Maintenance of: Trombone | Drum | Flute | Trumpet | Clarinet | Saxophone

TRUMPET MAINTENANCE

Mouthpiece
The trumpet mouthpiece should be cleaned weekly using warm water and soft liquid soap and your mouthpiece brush. This sanitizes the mouthpiece and removes foreign matter from the inside.

Body
The lacquer finish on the outside of the trumpet should be wiped off with a chemically-treated polishing cloth after you play. This protects the surface by removing hand acid and foreign matter.

Bore
The inside of the trumpet can be cleaned with water and soft soap using a trumpet "snake" cleaner. This will remove germs and foreign matter from the interior of the instrument. Be sure to handle the slides and valves carefully and replace them in the proper locations. Ask your repair technician for proper procedures.

Slides
Slides should be lubricated about once a month with tuning slide grease. This will keep the slides moving freely for tuning purposes.

Valves
Lubricate the valves with valve oil every time you play the trumpet. This keeps the pistons from wearing out prematurely. Novice players are advised to apply valve oil through the slide openings rather than removing the valves. Ask your repair technician for proper oiling procedures.

Water Key
If the water key leaks, have the cork replaced by a competent repair technician. Also, make sure the hole is not obstructed so that moisture can be released from the horn.

last updated on 4/24/2009