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Elm House Farm, Crosby, Maryport, Cumbria
Tel: 01900 813200
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How to look after your brass instrument
in association with N.A.M.I.R
LOOKING AFTER YOUR BRASS INSTRUMENT
Your instrument is a precisely made piece of engineering. If carefully looked after it will give
years of trouble free playing. Follow these simple guidelines for looking after your
instrument.
KEEP IT IN ITS CASE
1. When not in use, keep the instrument in its case, as that is the safest place for it. Most
accidents happen when the instrument is left unattended out of its case.
BE GENTLE WITH YOUR MOUTHPIECE
2. The mouthpiece should not be pushed into the instrument with any force; a gentle twist is
all it needs to stay in place. If it does become jammed in the instrument take it to your repairer
who will have a special tool for removing the mouthpiece without damaging it. Do not try to
remove it yourself; expensive repairs can be caused this way.
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NEVER EAT BEFORE PLAYING!
3. Your mouthpiece should be cleaned often, with a mouthpiece brush under running water,
as it tends to collect dirt, which can then be blown down into the instrument eventually
interfering with the valves or slides. Never eat just before playing. Food will be blown into
your instrument and will begin to smell after a while. It is not only unhygienic but can
corrode the inside of your instrument if left unattended.
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CLEANING PISTON VALVES
4. On instruments with PISTON valves (all instruments except the slide trombone and the
French horn) the valves require regular lubrication with valve oil. One at a time remove the
valves by unscrewing the cap at the top of the valve chamber. Clean the valve with a clean,
non-fluffy cloth to remove the old oil. Check inside the valve casing. If it looks dirty remove
the cap at the bottom of the valve and pass a cloth through. Take care not to scratch the inside
of the valve casing, and then put the bottom cap back on. Apply several drops of oil onto the
valve and insert into its casing. Turn gently until the valve guide clicks into place. Do the top
valve cap back up and work the valve up and down a few times to distribute the oil evenly.
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CLEANING ROTARY VALVES
5. On instruments with ROTARY valves (French horn and some trombones) the valves
require regular lubrication with rotary valve oil. Screw The domed valve cap and apply a few
drops to the central spindle. Replace the valve cap and work the valve to distribute the oil.
When in use, if the marks on the valve do not align with the mark on the casing then take the
instrument to your repairer for adjustment. A little oil may be applied to the joints of the
lever. Do not attempt to dismantle a rotary valve, they are troublesome to replace without the
correct knowledge and tools.
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SLIDE TROMBONES
6. The action of a SLIDE TROMBONE requires regular lubrication to ensure a smooth
action. To clean, remove the outer slide and wipe the inner slides with a clean non-fluffy
cloth. Fill the slide with warm soapy water and work up and down a few times. A flexible
cleaning brush will help get any grime out of the bow section. Rinse with clean water. If you
use slide cream apply a little slide cream to the tops of the stockings of the inner slide (the
slightly larger section at the end of the inner slide).
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Replace the outer slide (check the slide lock is the correct way round). Work the slide up and
down to distribute the cream evenly. If you use different slide lubrication follow the
instructions that come with it. For final lubrication, pull out the inner slide and spray liberally
with water, Apply more water whenever necessary. When not being played always lock the
slide to prevent accidents. |
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TUNING SLIDES
7. All brass instruments have tuning slides, which also need lubricating. If any of them are
difficult to move, remove them, wipe them clean and apply tuning slide grease. Work in and
out to distribute and remove any excess. If they are really stuck you may damage the tubing
trying to remove it, take it to your repairer who will have the correct tools to do this.
THE ANNUAL BATH
About twice a year the entire instrument should be given a bath. Washing up liquid can
damage the lacquer; instead use a capful of a mild disinfectant such as Milton fluid (NOT
toilet bleach!). Long and flexible brushes can be obtained from your music shop to clean the
longer or more awkward tubes. Dry the instrument with kitchen roll or non-fluffy cloth and
reassemble, lubricating all valves and slides as indicted above. Do not try to remove rotary
valves.
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POLISHING
9. Fingerprints may be removed from the instrument with a clean soft cloth. If desired
lacquered instruments may be brought to a shine using silicon based furniture polish, but
great care must be taken not to get any polish on the moving parts. Silver-plated instruments
and keys can be polished with a silver cloth, which can be bought in most supermarkets. Do
not use liquid silver/brass cleaner (such as Brasso) as this is abrasive and may damage valves
and slides.
DENTS
10. Small dents in the instrument will not affect it, but larger dents will alter the instruments'
tuning. Your repairer can advise on this.
YOUR REPAIRER IS HERE TO HELP
If you have any problems with your instrument, do contact a qualified repairer and
they will be happy to advise and assist you. All instruments go wrong once in a while
but looked after carefully you can make visits to your repairer less frequent.
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MARSHALL
McGURK,
Elm
House Farm, Crosby, Maryport, Cumbria, CA15
6SH
Phone: 01900 813200 |
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