Trombone
We hope you enjoy your instrument. Please take the time to read this information in order to keep it 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
You can use a flexible cleaning brush to thoroughly clean out the slides and tubing. Use the brush carefully and replace it regularly to avoid the possibility of it breaking whilst inside the instrument. Unless you clean the inside of your instrument, a coating of saliva and dirt will form which will greatly interfere with its playing qualities. If it is not cleaned for long periods corrosion of the brass can occur.
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.
Trombone Slides
All trombones are only as good as the condition of their slides. Proper care of your slide will ensure that your trombone will perform to the best of your ability at all times.
Cleaning
Fill the slide with warm soapy water and move it up and down several times. Rinse through with clean water and allow to dry. Inner and outer slides should be cleaned with a flexible cleaning brush. Make sure that the brush reaches the bottom bow of the outer slide. Wipe the inside slide thoroughly to remove all cream and dirt, and dry off with a soft cloth.
Lubricating
Apply a small amount of slide cream to lightly cover the stockings of the inside slide (the 10-13 centimetres on the ends which are slightly raised). Replace the outside slide and vigorously move it back and forth to spread the cream over the entire slide surface, so that the cream is also spread onto the inside of the outer slide. You can also spray a little water onto the slide each time you play, to increase its slipperiness. Spray bottles for this purpose are available from local music shops. The tuning slide should be greased with a little slide grease. Use a good quality slide cream such as 'Conn Superslick' or 'Vincent Bach' – do not use products that are not designed for trombone slides.
Tips
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).
Slide cream, cleaning brushes, and complete cleaning kits are available from local music shops / online.
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.
