Trumpet Cleaning Instructions
1. First, make sure the mouthpiece is removed from the instrument
2. Tie pieces of string attaching the 1st and 3rd tuning slides to the valve casing. It is important that the slides still are able to be removed, but will not fall to the ground.
3. Find a very large sink or a shower nozzle, under which you can put the trumpet vertically. This is very important since you have to run a lot of water through the instrument over a period of several minutes so… get comfortable!
4. Turn your trumpet upside down so that the bell of it is pointed at the ceiling – and leave it this way for the duration of the cleaning.
5. Use about one teaspoon of dish soap and drop it down the center of the bell.
6. Take the trumpet to the sink (or shower) and begin running a very slow stream of lukewarm water through it, starting in the bell. Be careful not to let the water overflow-if necessary turn it down. Overflow will cause unsightly spotting of your instrument.
7. Once there is a steady stream of water flowing into the bell and out of the leadpipe, begin sending water into the other parts of the trumpet by pressing one valve down and holding it at a time. If overflow occurs, release the buttons and allow the water to drain out.
8. After working the valves, work the slides by pulling them out and pushing them back in, being careful not to pull them out too far. The threads tied on should not interfere with this process, but prevent the slides from falling to the bottom of the sink.
9. Once the trumpet is thoroughly rinsed out, turn off the water.
10. To remove the leftover water from your trumpet, turn it over, and blow massive amounts of air into the leadpipe so that water flies out from the bell. Make sure to work all of the valves while doing this, to prevent water from staying in your instrument.
11. Remove all of the slides and valves from the instrument. Use your cleaning snake in all of the tubes you can reach. Also, use the valve brush inside the valve casings, to remove old residue. Be sure to rinse it frequently.
12. Reassemble your instrument (without mouthpiece) and repeat steps 6-10.
13. Now, your instrument is clean, but wet! Quickly use a soft polishing cloth to wipe down the entire instrument, and prevent water spots from forming and eroding your instrument.
14. Practice for about 20 minutes. Make sure to use the water keys frequently, as there will be water left over at this point. Check the bell at the end of this practice for more water flying out, and wipe away any new water spots.
15. Apply oil to valves and a small amount of slide grease to the slides.
16. Put away your instrument. You’re done!
2. Tie pieces of string attaching the 1st and 3rd tuning slides to the valve casing. It is important that the slides still are able to be removed, but will not fall to the ground.
3. Find a very large sink or a shower nozzle, under which you can put the trumpet vertically. This is very important since you have to run a lot of water through the instrument over a period of several minutes so… get comfortable!
4. Turn your trumpet upside down so that the bell of it is pointed at the ceiling – and leave it this way for the duration of the cleaning.
5. Use about one teaspoon of dish soap and drop it down the center of the bell.
6. Take the trumpet to the sink (or shower) and begin running a very slow stream of lukewarm water through it, starting in the bell. Be careful not to let the water overflow-if necessary turn it down. Overflow will cause unsightly spotting of your instrument.
7. Once there is a steady stream of water flowing into the bell and out of the leadpipe, begin sending water into the other parts of the trumpet by pressing one valve down and holding it at a time. If overflow occurs, release the buttons and allow the water to drain out.
8. After working the valves, work the slides by pulling them out and pushing them back in, being careful not to pull them out too far. The threads tied on should not interfere with this process, but prevent the slides from falling to the bottom of the sink.
9. Once the trumpet is thoroughly rinsed out, turn off the water.
10. To remove the leftover water from your trumpet, turn it over, and blow massive amounts of air into the leadpipe so that water flies out from the bell. Make sure to work all of the valves while doing this, to prevent water from staying in your instrument.
11. Remove all of the slides and valves from the instrument. Use your cleaning snake in all of the tubes you can reach. Also, use the valve brush inside the valve casings, to remove old residue. Be sure to rinse it frequently.
12. Reassemble your instrument (without mouthpiece) and repeat steps 6-10.
13. Now, your instrument is clean, but wet! Quickly use a soft polishing cloth to wipe down the entire instrument, and prevent water spots from forming and eroding your instrument.
14. Practice for about 20 minutes. Make sure to use the water keys frequently, as there will be water left over at this point. Check the bell at the end of this practice for more water flying out, and wipe away any new water spots.
15. Apply oil to valves and a small amount of slide grease to the slides.
16. Put away your instrument. You’re done!
posted by Joe Good at 1:20 PM
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