TRUMPET/EUPHONIUM/TUBA 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. Remove the 1st valve and flush the mouthpipe tubing with clear LUKEWARM water using the cleaning rod and cloth to remove all particles and residue.
ONCE EVERY MONTH OR TWO: Remove all slides, valves and valve caps from the instrument. Remove springs and felts before placing all parts in the bathtub or a large basin of LUKEWARM water and a mild dish detergent. Tuba players will need a bucket to pour water through the instrument. After the instrument has soaked for a while, run the flexible brush though all body tubing, slides, valve portholes and valve casings. 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. Click HERE to watch a video demonstration.
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.
*NEVER TRY AND REMOVE A STUCK MOUTHPIECE, TAKE THE INSTRUMENT AND MOUTHPIECE TO MR. REID FOR PROPER REMOVAL!!!
- Put a few drops of valve oil on each valve before playing. Every few days remove each valve and apply the oil directly to it. Rotate the valve while putting it back in to distribute oil evenly on the interior of the casing; be sure you are putting it in the correct valve casing and that you don't cross the threads!
- Check all slides regularly to see that they move freely. Lubricate when necessary with slide grease after first removing any old grease and dirt from slides. 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 the 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. Remove the 1st valve and flush the mouthpipe tubing with clear LUKEWARM water using the cleaning rod and cloth to remove all particles and residue.
ONCE EVERY MONTH OR TWO: Remove all slides, valves and valve caps from the instrument. Remove springs and felts before placing all parts in the bathtub or a large basin of LUKEWARM water and a mild dish detergent. Tuba players will need a bucket to pour water through the instrument. After the instrument has soaked for a while, run the flexible brush though all body tubing, slides, valve portholes and valve casings. 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. Click HERE to watch a video demonstration.
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.
*NEVER TRY AND REMOVE A STUCK MOUTHPIECE, TAKE THE INSTRUMENT AND MOUTHPIECE TO MR. REID FOR PROPER REMOVAL!!!