- Before making a brass instrument, it is important to understand the mechanics of how brass instruments generate sound. Of course, the instrument itself does not generate any sound without human intervention. This is accomplished through the use of air passing through the instrument via a mouthpiece. However, it is not just air that creates the sound, but also the vibration of the player's lips that resonates throughout the instrument to create music. Depending on the tubing of the instrument, the shape of the bell and the alterations to airflow, i.e., pressing of the valves, the pitch of the notes produced will change.
- All brass instruments start out as sheets of metal. This metal is wrapped, twisted and hammered to create distinctive shapes, such as metal tubing and the classic bell where the sound emits. Mandrels, in conjunction with machines that spin the brass, are also used to create this distinctive bell shape. Different mandrels are used to shape the bells of different instruments. Large mandrels are used for tubas while smaller ones are used for trumpets. In addition, instruments such as the French horn require much more tube manipulation than a trumpet does. Such instruments require a skilled hand that can effectively solder multiple pieces of tubing together while carefully heating the entirety of the tubing to make it flexible enough to bend and shape into the distinctive curvature. The metal must be heated to make it more flexible to work with, else it risks breaking. The various pieces are then soldered together, and the instrument is polished to rid it of oxidization.
- Because making a brass instrument requires the use of dangerous tools and high levels of heat, it is imperative that you wear gloves, long sleeves, pants and closed-toe shoes while working with the metal. It is also heavily advised to wear goggles to protect your eyes from metal fragments.
- Brass instruments need a lot of upkeep. They should be stored in dry places, preferably in a soft case to prevent denting. Valves must be oiled regularly to prevent stiffening, and slides should be greased for similar purposes. A cleaning cloth should be applied periodically to keep the instrument shining and clear of fingerprints and smudges.
