Trumpet / Cornet
We hope you enjoy your instrument. Please take the time to read this information in order to keep the instrument in its best condition.
Caring for your instrument
After Each Use
Use a 'lacquer finish polishing cloth' or a household duster to wipe off fingermarks. Do not use any type of cleaning solution and do not use any harsh or abrasive cleaning materials as this may damage the finish. Remove the mouthpiece and put it in the appropriate compartment to avoid it damaging the instrument during transit. Should you find the mouthpiece is stuck, do not attempt to force it apart! Take it to your teacher who will have a special tool to remove it easily.
Periodic Maintenance
Once every few months, the instrument should be cleaned internally, by running warm soapy water through it (hold the valves down whilst pouring water into the bell). Rinse thoroughly with cold water and then allow to dry. Do not use hot water as this may affect the lacquer.
Always clean the mouthpiece thoroughly with warm water. An accumulation of deposits in either mouthpiece or mouthpipe can have a very adverse effect on the performance of the instrument. Once cleaned, gently place the mouthpiece back into the receiver and twist lightly to seat it properly. Do not force the mouthpiece by hitting it with the palm of your hand as this can cause the mouthpiece to become stuck or 'frozen'. An easy twisting motion is all that is needed to ensure a firm fit.
Lubrication
Before reassembly, always lubricate the various parts.
Clean valves never stick – lubricate them with a good quality valve oil. Apply several drops of valve oil to the top of the piston. Return the piston to the casing, gently rotating it while turning it up and down, to ensure that the oil covers the entire surface area. Turn the piston until the guide clicks into its slot. Refit and tighten top and bottom valve caps. Follow the same procedure with each valve, but be sure to replace them in the proper order! On most instruments the valves are clearly numbered 1, 2, and 3, but if they are not replaced in the proper order, the instrument will be impossible to play!
To grease the slides, apply a small amount of good quality slide cream to the inside slide, then refit to the outside slide and vigorously move it back and forth to spread the cream over the entire slide surface.
Tips
Do not eat immediately before playing, or drink anything containing an acid such as lemon or lime, as this is likely to create problems such as sticking valves, etc.
Try to avoid dramatic changes of temperature and humidity and never leave the instrument in direct sunlight or near a radiator (even when it is inside the case).
Tuning
If you need advice about tuning, there are a wealth of tutorials available on Youtube which will show you what to do whilst also providing the relevant tuning notes for your instrument.
