Flute

7 years ago

 Flute Care and Maintenance

Supplies needed to care for the flute:

1. Cleaning rod and a small piece of lint-free cloth or leather chamois, OR a Pad Saver

2. Clean cloth, preferably muslin

3. Thin key oil

4. Tiny brush (a clean paintbrush is fine) for removing dust under keys

Assembly: How to put your flute together

To put the flute together, hold the body of the flute where there are no keys and gently twist the head joint into place. Line up the tone hole in the head joint with the keys on the body. Gently twist the foot joint into place. The keys on the body should line up with the rod on the foot joint. Remember that the sections of the flute and meant to fit together without using any grease. If you have any difficulty fitting the sections together, clean all the tenons and the sockets that the tenons fit into. (A rough, dry paper towel works wonderfully!)

Tuning:

To tune the flute, adjust the length of the flute by moving the head joint in or out. If you need to lower your pitch, pull the head joint out, making the flute longer and the pitch lower. If you need to raise your pitch, push the head joint in. Don't touch the head joint cork because moving it changes the pitch of the entire instrument. The head joint cork should be adjusted only by your teacher or a repair person.

When you have finished playing:

Every time you finish playing your flute, swab it out before you put it away. Your flute comes with a cleaning rod. Thread a small piece of lint-free cloth or leather chamois through the slot in the cleaning rod, and twist the cloth over the end of the rod and around it. Cover as much of the rod as possible so it will not scratch the inside of the flute. Use the rod to swab out each section of your flute before you put it into its case. Push-through swabs (Pad-Savers) can also be used to swab out your flute. These are designed to be left inside the flute after you have swabbed it.

Always keep your flute in its case when you are not playing it. Never put anything in your case that it was not designed to hold. The pressure from papers of music in your case can bend the rods and keys. Several times a year, vacuum the inside of your flute case. Keeping the case dust-free will help to keep the dust out of your instrument.

Regular Maintenance:

About once a month, wash the head joint in lukewarm soapy water. Never use silver polish or any other cleaner on your flute. This can scratch the finish and ruin your pads.

Do not touch the key adjustment screws. These are for adjustments by your teacher or a repair person only,

Once or twice a year, apply a very small amount of thin key oil to all key joints and posts.

Under each key is a pad that seals the tone hole when the key closes. If the pads stick, they are dirty. To clean the pads, place a clean cloth (muslin works well) under the pad, close the key, and pull the cloth through. To keep pads clean, do not eat candy or chew gum before playing! Pads can and should be replaced after several years of use, but this is expensive, so make them last as long as possible.

Handling the flute:

The flute is a delicate and expensive instrument which must be handled carefully. Do not let anyone else but your teacher play your flute. If you must set it down during lessons or rehearsal, put it on a flat surface with keys up. Never leave your flute on a music stand. Be careful when playing the flute not to bang or bump it, as it will dent easily and these dents are difficult and expensive to remove.

It is important to assemble your flute carefully because the key mechanism on the flute can be easily bent. This causes the flute to go out of adjustment and produce a poor quality sound. When you play your flute, be sure your fingers are positioned in the center of the keys, because poor hand position can also cause the keys to bend.

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Oboe

7 years ago

Oboe Care and Maintenance

Supplies needed to care for the oboe:

1. Turkey feather, lint-free cloth swab, push-through swab (Pad-Saver), or drop-through swab

2. Clean cloth, preferably muslin

3. Thin key oil

4. Small brush

5. Pipe cleaner

6. Absorbent paper, such as lens paper

Assembly: How to put your oboe together

Before you open your case, be sure that it is right side up.  Grip the bell of the oboe in your right hand.  Next take the lower joint in your left hand and join it to the bell.  Hold the lower joint where there are no rods or keys.  Use a gentle, rotating, twisting motion to put the oboe together.  The pieces should assemble easily.  If there is any difficulty, grease the corks.  Finger the keys in the upper joint when joining the upper and lower joints.  Be careful not to bend the keys.  Be sure the bridge keys are positioned correctly: the bridge key on the upper joint should be raised.  The lower bridge key is inserted under the raised bell key.  Place the reed in the instrument.

