Brass+Maintenance

There are several daily maintenance procedures that will lengthen the life of and improve the playing of a brass instrument. All water key corks should work. All tuning slides should move freely. Care must be taken not top dent the instruments. Even small dents will affect the sound produced by the instrument. Daily Maintenance
 * Empty all water out of the horn when you finish playing each time. If necessary pull slides that might have water in them.
 * Take a soft, clean cloth and wipe off the outside of the instrument, especially where has been touched by your hands.
 * Run a mouthpiece brush through the mouthpiece and wipe off its rim.
 * When you put your instrument up, do not store other stuff in your case, unless there is a compartment for other items.
 * Latch your case every time. You never know when someone else might pick it up.

Monthly Maintenance Once a month you should give your brass instrument a thorough cleaning. When disassembling your instrument, be careful. Brass instruments dent very easily.


 * Fill a large sink or bathtub (depending on the size of your instrument) with luke-warm water. Do not use hot water. It will melt the lacquer on your instrument.
 * Mix a mild dish washing detergent in the water. (I suggest using Dawn)
 * Take your instrument apart. Pull all slides and place them into the water. Allow them to soak for approximately 15 minutes.
 * Place the main body of the instrument in the water. You can also put the mouthpiece in. Take all of the valve caps off and put them the water as well.
 * Do not put the valves in the water.
 * While the instrument is soaking rinse each valve with warm water. Make sure that you can identify which valve they are. If they are not numbered, make sure that you can keep them in order.
 * After about 15 minutes, take each part and run a snake through it, loosening the dirt inside.
 * Then run clean water through each part.
 * Set each part up, and allow to dry. Continue with each part of your instrument.
 * When you have cleaned each part, take a soft, dry cloth and wipe off the outside of your instrument.
 * Grease each slide and put back in its correct place.
 * Lightly oil the valves and place them back in their correct valve casing. Wipe off the outside of the instrument.