The saxophone is easy to assemble, but there are a few things to watch out for.
You should never force anything together! If it doesn't fit together easily, you should always use cork grease to help put the parts together.
Cork grease can be purchased at a local music store.
It comes in liquid or a grease type substance (like lip balm).
First, on all types of saxophones, you should put the neck into the body of the instrument.
If it doesn't go in easily, check to see if the screw on the side is tightened.
It will need to be loosened to fit in nicely.
If you have an older saxophone, the neck might not stay put when you place it in and tighten the screw.
In this case, you might consider NOT greasing the neck, but wiping it clean instead.
If it continues to be a problem, take it to a repair shop and have the neck widened.
The neck should line up straight with the saxophone.
Sometimes the octave key will be affected if it is not straight.
Next place the mouthpiece on the cork part of the neck.
You want to push the mouthpiece on with a gentle twisting motion.
Cork grease may be necessary to help it go on smoothly.
You should push the mouthpiece on about 3/4ths of the way to start with.
The actual place will be determined later on in order to put the instrument in tune.
"In tune" means that the instrument is playing at the same frequency as another instrument.
The saxophone can be held in between your legs if you play the Alto, or to your right side.
If you play the Tenor or Baritone, the saxophone should go to your right side.
When you are standing, you can play all saxophones in front.
Your neck strap should be positioned so that you can sit up straight and the mouthpiece will come directly into your mouth.
If you have to stoop over, or lift your head up, you should adjust the neck strap to accommodate.
If your head is tilted down it will cut off the air supply slightly.
You can try bending your head and breathing.
Now put your head straight and feel how much easier it is to breath! Your right hand should go down to the bottom half of the saxophone, and your left hand on the top of the instrument.
Your hands will form a "C" curve.
Let you arms dangle to your sides and look at your hands.
They will naturally form the shape of a "C".
This is the ideal hand position for playing the saxophone.
Your fingers will touch the pearls on the saxophone.
Use the fleshy part of the end of you finger to press the key.
The palms of your hands will press other keys that you see on your sax.
Make sure that your fingers are not pressing other keys at the same time.
If you even press one other key, the note you intend to play will not happen! Always remain relaxed when you play.
No part of your body should ever be tense.
With good posture comes good sound and a much better playing experience!