Tuning:

The oboe is tuned by adjusting the length of the instrument.  The reed can be pulled out or pushed in.  To lower the pitch, pull the reed out, making the oboe longer.  To raise the pitch, push the reed in. 

When you have finished playing:

Moisture left in the oboe after playing will cause the pads to deteriorate.  To removed the moisture after playing, swab the inside of the oboe with a turkey feather, lint-free cloth swab, push-through swab, or drop-through swab.  If you are using a swab, it should be long and narrow so it will not get stuck inside the upper joint.  Push-through swabs (Pad-Savers) are designed to be left inside the oboe after you have swabbed it.  Use a cloth, preferably muslin, to wipe moisture and finger marks off of the keys and outside of the instrument.

Always keep your oboe in its case when you are not playing.  Never put anything into your case besides your oboe because the pressure from papers or music can bend the rods and keys.

The reed:

Blow moisture out of the reed and put in into a reed case so that it can dry out.  The reed case should not be airtight, or the reed will not dry.  If you are using a sealed plastic reed case, poke a hole in it to allow air to circulate.

Regular maintenance:

Try to keep dust from accumulating in the key mechanism of your oboe.  If you are extremely careful, you can use a small brush (a clean paintbrush is fine) or a cotton swab to clean under the keys and rods.  If this is not done with great care, springs could be pushed out of place or rods could be bent.  Vacuum the inside of your case several times a year.

Do not polish the keys.  Use a cloth, preferably muslin, to wipe off moisture and finger marks after playing.

Under each key is a pad that seals the tone hole when the key closes.  If pads stick, they are dirty.  To clean the pads, place a piece of absorbent paper, such as lens paper for cleaning camera lenses, under the pad, close the key, and pull the paper through.  To keep pads clean, do not eat candy or chew gum before playing!  Pads can and should be replaced after several years of use, but this is expensive, so make them last as long as possible.

Once or twice a year, apply a small amount of thin key oil to all key joints and posts.

Handling the oboe:

The oboe is a delicate and expensive instrument which must be handled carefully.  Do not let anyone else but your teacher play your oboe.  If you must set it down during lessons or rehearsal, put it on a flat surface with keys up.  Never leave your oboe on a music stand.

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Clarinet

7 years ago

Clarinet Care and Maintenance

Supplies needed to care for the clarinet:

1. Swab

2. Cloth

3. Thin key oil

4. Cork grease

5. Absorbent paper, such as lens paper

6. Mouthpiece brush

7. Clean small paintbrush or cotton swabs

Assembly: how to put your clarinet together

Before you open your clarinet case, be sure that it is right side up.  When possible, avoid touching the keys when you are putting your clarinet together.  When joining the upper and lower joints, you must press the rings of the top joint.  Do this carefully so you do not bend any keys.  The joints of the clarinet should twist together easily.  If you have any difficulty, grease each of the tenon corks.  Wipe off any excess grease so it does not get on the pads or key mechanism.  If corks are dirty, clean them before applying new grease.

Reeds, Reed Case, and Water Bottle

Always have at least two usable reeds.  Keep reeds in a reed guard when not in use so they will dry flat.  You can purchase an inexpensive plastic reed guard at any music store.  Before playing, soak your reeds in clean water for a few minutes.  A 35mm film case makes an excellent water bottle for soaking reeds.  Break in new reeds by playing them for a few minutes each day.  If you alternate reeds every other day, your reeds will last longer.  When your reeds become cracked or chipped, they need to be thrown away and replaced.

Tuning:

The clarinet is tuned by adjusting the length of the instrument.  To lower the pitch, lengthen the instrument by pulling the barrel slightly out from the top joint, leaving a small gap between the barrel and the upper joint.  To raise the pitch, push the barrel in. 

