How to Get a Very Stuck Mouthpeice Out of a Trumpet
No matter how it happens, when the mouthpiece of your trumpet gets jammed on your receiver, it is typically stuck pretty bad. The mouthpiece of the trumpet can get jammed by either dropping it on the mouthpiece part or pushing it down too hard on the receiver -- the part you attach the mouthpiece to. This makes it difficult to clean your trumpet properly and impossible to put away in a trumpet box. Fortunately, there are a few basic techniques and tools available to help you get that stubborn mouthpiece unstuck.
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Instructions
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Grease the mouthpiece with lubricant. Use a lubricant such as WD-40 to help loosen the mouthpiece from the trumpet body, by spreading it on the stuck end. Apply lubricant into the mouthpiece as well. Try to twist the mouthpiece off gradually, after ensuring that the stuck part is well-greased.
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Use a rubber mallet to loosen it. Hold the trumpet on its side and tap on the receiver, just below where the mouthpiece is stuck, while holding the end of the mouthpiece with your other hand. The tapping creates vibration to help loosen the mouthpiece. Try to pull the mouthpiece out as you tap on the receiver.
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Wrap a paper towel with ice in it around the receiver, just under where the mouthpiece is stuck. Cold contracts the receiver metal, allowing you to pull out the mouthpiece. Use a little lubricant as well with this method, if you are still having a hard time removing the mouthpiece.
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Take the trumpet to a professional instrument repair shop, to avoid damaging your trumpet in any way. Professionals have mouthpiece pullers that will effectively and safely remove the stuck piece. If you are in a band, the director may have a mouthpiece puller he can use to help you remove it. Make sure that anyone using a mouthpiece puller on your trumpet is skilled at it.
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Tips & Warnings
Never use pliers or wrenches to try pulling off the mouthpiece. These can easily damage your trumpet beyond repair.
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