Caring for Your Brass Instrument

c/o: Graham Kingsley

The most common musical instruments that are made from brass include trumpets, French horns, trombones and tubas. These instruments are made entirely from brass; although their earlier versions were made from things like animal horns, tusks, wood or shells. Not only are brass instruments known for their golden beauty but also for their powerful sound. These instruments are the loudest in the orchestra and can be heard from far away.

If you or your child has a brass instrument, it’s important that you know how to care for it properly. Musical instruments are an investment, and if you want to get the most out of them, you need to maintain them properly. Brass instruments are like other expensive items; if you wait to have them professionally cleaned and checked, you could end up with bigger, more expensive problems down the road.

First, make sure you take your brass instrument into a professional repair technician at least once a year, such as our friendly team at Catfish Music. We will clean the instrument and provide general maintenance in order to keep the piece in excellent condition. If there are any issues, we can spot them early on. Furthermore, regular checkups can prevent “red rot” from forming, which is a type of corrosion that eats away at brass.

Next, you should clean out your brass instrument once a month to remove dirt buildup and prevent corrosion. To do so, fill a bathtub with warm water and mild soap. Remove all the tuning slides and valves. Place the instrument in the tub and flush the inside with the water solution. You can use a snake brush to scrub both the interior and exterior of the instrument.

Once everything has been cleaned, dry the instrument with a soft cloth and reassemble the valves and tuning slides. You should use a valve oil and lanolin slide oil, respectively. In between cleanings, you can wash the mouthpiece with warm, soapy water and wipe the exterior down with a soft cotton cloth. 

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