When you have finished playing:

Moisture left in the instrument after you have finished playing will cause the pads to deteriorate.  Swab your clarinet each time you finish playing.  There are two kinds of swabs available for the clarinet.  The most common is a cloth attached by a string to a weight.  The weight is dropped through each section and the cloth is pulled through.  The other kind of swab is a brush type (Pad-Saver) that is pushed through each section and is left for storage in the upper or lower joint.

Wipe the keys with a cloth to remove finger marks and acid left by perspiration.  This acid will tarnish the metal if it is not removed.

Remove your reed from the mouthpiece and place it in a reed guard.  This will extend the life of your reed and will prevent it from warping.  Use a cloth to clean the inside of the mouthpiece, however, do not pull a swab through your mouthpiece.  Once each week, clean your mouthpiece in warm, soapy water and scrub it with a mouthpiece brush.  After cleaning, place the ligature on the mouthpiece to keep it from getting bent, and be sure to replace the mouthpiece cover on the mouthpiece.

Always keep your clarinet in the case when you are not playing.  Never put anything into your case that it was not designed to hold because the pressure from papers or music can bend the rods and keys.

Regular maintenance:

Try to keep dust from accumulating in the key mechanism of the clarinet.  If you are extremely careful, you can use a small brush (a clean paintbrush is fine) or a clean cotton swab to clean under the keys and rods.  If this is not done with great care, springs could be pushed out of place or bent.  Vacuum your case several times a year.

Do not polish the keys.  Use a cloth to wipe off moisture and finger marks after playing.

Once or twice a year apply a small amount of thin key oil to all key joints, roller joints, and posts.

Under each key is a pad that seals the tone hole when the key closes.  If pads stick, they are dirty.  To clean the pads, place a piece of absorbent paper, such as lens paper for cleaning camera lenses, under the pad, close the key, and pull the paper through.  To keep pads clean, do not eat candy or chew gum before playing!  Pads can and should be replaced after several years of use, but this is expensive, so make them last as long as possible.

Handling the clarinet:

The clarinet is a delicate instrument which must be handled carefully.  Do not let anyone else but your teacher play your clarinet.  If you must set it down during lessons or rehearsal, put it on a flat surface with keys up.  Never leave your clarinet on a music stand or standing on its bell.  The clarinet is an expensive instrument--not a toy--and should be handled with care.

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Saxophone

7 years ago

Saxophone Care and Maintenance

Supplies needed to care for the saxophone:

1. Swab

2. Cloth to remove finger marks

3. Thin key oil

4. Cork grease

5. Clean cloth

6. Mouthpiece brush

Assembly: How to put your saxophone together

Before you open your case, be sure that it is right side up.  Grease the cork on the neckpiece so that the mouthpiece goes on easily.  Put the mouthpiece and reed on the neckpiece.  Place the neckpiece in the body of the saxophone.  To avoid bending the neckpiece, do not apply any downward pressure.  Use a gentle, rotating, twisting motion.  The octave lever key should go under the ring on the neckpiece.

Reeds, Reed Case, and Water Bottle:

Always have at least two usable reeds.  Keep reeds in a reed guard when not in use so they will dry flat.  You can purchase an inexpensive plastic reed guard at any music store.  Before playing, soak your reeds in clean water for a few minutes.  A 35mm film case makes an excellent water bottle for soaking reeds.  Break in new reeds by playing them for a few minutes each day.  If you alternate reeds every other day, your reeds will last longer.  When your reeds become cracked or chipped, they need to be thrown away and replaced.

Tuning:

To tune the saxophone, adjust the length of the instrument by moving the mouthpiece in or out.  If you need to lower your pitch, pull the mouthpiece out, making your saxophone longer.  If you need to raise your pitch, push the mouthpiece in.

When you have finished playing:

Moisture left in the instrument after you have finished playing will cause the pads to deteriorate.  Swab your saxophone out each time you play.  There are two kinds of swabs available for the saxophone.  The most common is  a cloth attached by a string to a weight.  The weight is dropped through the instrument and the cloth pulled through.  The other kind of swab is a brush type (Pad-Saver) that is pushed through and left for storage in the body of the instrument.

