Comments on: How to Clean a Trumpet

on 11/24/2007 Good article . . . everything one would need to know to get the job done.

on 9/16/2006 When reinstalling the three piston valves, you can ensure the proper orientation by carefully listening as you rotate the pearl keys. There will be a noticeable click when you hit the proper alignment and you will be unable to turn it any farther.

on 6/30/2006 Don't bang your horn around. A trumpet can cause a lot of damage, especially to a porcelain sink! Don't immerse your valves in water, just use a wet rag to clean them.

Don't forget to oil your valves and grease your slides before attempting to reassemble your horn.

When everything is clean and dry, use your polishing cloth for the finishing touches.

on 3/12/2006 Be sure not to use cork grease on your mouthpiece, only use it for the slides.

on 1/26/2006 Don't put your instrument in the bathtub! Bad choice.

on 11/22/2005 When you take out all of the valves for cleaning, take a pencil and write "1," "2," or "3" on each valve (near the top, by the spring). This won't harm the valve in any way, and you'll never mix them up again.

on 11/22/2005 When moving the trumpet from place to place, always be careful to watch for its sensitive places such as its bell, mouth piece or even its valves. Damaging these objects can cost you a pretty penny. :-)

on 11/22/2005 There's no need to switch the valves around until you get them right. On most instruments, just look at the valve carefully. The valve number is printed on the spring casing; number 1 is the one closest to the mouthpiece.