Haynes Saxophone Manual -

Howard is very clear: "Do not try this on your Mark VI." He recommends buying a cheap student horn to practice on first. That is honest advice.

Let’s look under the hood.

Crucially, Howard draws a line in the sand. He explicitly states which repairs a player can safely do themselves (like oiling pivot screws or replacing a cork) and which repairs should be left to professionals (like dent removal or a complete repad). This honesty has saved countless amateur musicians from ruining their instruments. Haynes Saxophone Manual