Wipe the keys with a cloth to remove finger marks and acid left by perspiration.  This acid will tarnish the metal if it is not removed.  Remove your reed from the mouthpiece and place it in a reed guard.  This will extend the life of the reed and prevent it from warping.  Leave the ligature on the mouthpiece to keep it from getting bent, and use a cloth to wipe the inside of the mouthpiece.  Do not pull your swab through the mouthpiece.  Place the mouthpiece cap over the mouthpiece and ligature for storage.

Once a week, use a mouthpiece brush to clean your mouthpiece in warm, soapy water.  Before cleaning, remove the cap and ligature.

Always keep your saxophone in its case when you are not playing.  To prevent damage to the octave key lever, always replace the end plug when you put your saxophone away (unless you are using a Pad-Saver).  Never put anything into your case that it was not designed to hold because the pressure from papers or music can bend the rods and keys.

Regular maintenance:

 

Try to keep dust from accumulating in the key mechanism of the saxophone.  If you are extremely careful, you can use a small brush (a clean paintbrush is fine) or a clean cotton swab to clean under the keys and rods.  If this is not done with great care, springs could be pushed out of place or bent. 

Vacuum your case several times a year.

 

Do not polish the keys.  Use a cloth to wipe off moisture and finger marks after playing.

Once or twice a year apply a small amount of thin key oil to all key joints and posts.

Under each key is a pad that seals the tone hole when the key closes.  If pads stick, they are dirty.  To clean the pads, place a piece of clean cloth under the pad, close the key, and pull the cloth through.  To keep pads clean, do not eat candy or chew gum before playing!  Pads can and should be replaced after several years of use, but this is expensive, so make them last as long as possible.

The body of the saxophone can be polished with a soft cloth.  Never use polish on the saxophone, as this can damage the finish.  Avoid bumps when you are playing.  Dents in the saxophone look ugly and are very expensive to have removed.  This is especially important to watch for when you are sitting down because it is very easy to bump the saxophone on your chair.  Rest the saxophone against your right hip-not against your chair.

Always use a neck strap as additional support for holding the saxophone, and as a safety measure to prevent accidental dropping of the instrument.  However, do not depend entirely on the neck strap to support the saxophone.  The strap itself can snap, or the hook can break or bend.  Keep both hands on the instrument at all times.

Handling the saxophone:

The saxophone is a delicate instrument which must be handled carefully.  Do not let anyone else but your teacher play your saxophone.  If you must set it down during lessons or rehearsal, put it on a flat surface with keys up.  Never leave your saxophone on a music stand or a chair.  The saxophone can be damaged even when it is inside the case!  The saxophone is an expensive instrument--not a toy--and it should be handled with care.

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Trumpet

7 years ago

Trumpet Care and Maintenance

Supplies needed to care for the trumpet:

1. Valve oil

2. Slide grease

3. Mouthpiece brush

4. Soft cloth

5. Snake brushes

6. Valve casing brush or cleaning rod and cloth

Before you play:

There is very little to assemble on a trumpet.  All you have to do is place the mouthpiece into the lead pipe.  Do this with a gently twisting motion.  Do not hit or pop the mouthpiece into place.  This can lead to a stuck mouthpiece.  Oil the valves every day you play your trumpet or every other day.  Remove the valves one at a time and apply three or four drops of high quality thin oil.  Replace each valve, slotting it into place or turning until it clicks.  If the valve is not in the proper position, you can blow hard, but no air will go through the horn.  If this happens, check the position of each of the valves to correct the problem.

Tuning and playing:

To lower the pitch of the trumpet, lengthen the instrument by pulling the  main tuning slide out.  To raise the pitch, push the main tuning slide in.  Trumpets have an adjustable third valve slide to lower the pitch of notes that are usually sharp.  For example, when playing a low C# with valves 1-2-3, use the fourth or fifth finger of the left hand to push out the third valve slide.  This will flatten the pitch of the low C#. This "trigger" will not always be used by beginners, but is essential for advanced trumpet players.

