How to Empty a Trumpet Spit Valve

by Erick Kristian
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The trumpet is a musical brass instrument. It is also one of the oldest instruments with records of its use dating back to 1500 BCE. The trumpeter puckers her lips and blows on the mouthpiece of the trumpet. During this process saliva or spit can enter the trumpet. The spit can damage the trumpet and distort sound quality. This is why all trumpets have something call a spit valve, which is used to empty the spit from the trumpet. The spit valve should be emptied after each time the trumpet is played.

Step 1

Hold the trumpet upright.

Step 2

Locate the spit valve. The spit valve is at the very bottom and front (closest to horn) of the trumpet.

Step 3

Tilt the trumpet forward so that the spit collects at the spit valve.

Step 4

Press the lever on the spit valve. The spit will pour from the trumpet. Do this over a sink or toilet to avoid a mess.

Step 5

Rock the trumpet back and forth to ensure that all the spit comes out.

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