Orchestra : The Importance of Maintaining Your Instrument

The basics for maintaining your instrument

Brass

Maintaining brass instruments will prolong their use and quality of sound for years to come. Follow these basic guidelines to keep your instrument in good working order:

  1. Flush brass once a month with warm water, rinse with clean cold water, and dry thoroughly
  2. Purchase proper brushes (a good flexible brush and valve brush are a must) to clean tubing, slides, and valve casings – select from a wide variety available at Jent’s
  3. Use a lint-free cloth to clean valves, one-by-one, removing all moisture
  4. Purchase good quality oil for lubrication, applying three drops to the casings weekly
  5. Loosen valve caps one half turn when finished playing to allow moisture to dissipate
  6. Bath trombones monthly by filling the slide with warm soapy water and moving it up and down; rinse clean with cold water and repeat as necessary
  7. Spray the trombone stocking with water and apply tuning slide lubricate before reassembling
  8. Clean mouthpieces weekly with warm water and mild soap
  9. Keep instruments out of direct sunlight to avoid extremes in temperature and humidity