The moisture that accumulates inside the trumpet is not "spit."  It is condensation from the player's breath--just like the moisture from a steaming kettle that condenses on windows.  When this moisture accumulates inside the trumpet, it makes the instrument gurgle and must be released by using the water key or spit valve.  Open the water key and blow air (don't buzz) into the instrument.  Empty your water key into a trash can or onto the floor, not on your chair or your neighbor's shoe!

If your mouthpiece gets stuck while you are playing, do not attempt to remove it yourself or have anyone yank it out for you.  Forcibly removing a stuck mouthpiece can break the braces on a trumpet.  Carry the trumpet to your teacher (it will not fit into your case) and she will remove it with a special tool made for pulling mouthpieces.  To prevent stuck mouthpieces, always insert the mouthpiece gently, don't pop it during a rehearsal or lesson, and don't use too much pressure when you play.  Keep the shank of the mouthpiece and the receiver clean.

After playing, wipe the instrument clean with a soft cloth.  This will remove perspiration which can damage the lacquer and metal.  Do not use polish on lacquered instruments because it can scratch the finish.

Regular maintenance:

A clean trumpet works and sounds better than a dirty one.  Once a week clean the mouthpiece with warm water and a mouthpiece brush.  Help keep the mouthpiece and instrument clean by avoiding gum, candy, and sugary drinks before you play.  Rinse your mouth before playing if you have been eating or drinking something sweet.

Once a month give your trumpet a bath.  Take all the slides and the bottom caps off.  Take the valves out one at a time and lay them in order on a towel.  This will help you to put them back in the correct order when you have finished.  Put the slides and the body of the trumpet in warm, soapy water.  Run snake brushes through all the tubes.  Use a valve casing brush or a rod and cloth to clean the valve casings.  Rinse them off in clean, lukewarm water.  Wash the valves thoroughly, checking so that no lint, dirt, or other substance remains in the ports (holes).  Wipe the water off the outside of the horn.  Don't leave the instrument in water too long or the lacquer finish can peel off.

Put the trumpet back together.  Oil the valves and grease the slides.  For slide lubrication, you can use petroleum jelly, anhydrous lanolin, or commercial slide grease.  Wipe off excess grease.  If you have a trumpet with a push-type water key, apply a few drops of oil to keep it lubricated.  This type of water key can break off if it is forced open.  A drop of oil once a month should be enough for your water key.

Handling of the trumpet:

When you are playing the trumpet, hold it by the valve casings, not by the slides or the bell.  Don't lay the trumpet down on a music stand or chair or stand it on the floor on its bell.  The trumpet will dent easily.  Dents look ugly, affect the tone of the instrument, and are expensive to remove.  Always put the trumpet in its case correctly.  Never set the trumpet in its case with the bell hanging over the edge.  Anyone accidentally closing the case on a trumpet left like this will crinkle the bell.  Do not cram books and music into your trumpet case because the pressure on the tubing can cause damage.  Be sure the mouthpiece and other accessories are put away properly so they do not jar loose and cause damage.  Remember that the trumpet is an expensive instrument--not a toy--and should be handled with care.

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French Horn

7 years ago

French Horn Care and Maintenance

Supplies needed to care for the French horn:

1. Rotary valve oil

2. Slide grease

3. Mouthpiece brush

4. Soft cloth

5. Snake brushes

Before you play:

There is very little to assemble on a French horn.  All you have to do it place the mouthpiece into the lead pipe.  Do this with a gentle twisting motion.  Do not hit or pop the mouthpiece into place.  This can lead to a stuck mouthpiece.  Oil the valves every day you play your French horn or every other day.  Remove the rotary valve cover and oil all moving parts.  Alternately, remove each valve slide, place two or three drops of oil inside the valve tubing, replace the slide, and wiggle the valve.

Tuning and playing:

To lower the pitch of the French horn, lengthen the instrument by pulling the main tuning slide out.  To raise the pitch, push the main tuning slide in.

