Saxophone Advice needed

My son is motivated to learn the saxophone, but is kind of skeved out by the idea of a used saxophone where someone has already had their saliva in it. We actually own an old /used clarinet that we would let him try, but wondered if there is a method of cleaning/sterilizing the inside. Are mold and germs a factor in used woodwind instruments? He has a history of lung ailments (RSV) so we don't want to take any chances.

What would you expect to pay for a new saxophone that is of generally good quality for a beginner? What brand or vender would you suggest?

Your advice would be appreciated.

Thanx!

I've never heard of sterilizing the actual horn, but you'd definitely want to sterilize the mouthpiece and, obviously, start with a new reed. 
 

Try sending a PM to Softball35. He's not here much anymore, but he's played Saxaphone (and did repairs on them too) for many, many, many years. 

That's crazy talk! Buy a new mouthpiece - end of story. I've played sax for many years, and I'm certain nothing more is needed.

Mouthpieces are easily replaced, really.

Thanks for the imput. There is no problem with buying a new mouth piece and reed..total cost should not exceed $40. Our concern is if an old wet clarinet is left in a musty moldy basement, could it get moldy? It sounds like over reacting, but the kid has reactive airway disease.

Yes, it could.
 
Assuming plastic, just swab it out with rubbing alcohol.

I would think mold on a saxophone would be very apparent. 

proglawyer


Thanks for the imput. There is no problem with buying a new mouth piece and reed..total cost should not exceed $40. Our concern is if an old wet clarinet is left in a musty moldy basement, could it get moldy? It sounds like over reacting, but the kid has reactive airway disease.

I don't think it could get moldy, but just look into it in the light. There are ways to clean them more than the swab. I can't remember now though been 8 years since I played. Be careful cleaning!

Rane


I would think mold on a saxophone would be very apparent. 

A little blackness in the edge around the pads might not be.
 
If you really wanted to be righteous about it, I'd remove all the pads, hose the thing down in alcohol (assuming, at least for the clarinet, that it is not wood), and have the pads replaced.
 
Me?  I played public woodwinds and didn't give it a thought.  Then again, I didn't have respiratory problems.

I'd say if it's been stowed away for any length of time you should replace the pads. Especially given the pulmonary condition. It can be a bit pricey to have the maintenance done, though.

Thanks all! Good advice here.

DTman2112


I'd say if it's been stowed away for any length of time you should replace the pads. Especially given the pulmonary condition. It can be a bit pricey to have the maintenance done, though.

This.  I was a sax major in college.  If it has indeed been sitting around you'll pretty much HAVE to replace the pads, and that ain't cheap.  Over time, they harden and don't seal the holes very well.  The mouthpiece I'd recommend is a Selmer C* (C-star).  GREAT mouthpiece.  You know, you might be better off going to a local music store and renting one.  It's usually a rent-to-own type program and usually comes with insurance.  Around where I live, the price is around $30 a month.  As a band director, I deal with this stuff all the time.  PM me if you'd like to know more.