Tips for preserving your brass instrument | Arts and Crafts

By gjedda63
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Here is some tips for restoring your brass instrument.
On a new instrument the valves are greased by the manufacturer.This grease must be removed and the valves has to be oiled with valve oil.Often it is

sufficient to dry the valves with a cloth and lubricate the valves well with valve oil.This should be done several times in the first few days.
To secure smooth movement in the valves,it is important to press straight down.If you press sideways it will entail wear and the valves will rapidly become

slow and kan be stuck.Make sure the valves always are lubricated. NB! Instruments with rotating valves requires a special oil.Do not use regular valve

oil.
Brass instruments are vulnerable against pushes og blows.Put the instrument in the original casing when you are not playing it.It is awful aggravating to

have a dent(even if the instrument is old).If you should be unlucky and loose your instrument,or one way or another cause it a dent,it does not have to mean

anything for the instruments functionality.If you are really unlucky and damage the valve system, it usually have to be rapaired by an instrument maker.

Brass instruments needs regularly cleaning and maintenance.Be careful when you wash your instruments so you do not cause it pushes and blows.Remove all

valves,bottom pads,springs and hoops.(NB! Rotating valves must not be disassembled)Do not use raw force.The parts should easily come apart,without using

plyers and such.Put the instrument and the parts into tepid and mild soap water.The valves must be washed under running water.(The valves are hollow so they

can be easyily cleaned).Use a flexibel brush(special brush) to clean the instrument and hoops inside.In the valve house use a valve brush.Instrument and

parts is cleaned outside with a soft cloth.Wash well in tepid water to remove all remainings of soap.Dry off outside with a soft cloth to avoid discolor.You

may have to turn and twist it few times to remove all water remains.Let the instrument dry well inside.

Before you assemble the instrument grease all hoops

with hoop grease, and the valves with valve oil.(Make sure everything are in the right place)
Silver coated instruments are washed in hot water.The water must not be warmer than you can put your hands into it.Do use a mild dishwash soap.(If you use

too strong dishwash soap it will remove all grease and damage the soldering of the instrument).
Fernissed instruments have a thin layer of lacquer to keep the gloss in the instrument.(The lacquer has no significance to the sound).If one use too high

temperature and/or too strong soap in the water when cleaning, the lacquer might damage.Use mild soap water.Some types acids/bases will also damage the

lacquer.
The mouthpiece is important to have a good sound in the instrument.It will always be condens in the mouthpiece when playing.If it is remains of food and

drink,this will corrode on the mouthpiece. Coating og rust leads to decreased quality sound of the instrument.Put the mouthpiece into tepid soap water.Clean

it with a mouthpiece brush and wash well afterwords.Always lubricate the valve system before you start to play.

About the Author

Harald Hoel,expert on brass instruments Buying brass instruments online

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