The moisture that accumulates inside the French horn is not "spit."  It is condensation from the player's breath--just like the moisture from a steaming tea kettle that condenses on windows.  When this moisture accumulates inside the French horn, it makes it gurgle and has to be removed.  Remove the mouthpiece and the main tuning slide, rotate the horn, and dump the liquid.  Depress each valve in turn, remove the valve slide, and dump the liquid.  Keep the valve depressed while you replace the slide.

If your mouthpiece gets stuck while you are playing, do not attempt to remove it yourself or have anyone yank it out for you.  Forcibly removing a stuck mouthpiece can break the braces on a French horn.  Carry the French horn to your teacher (it will not fit into your case) and she will remove it with a tool made especially for removing mouthpieces.  To prevent stuck mouthpieces, always insert the mouthpiece, gently, don't pop it during rehearsal, and don't use too much pressure while you play.

After playing, wipe away finger marks with a soft cloth.  This will remove perspiration which can damage lacquer and metal.  Do not use polish on lacquered instruments because it can scratch the finish.

Regular maintenance:

A clean French horn works and sounds better than a dirty one.  Once a week clean the mouthpiece with warm water and a mouthpiece brush.  Help keep the instrument and mouthpiece clean by avoiding gum, candy, and sugary drinks before you play.  Rinse your mouth before playing if you have been eating or drinking anything sweet.

Once a month give your French horn a bath.  Take all the slides out.  Take the valves out one at a time and lay them in order on a towel.  This will help you put them back in the correct order when you have finished.  Put the slides and the body of the French horn into warm, soapy water.  Run snake brushes through all of the tubes.  Rinse them off in clean lukewarm water.  Wipe the water off the outside of the horn.  Don't leave the instrument in the water too long of the lacquer finish can peel off.

Put the French horn back together.  Oil the valves and grease the slides.  For slide lubrication, you can use petroleum jelly, anhydrous lanolin, or commercial slide grease.  Wipe off excess grease.

Handling the French horn:

The French horn will dent easily.  Dents look ugly, affect the tone of the instrument, and are expensive to remove.  Always put the French horn in the case correctly.  Never set the horn in the case with the bell hanging over the edge.  Anyone accidentally closing the case on a French horn left like this will crinkle the bell.  Don't cram music and books into your case because the pressure on the tubing can cause damage.  Be sure the mouthpiece and other accessories are put away properly so that they don't jar loose and cause damage.  If your case is equipped with a restraining strap, fasten it.  Remember that the French horn is an expensive instrument--not a toy--and should be handled with care.

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Trombone

7 years ago

Trombone Care and Maintenance

Supplies needed to care for the trombone:

1. Slide oil or cream

2. Slide grease

3. Mouthpiece brush

4. Soft cloth

5. Snake brush

6. Cleaning rod and cheesecloth

7. Spray bottle filled with distilled water

Before you play:

There is very little to assemble on a trombone.  All you have to do is place the mouthpiece into the lead pipe.  Do this with a gentle twisting motion.  Do not hit or pop the mouthpiece into place.  This can lead to a stuck mouthpiece.  When attaching the slide to the bell section, make sure you don't move the bell section too close to the slide.  You need room for your hand to move and prevent the bell from hitting the slide, which can result in a dent.  Always leave the slide locked when you put the horn down or in its case!

Proper cleaning and lubrication of the main slide is essential to the playing of the trombone.  Each time you play, clean the outer slide using a cleaning rod wrapped in cheesecloth.  Wipe off the inner slide and apply either slide oil or cream to each of the tubes.  If slide cream is used, use only a small amount.  Melt it between your fingers.  Put it mostly on the stockings (the bottom ends).  Put the outer slide on and work it in.  Remove any excess.  Spray the slide with distilled water from a spray bottle.  Spray the slide often during your practice or rehearsal.

Tuning and playing:

To lower the pitch of the trombone, lengthen the instrument by pulling the tuning slide out.  To raise the pitch, push the tuning slide in.  Individual notes on the trombone can be tuned using quick adjustments on the main slide.

