Brass Care

Brass Instrument Care

Thank you for purchasing/renting your instrument from Ackerman Music. At the moment it is in good working order, having been checked by our specialist repairers, but it will need a little TLC to keep it that way.

Valve Care

Valves need to be oiled to ensure smooth and consistent usage, if left too long they will start to stick.Avoid removing all three valves when oiling to prevent confusion as to which valve belongs in each casing.To oil firstly remove the screw top then wipe the valve with a lint-free cloth.Put 3-4 drops of valve oil onto the valves, replace the valve into the chamber, turn the valve until a click is heard then replace the top cap. Finally press and release the valve until it is moving freely again.

Trombone Slides

Grease your slide regularly.To do this you require trombone slide cream/grease and a small water spray bottle.Place your slide in 6^th position and place a small amount of cream on the stocks (thicker parts at the end of the inner slide) and move the slide up and down a few times to distribute the grease.Finally spray the slide with water and repeat the movement.

Tuning Slides

The tuning slides on all brass instruments must be kept lubricated using tuning slide grease (sparingly).

Cleaning the Outside of your Instrument/Bathing

The Inside of your instrument should be cleaned every 2-4 months depending on usage.Use an instrument-cleaning snake, to brush out any debris, do this with the tuning slides removed so you can reach all parts. Use a mouthpiece brush to clean out the mouthpiece and shank.

To bath your instrument firstly place a towel on the bottom of the bath to protect the instrument.Take out the valves carefully and place down in number order, 1 being the closest to the mouthpiece, make a note of each if there are no numbers. Wash using lukewarm water and a little brass soap or mild shampoo, then clean with snake and valve brush as before. For a trombone separate the inner and outer slides (take care as they are fragile), wash them through and use a flexible brush to clean. After bathing dry the outside of the instrument with a lint-free cloth and ensure the inside is dry before reassembling.Put back valves/slides with adequate lubrication.

Take care to keep the instrument at a constant temperature, not too hot not too cold.

Occasionally a mouthpiece can get stuck in the instrument.If this happens please do not try to remove it yourself as this could lead to damage being caused to the instrument, simply bring the instrument back to us and we will endeavour to remove it using a special tool that will not damage your instrument.

If at any point your instrument needs servicing, cleaning or repairing please bring it back to us and one of our qualified repairers will be happy to do it for you.

These are guidelines, your teachers may have other suggestions.