How to Get a Stuck Mouthpiece Out of a Trombone

The mouthpiece of a trombone can get stuck, but there is a special tool to remove it.

The mouthpiece of a trombone can get stuck if you are too forceful when inserting it. Hitting or popping the mouthpiece in place can cause it to become stuck. Although your first thought may be to get the pliers and remove the stuck mouthpiece, you should never allow a pair of pliers anywhere near an instrument. Pliers can scratch or damage the mouthpiece and possibly the hand slide. The only safe way to remove a stuck mouthpiece is to use a mouthpiece puller tool. You can purchase one at a music store or ask your band director for assistance.

Things You'll Need

• Mouthpiece puller

Instructions

1. Place your trombone on a flat surface, such as a table. Choose a surface that allows the trombone to stand freely and easily without a chance of tipping over.

2. Place the mouthpiece puller on the mouthpiece. The sides of the mouthpiece puller fit on the center of the mouthpiece. Adjust the size of your mouthpiece puller so that it fits your mouthpiece. The mouthpiece puller adjusts by turning two screws or just one screw depending on the model.Turning the screws tightens the bottom clip.

3. Turn the screw handles located on the top of the mouthpiece puller. This applies upward pressure to the mouthpiece and brings it away from the instrument's bore. Turn the screws slowly and if there are two screws, alternate between them so the pressure is even.

4. Keep turning the handles until the mouthpiece comes off. Unscrew the handles to release tension and to slide the mouthpiece puller off the mouthpiece.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your trombone to a music repair person or your band director if you need help. Do not risk damaging your trombone if you have difficulty removing the mouthpiece.

• Keep your mouthpiece clean by washing it once a week with a mouth brush and warm water. A clean instrument produces a nicer sound. Insert your mouthpiece gently to avoid it becoming stuck.

• Always remove your mouthpiece before putting your trombone away. Leaving the mouthpiece on when you place it in its case can dent the bell. Remove the mouthpiece and place it in the accessory compartment on the inside of your case. Never allow the mouthpiece, sheet music or accessories to remain free in the case. They could rattle around and dent or scratch your instrument.

• There are a lot of methods people try to use at home involving ice, hot water, heating the instrument with a hair dryer or using oil. All of these methods can damage your instrument. Trombones dent easily and heat can damage your instrument. The mouthpiece puller is the only safe way to deal with a stuck mouthpiece.

References

• Music Ed Magic: Mouthpiece Pullers -- The Correct Way to Remove a Stuck Mouthpiece
• Nick Rail Music: Care & Feeding of the Trombone
• MRHS Bands: Trombone Maintenance and Care