The moisture that accumulates inside the trombone is not "spit."  It is condensation from the player's breath--just like the moisture from a steaming kettle that condenses on windows.  When this moisture accumulates inside the trombone, it makes it gurgle and needs to be released through the water key or spit valve.  Open the water key and blow air (don't buzz) into the instrument.  Empty your water key into the trash can or onto the floor, not on your chair or onto your neighbor's shoe!

If your mouthpiece gets stuck while you are playing, do not attempt to remove it yourself or have anyone yank it out for you.  Forcibly removing a stuck mouthpiece can break the braces on a trombone.  Carry the trombone to your teacher (it will not fit into your case) and she will remove it with a tool made especially for pulling mouthpieces.  To prevent stuck mouthpieces, always insert the mouthpiece gently, don't pop the mouthpiece during rehearsal, and don't use too much pressure when you play.

After playing, remove finger marks with a soft cloth.  This will remove perspiration which can damage the lacquer and metal.  Do not use polish on lacquered instruments because it can scratch the finish.

Regular Maintenance:

A clean trombone works and sounds better than a dirty one.  Once a week clean the mouthpiece with warm water and a mouthpiece brush.  Help keep the mouthpiece and instrument clean by avoiding gum, candy, and sugary drinks before playing.  Rinse your mouth before playing if you have been eating or drinking something sweet.

Once a month give your trombone a bath.  Take the trombone completely apart.  Soak all the parts in warm (not hot), mild soapy water.  Run a snake brush or cleaning rod through all the tubing.  Rinse all the parts in clean, lukewarm water.  Don't leave the trombone in the water too long or the lacquer finish can peel off.

Handling the trombone:

The trombone will dent easily.  Dents look ugly, affect the tone of the instrument, and are expensive to remove.  Dents in the main slide are a trombonist's nightmare.  Smooth slide action is absolutely essential to good trombone playing.  Even a small dent in the main slide will hamper the slide action.

Misusing your trombone slide to poke people or leaning on the slide when it is resting on the floor is asking for dents.  Always remember to lock your slide when you are not using it.  Always put the trombone into its case correctly.  Do not cram music or books into your case because the pressure on the tubing can cause damage.  Be sure the mouthpiece and other accessories are put away correctly so that they do not jar loose and cause damage.  Remember that the trombone is an expensive instrument--not a toy--and should be handled with care.

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Snare Drum

7 years ago

Snare Drum Care and Maintenance

Supplies needed to care for the snare drum:

1. Soft cloth

2. Mild soap

3. Spray to restore roughness to drum heads

General information:

The snare drum has a metal shell and two plastic heads.  The top drum head is called the batter head.  The bottom head is called the snare head.  The heads are held in place by hoops that are fastened together with tension screws.  These screws can be adjusted to tune the drum heads.  The snares are wires that are stretched across the bottom of the drum.  The snares can be turned on or off using the snare strainer.  There is a tension adjustment screw to adjust the tension of the snares.

Cleaning the drum heads:

Almost all school music programs use plastic heads on snare drums.  Plastic heads are not affected by humidity and require very little care.  To clean a plastic head, use a damp cloth and a mild soap.  Dry the head with a towel.  Commercial sprays are available to restore the roughness to the drum head after it has been cleaned.  Let the head dry for about an hour before using it.

Tuning:

Seat the head: Place the head on the drum.  Mount the counterhoop with the same even tension on each screw rod.  Press down on the center of the head with the palm of your hand.  This is to seat the head firmly against the counterhoop, eliminating any slack tension points.

Tune each tension point: Start tuning at the first tension rod to the right of the strainer.  Tap lightly with a stick about two inches from the edge of the head at the first tension screw.  With your drum key, tighten the tension screw until you have a sound that you like.  Continue clockwise around the entire head of the drum, trying to get the same sound at each spot.  Do not use too much tension or you will choke the tone and reduce snare action.  Tune both the batter head and snare head.

Handling and regular maintenance:

Most damage to drums is caused by carelessness.  Most broken heads are caused by an improper stroke or by hitting the head with something other than a drum stick. 

