General
Care Always remove your mouthpiece, drain the water from your horn, and wipe your instrument clean after each use. Regularly clean the mouthpiece and receiver with warm water and mild soup, when the mouthpiece is dry apply a thin film of valve or key oil to the bore. Keep to a regular schedule of cleaning and oiling valves, slides, springs, and mouthpieces.
Oxidation or corrosion occurs on the outside of the instrument as well as inside. This comes mostly from acids left by perspiration from the hands. If you are not using a guard, take extra care to wipe down your horn after each use, especially around the areas where the instrument is held. Avoid soft drinks, eating, chewing gum, or smoking right before (or while) playing. These form acids in your mouth which are especially destructive to your instrument. Rinse your mouth out with water after eating before you play your horn. Stuck Mouthpiece? Please be careful!
The dreaded "stuck mouthpiece" can be avoided as follows. 1. Always remove the mouthpiece before putting away your instrument. 2. Take care when inserting the mouthpiece. Proper placement of the mouthpiece consists of placing it into the ferrule, then giving it a slight twist clockwise. Do not hit or pop the mouthpiece with your hand to seat it, this forces the mouthpiece past it's normal position. The shank of the mouthpiece must be perfectly round and undamaged. If the mouthpiece has ever been dropped, inspect the shank for any flat spots.
Coming soon:
Specific instrument care and minor repair instructions
for the following instruments: Questions or comments: scott.thile@murraystate.edu |