Flute Care
Flute / Piccolo Care
Daily Care
1. When removing your flute from its case never pick it up by its keys. Remove it by the ends where there are no keys.
2. Put the flute together with a slow back-and-forth twisting motion, never push or pull the flute when assembling or disassembling this can cause the instrument to become bent at the joints.
3. Each time you put the flute together a small amount of debris will build-up on the tenons (this is normal), however, this can make it difficult to assemble. Always wipe the tenons (joints) with a soft cloth before assembling.
4. The use of lubricants on the tenons is not recommended – this can cause damage over time. The only exception to this rule is on some piccolos and wood flutes that have cork joints. You should apply a small amount of cork grease to these joints, as needed, to aid in assembly.
5. After you are finished playing, use a cleaning rod with an absorbent cloth to swab out the inside of all parts to remove moisture. Carefully wipe off the outside of the flute to remove oils or perspiration caused by your hands.
6. Always store your flute in its case when not in use, this helps prevent damage and aids in keeping the instrument from tarnishing. Do not place anything in the case that can press on the flute, this can bend keys.
Monthly Care
Check all screws and pivots to see if they are coming loose. If they are, take your flute to a repair shop to have them adjusted. It is not suggested that you try and adjust them yourself because they can be over tightened or damaged.
Yearly Care
It is recommended that you have your instrument checked and adjusted, if needed, by a repair shop. The shop may find adjustments or worn pads that are affecting the optimal performance of your instrument.
Clarinet Care
Daily Care
1. When removing your clarinet from its case never pick it up by the keys. Remove it by the ends where there are no keys.
2. When putting your clarinet together, first apply a small amount of cork grease to the tenon corks. (Fig.1)
3.Put the clarinet together with a slow back-and-forth twisting motion, never push or pull the clarinet when assembling or disassembling this can damage the tenon or tear the cork.
4. When tightening the screws on the ligature, the device that holds the reed on the mouthpiece, take care not to over tighten them this can cause the screw to break.
5. After you are finished playing, pull a cleaning swab through all parts of the clarinet to remove moisture. (Fig. 2) Carefully wipe off the outside of the instrument and keys to remove oils or perspiration caused by your hands.
6. Always store your clarinet in its case when not in use, this helps prevent damage and aids in keeping the instrument clean. Do not place anything in the case that can press on the clarinet, this can bend keys.
Monthly Care
Check all screws and pivots to see if they are coming loose. If the are, take your clarinet to a repair shop to have them adjusted. It is not suggested that you try and adjust them yourself because they can be over tightened or damaged.
Yearly Care
It is recommended that you have your instrument checked and adjusted, if needed, by a repair shop. The shop may find adjustments or worn pads that are effecting the optimal performance of your instrument.
Saxophone Care
Daily Care
1. When removing your saxophone from its case never pick it up by the keys. Remove it by picking it up by the bell.
2. When assembling your saxophone be sure to wipe the neck joint and inside of the receiver with a soft cloth (Fig.1) this will make it easier to assemble.
3. Apply a small amount of cork grease to the mouthpiece cork to help the mouthpiece move into position. (Fig.2)
4. When tightening the screws on the ligature, the device that holds the reed on the mouthpiece, take care not to over tighten them this can cause the screw to break.
5. After you are finished playing, pull a cleaning swab through the saxophone to remove moisture. (Fig.3) Carefully wipe off the outside of the instrument and keys to remove oils or perspiration caused by your hands.
6. Always store your saxophone in its case when not in use, this helps prevent damage and aids in keeping the instrument clean. Do not place books or folders in the case, this can bend keys.
Monthly Care
Check all screws and pivots to see if they are coming loose. If the are, take your saxophone to a repair shop to have them adjusted. It is not suggested that you try and adjust them yourself because they can be over tightened or damaged.
Yearly Care
It is recommended that you have your instrument checked and adjusted, if needed, by a repair shop. The shop may find adjustments or worn pads that are effecting the optimal performance of your instrument.
Trumpet Care/Any Valve Instrument
Daily Care
1. Valves on brass instruments need to be lubricated on a regular basis. To do this: (a) Unscrew the valve cap and pull the valve out about half way. (b) Apply a drop of valve oil to the wide part of the valve. (Fig.1) (c) Push the valve back into position making sure that it is lined up correctly. (Note): The valve has a guide that keeps it in place. To check for correct alignment gently try to turn the valve. If it doesn’t turn it is lined up. If it turns keep turning the valve till you hear a slight “click” and the valve stops turning.
2. Occasionally a mouthpiece will become stuck in the horn. If this happens don’t try force to remove it – this can cause major damage to the instrument. Take it to a repair shop or music store to have it removed. Most shops do not charge for this service.
3. After you are finished playing make sure you remove any excess moisture from the inside of the horn by opening the water keys and blowing through the instrument. Carefully wipe off the outside of the instrument to remove oils or perspiration caused by your hands.
4. Always store your trumpet in its case when not in use, this helps prevent damage and aids in keeping the instrument clean. Do not place books or folders in the case, this can bend slides and cause valve problems.
Monthly Care
1. Check all slides to see that they move freely and lubricate them with slide grease if needed. (Fig.2)
2. The inside of your instrument needs to be cleaned regularly. This may not be needed every month but should be done at least every 3 months. See the section below on [ fcp://@mail2.stjohns.k12.fl.us,%2318401046/Mr_Isabelle%27s_Website/anchor641420#anchor641420om/care.html ]Brass Cleaning for more information.
Yearly Care
If you clean your instrument on a regular basis you may not need any additional yearly care, however, repair shops have the ability to chemically clean your instrument which is a more thorough cleaning than can be done at home.
Trombone Care
Daily Care
1. Great care is needed when handling your trombone. The smallest bump or dent in the slide can cause problems with its proper movement. Due to the precision needed in adjustment of the slide, repairs are time consuming and costly so…Be Careful !
2. The slide needs to be lubricated on a regular basis. Apply a small amount of slide oil or cream to the boot area (Fig.1) of the slide as needed. The boot is at the very end of the slide, so be careful not to allow the slide to slip off the trombone.
3. Occasionally a mouthpiece will become stuck in the trombone. If this happens don’t try force to remove it – this can cause major damage to the instrument. Take it to a repair shop or music store to have it removed. Most shops do not charge for this service.
4. After you are finished playing make sure you remove any excess moisture from the inside of the trombone by opening the water key and blowing through the instrument. Carefully wipe off the outside of the trombone to remove oils or perspiration caused by your hands.
5. Always store your trombone in its case when not in use, this helps prevent damage and aids in keeping the instrument clean. Do not place books or folders in the case, this can bend slides and cause problems.
Monthly Care
1. Check the tuning slide to see that it moves freely and lubricate it with slide grease if needed.
2. The inside of your trombone needs to be cleaned regularly. This may not be needed every month but should be done at least every 3 months. See the section below on Brass Cleaning for more information.
Yearly Care
If you clean your instrument on a regular basis you may not need any additional yearly care, however, repair shops have the ability to chemically clean your instrument which is a more thorough cleaning than can be done at home.