The snare drum is easy to care for.  Keep the heads clean.  Do not write on them.  When tuning the drum, take care not to use too much tension.  Use a case for your drum when traveling with it.  Be sure your drum stand is solid and your drum is properly locked into position.  Never put heavy or pointed objects on the head.

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Baritone/Tuba

7 years ago

Baritone and Tuba Care and Maintenance

Supplies needed to care for the baritone or tuba:


1. Valve oil
2. Slide grease
3. Mouthpiece brush
4. Soft cloth
5. Snake brushes
6. Valve casing brush or cleaning rod and cloth

Before you play:

There is very little to assemble on a baritone or tuba. All you have to do is place the mouthpiece into the lead pipe. Do this with a gently twisting motion. Do not hit or pop the mouthpiece into place. This can lead to a stuck mouthpiece. Oil the valves every day you play your instrument or every other day. Remove the valves one at a time and apply three or four drops of high quality thin oil. Replace each valve, slotting it into place or turning until it clicks. If the valve is not in the proper position, you can blow hard, but no air will go through the horn. If this happens, check the position of each of the valves to correct the problem.

Tuning and playing:

To lower the pitch of the baritone or tuba, lengthen the instrument by pulling the main tuning slide out. To raise the pitch, push the main tuning slide in.

The moisture that accumulates inside the instrument is not "spit." It is condensation from the player's breath--just like the moisture from a steaming kettle that condenses on windows. When this moisture accumulates inside the baritone or tuba, it makes the instrument gurgle and must be released by using the water key or spit valve. Open the water key and blow air (don't buzz) into the instrument. Empty your water key into a trash can or onto the floor, not on your chair or your neighbor's shoe!

If your mouthpiece gets stuck while you are playing, do not attempt to remove it yourself or have anyone yank it out for you. Forcibly removing a stuck mouthpiece can break the braces on an instrument. Carry the baritone or tuba to your teacher (it will not fit into your case) and she will remove it with a special tool made for pulling mouthpieces. To prevent stuck mouthpieces, always insert the mouthpiece gently, don't pop it during a rehearsal or lesson, and don't use too much pressure when you play. Keep the shank of the mouthpiece and the receiver clean.

After playing, wipe the finger marks from the instrument with a soft cloth. This will remove perspiration which can damage the lacquer and metal. Do not use polish on lacquered instruments because it can scratch the finish.

Regular maintenance:

A clean instrument works and sounds better than a dirty one. Once a week clean the mouthpiece with warm water and a mouthpiece brush. Help keep the mouthpiece and instrument clean by avoiding gum, candy, and sugary drinks before you play. Rinse your mouth before playing if you have been eating or drinking something sweet.

Once a month give your instrument a bath. Take all the slides and the bottom caps off. Take the valves out one at a time and lay them in order on a towel. This will help you to put them back in the correct order when you have finished. Put the slides and the body of the instrument in warm, soapy water. Run snake brushes through all the tubes. Use a valve casing brush or a rod and cloth to clean the valve casings. Rinse them off in clean, lukewarm water. Wash the valves thoroughly, checking so that no lint, dirt, or other substance remains in the ports (holes). Wipe the water off the outside of the horn. Don't leave the instrument in water too long or the lacquer finish can peel off.

Put the instrument back together. Oil the valves and grease the slides. For slide lubrication, you can use petroleum jelly, anhydrous lanolin, or commercial slide grease. Wipe off excess grease.

Handling of the baritone or tuba:

The baritone and tuba will dent easily.  Dents look ugly, affect the tone of the instrument, and are expensive to remove.  Never stand the instrument on the floor on its bell.  All too often instruments in this position are knocked over and dented.  Always put the tuba or baritone in its case correctly.  Do not cram books or music into your case because the pressure on the tubing can cause damage.  Be sure the mouthpiece and other accessories are put away correctly so that they do not jar loose and cause damage.  Remember that the baritone and tuba are expensive instruments--not toys--and should be handled with care.

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