french horn maintenance
Regular Lubricating and Cleaning
Periodic Maintenance
ONCE A WEEK (or as needed): Wash the mouthpiece in warm soapy water and clean with the mouthpiece brush. Flush the mouthpipe tubing with clear LUKEWARM water using the cleaning rod and cloth to remove all particles and residue.
EVERY TWO MONTHS: Remove all slides and valve caps from the instrument. Place all parts in the bathtub or a large basin of LUKEWARM water and a mild detergent. After the instrument has soaked for a while, run the flexible brush though all body tubing and slides. Rinse thoroughly with clear water and allow to dry. Reassemble the instrument, oiling the valves and lubricating all slides. This procedure will help to prevent corrosion from condensation and saliva inside the instrument. Finally, polish the body with a clean rag or polishing cloth.
NEVER:
* Use hot water to clean the instrument, as this can cause serious damage to the finish.
* Store music books, folders, etc. in the case, as this may cause damage to the instrument.
- Remove each valve slide (while depressing valve) and squeeze a few drops of oil down each of the slide tubes so that it will reach the valve. Rotate the valve by pressing it up and down a few times to distribute the oil. Every couple of weeks a couple drops of oil should be placed on the bearing shaft (moving part in middle of valve under the valve caps)
- Check all slides regularly to see that they move freely. Lubricate when necessary with slide grease after first removing old grease and dirt from slides. When removing valve slides, always depress the valve and hold it down while removing its valve slide. Put a thin coat of lubricant on each slide tube and insert tubes one at a time, rotating them to distribute lubricant evenly. Then assemble slide in its correct position.
- Always remove as much moisture as possible from the inside of the instrument after playing. Wipe the body of the instrument with a soft cloth to remove fingerprints.
Periodic Maintenance
ONCE A WEEK (or as needed): Wash the mouthpiece in warm soapy water and clean with the mouthpiece brush. Flush the mouthpipe tubing with clear LUKEWARM water using the cleaning rod and cloth to remove all particles and residue.
EVERY TWO MONTHS: Remove all slides and valve caps from the instrument. Place all parts in the bathtub or a large basin of LUKEWARM water and a mild detergent. After the instrument has soaked for a while, run the flexible brush though all body tubing and slides. Rinse thoroughly with clear water and allow to dry. Reassemble the instrument, oiling the valves and lubricating all slides. This procedure will help to prevent corrosion from condensation and saliva inside the instrument. Finally, polish the body with a clean rag or polishing cloth.
NEVER:
* Use hot water to clean the instrument, as this can cause serious damage to the finish.
* Store music books, folders, etc. in the case, as this may cause damage to the instrument.