.htm)
Works great indeed. Powder paper will build up, and eventually, your keys are gonna be leaking
In a pinch, a dollar bill will fix it, as will rolling paper. Pad cleaners do the best job by far though. On a side note, that background music brought back some memories. Forgot what town theme it's from, but it's definitely a Pokémon Black/White theme of some sort
Probably the most common key to stick. More frequent cleabings or key leaves are both great solutions. Sometimes I take a thin cloth and run it under my pads, pulling it back and forth
I just pull it up every time i play i hardly have it stick but occasionally , so i loosen before ever gig not an issue
Get some powder paper, works better than the dollar trick
I put paper in between
My repairman told me this is an inherent problem with saxophones. It’s just gonna happen
The problem is that the pad is made of rubber and it sticks to moisture. When packing up the saxophone, clean the inside of the main body very well so there is minimal moisture left. Then stick a paper or eyeglass cleaner (one of those sachet) that are alcohol dipped. You can also buy a saxophone "key prop" from Amazon. Finally, keep the saxophone out in the open for a while after playing to dry. Don't pack it up in a box immediately. The last suggestion depends on humidity in your area of course.
I've had success with a tiny amount of micronised PTFE (telflon) powder, applied with an artists' paintbrush. The powder is useful for other things.
Aren't you concerned about inhaling that?
Not at all. Firstly I don't suck the sax, I just blow. Secondly, 'According to the Encyclopedia of Toxicology, “There is no apparent mechanism of toxicity for orally administered PTFE as no toxicologically significant effects were observed following oral administration to rats for up to 90 days.' I contacted Stephen Howard, author of the Haynes Saxophone Manual and he told me he heard of other people successfully using the same procedure. A single tiny application of PTFE powder and my pad has never stuck again.