How to Oil the Valves on a French Horn Instrument

The French horn is a brass instrument that adds a deep, rich sound to the orchestra or band. It requires a lot of attention to care for and maintain. It is very important to oil the valves on a French horn instrument in order to keep it in tiptop playing condition.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Rotor oil
• French horn
• Towel

1. Purchase the rotor oil for the French horn. You can purchase rotor oil at your local music store.
2. Place a few drops of the rotor oil directly below the rotors. The rotors are located where the keys meet the bar on the French horn. Turn the French horn over and place a few drops to the back of each key. Press the keys a few times to work the oil into the rotors.
3. Unscrew the rotor caps and put a drop or two of rotor oil inside of the rotors. Make sure you do this for all 4 caps.
4. Drip some oil into the tubing for each rotor. You only need to use 2 drops. Wiggle the keys so the oil spreads out through the tubes.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't force play a sticky key. If your keys are sticking, you are not oiling the French horn enough.