How to Care for a Tuba

The largest instrument of the brass family is the tuba. The tuba's largeness may be why it's less popular than the trumpet. But since tuba players are rare, they are highly valued by band leaders. Maintenance and care for the trumpet and other brass instruments are much easier than for woodwinds. Follow these steps to care for a tuba.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look over the instrument daily to check for loose parts. Move the tuning slides back and forth to make sure they're not stuck.

2. Rub a small soft cleaning cloth moistened with a few drops of water on your tuba daily to clean fingerprints. Wash the cloth as needed.

3. Buy a "snake" brush and mouthpiece brush. Use them for cleaning the inside of the tuba.

4. Oil the valves now and then as needed. Take care to use as little oil as possible.

5. Grease the tuning slides once a month. This lubrication keeps them from getting stuck, cuts down corrosion and prevents rusting.

6. Store music books outside the tuba case rather than jamming them in. They can cause the second valve from the side to get crushed and stuck. Check for broken latches after carefully placing the tuba in its case.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a small amount of silver polish for cleaning silver plated tubas.
• Be careful not to drop the valves or slides during oiling and cleaning.
• Don't jam the mouthpiece into place. Carefully screw it in.
• Don't try to remove a stuck mouthpiece with anything but a mouthpiece puller.
• Don't use abrasive polish if the tuba has a lacquered finish.