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.