Cecilio saxophones are precision made instruments and are tested at the factory.  Prior to shipping, each instrument is inspected by skilled technicians at our southern California distribution center.  However, because saxophones are fragile instruments they can get out of adjustment in the shipping process:  Keys can become bent, screws can come loose, or springs can become mis-aligned. If this occurs, it may be necessary to have your saxophone adjusted by a local technician.

Getting Started

You must assemble, clean, and tune your new saxophone prior to playing. Saxophones are delicate instruments and can be damaged easily. Handle with care. If you have a saxophone instructor, we recommend having your instructor assist you with assembling, cleaning and tuning your instrument for the first time.

If you cannot wait for assistance, follow the steps below:

Neck

• Take the neck out of the case being sure to hold it with the palm of your hand over the octave key.
• Apply a small amount of cork grease to the cork-end of the neck and attach the mouthpiece to the neck using a slow twisting motion to push the mouthpiece about 3/4 of the way down.
• Remove the saxophone body from the case by lifting from the bell. Remember; do NOT grab the instrument over the keys or rods!
• Cecilio saxophones are shipped with small pieces of shipping foam lodged between some keys to protect the instrument during shipping.  Remove these being careful not to inadvertently remove any piece of cork or knock a spring out of place.
• While holding the saxophone from the bell, loosen the neck screw and attach the neck by inserting it into the neck receiver using a slow twisting motion then re-tighten the neck screw. If there is too much friction, you can apply a small amount of cork grease onto  the neck joint.
• Next attach the reed to the mouthpiece and adjust the reed. See instructions below:

Attaching the Reed

• Moisten the thin end of the reed in your mouth or in a cup of water.
• Remove the ligature from the mouthpiece and position the reed on the mouthpiece so that the tip of the mouthpiece is seen just over the end of the reed.
• While holding the reed in place slide the ligature over the reed and mouthpiece, adjust to fit, and tighten the ligature screws.

Tuning your Saxophone

• Pitch is affected by temperature, warm your saxophone before playing by blowing air through it.
• Assure that the mouthpiece covers 3/4 of the neck cork. This is the best placement for tuning.
• Use the correct pitch for tuning.  Eb Alto saxophone tuning pitch is G, the Bb Tenor and Bb Soprano saxophone tuning pitch is C.
•  Pulling out or pushing in the mouthpiece in small increments will adjust the intonation from sharp to flat.
• The length of pulling out, or pushing in, depends on individual preference and method of playing.

Maintenance

Remember to disassemble and thoroughly clean the instrument after playing, especially prior to placing it in its case for storage between playing sessions. It is recommended that you follow the routine below to ensure that the instrument is kept in peak condition by using the products contained in the Saxophone Care Kit (Model C-SCK)

In addition to the steps described below, it is recommended that you take your instrument to a skilled technician at least once a year to be serviced.

Removing the reed

Remove the reed from the mouthpiece by loosening the ligature and sliding it off. Gently dry the reed with a clean cloth and place it in a reed holder.

Cleaning the interior

• After playing, always insert your cleaning swab into your instrument to remove moisture.
• After each use, rub the outside of the mouthpiece with a soft cloth and scrub the inside of your mouthpiece with a mouthpiece brush.  Use lukewarm water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
• Use a neck snake once a week to remove particles and moisture from the neck of your saxophone. Run the brush end through the neck to remove particles. Use the cotton swab end to remove any residue and moisture.

Cleaning the Pads

• Dry the pads by inserting a cleaning pad paper between it and the tone hole. Lightly press the key down and carefully pull the paper away.

Cleaning the exterior

• After each use, rub on the outside of your instrument with a polishing cloth to remove particles and fingerprints. Rub thoroughly to return the finish to its fine luster.
• Use a key brush once a week to remove dust or lint which accumulates around post, springs and under key rods.
• Use a pipe cleaner on hard to reach surfaces.
• Apply small amounts of cork grease on neck cork to maintain the quality of the cork and to assemble the mouthpiece easier. Remember to always remove the mouthpiece when not in use.

Other helpful hints

• Avoid consuming fluids that contain sugar prior to playing. If drinking or eating prior to playing, remember to rinse your mouth.
• Remove your saxophone from its case by lifting it from the lead pipe and bell.
• Always remove the mouthpiece from your saxophone when not in use.
• Always store your saxophone in its case to prevent damage.
• Your instrument is a valuable item and should be treated with respect.   By following the guidelines above, your instrument should provide you and your listeners with years of enjoyment.
• If you are uncertain after reading these guidelines on how to assemble and clean your Cecilio saxophone, seek advice from a local music store or a music teacher.
• Damage caused by incorrect assembly and/or inappropriate handling will not be covered by the warranty.

Cecilio Musical Instruments Warranty Information

The terms and conditions listed here will govern all warranty claims for Cecilio Musical Instruments products.

These terms and conditions cover all instruments manufactured and distributed by Cecilio Musical Instruments. There is no additional warranty, express or implied.

Cecilio Musical Instruments warrants its instruments to be free of defect in material and construction for 1-year from the date of purchase. Warranty excludes accessories and cases. Please see below for limitations and restrictions to this warranty. Cecilio Musical Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace any item found to have been defective in materials or manufacture under the terms stated here. Cecilio Musical Instruments shall be the sole arbiter of eligibility for warranty repair or replacement. Cecilio Musical Instruments liability is limited to repair or replacement of defective items.

To be eligible for warranty coverage, the original purchaser of the item must return the defective item, together with the original receipt of purchase, to Great Musical Instruments. Great Musical Instruments will  make arrangements with Cecilio Musical Instruments for repair or replacement of the defective item.

Cecilio Musical Instruments reserves the right to make changes to this warranty. The policies in place at the time of purchase will be honored.

Restrictions:

• 1-year warranty applies only to original purchaser of instrument
• Warranty does not cover strings, reeds, cases or other free accessories
• Damage caused by neglect or misuse of instrument is not covered
• Delicate instruments are affected by climatic conditions. Exposure to excessive heat, cold, dryness, or moisture is considered neglect
• Instrument adjustment is not covered by this warranty
• Normal wear caused by normal use of items is not covered by this warranty
• Natural products, such as wood, cannot be guaranteed against cracking, seam separation, warping of fingerboard or chipping