TROMBONE CLEANING
 
 

Trombone Diagram

 
 
Congratulations on purchasing your first trombone!  A good quality instrument can last a lifetime - if it is well maintained.  This includes regular check-ups at the Senseney Music Repair Center and a regular home cleaning routine.
 
How do I clean my trombone?
 
This is a critical question since improper cleaning can damage your instrument.  If you follow these instructions carefully you should have no problems.
 
Tools:  (The first four of these are contained in the Senseney Music trombone care kit.)
 
- Snake - long, flexible, metal tube with a small brush on each end
- Mouthpiece brush - Small tapered brush
- Hand slide oil and tuning slide grease
- Soft Cloth - Should be absorbent and lint free
- Mild dish detergent (without lotion or softeners)
 
The most delicate part of your trombone is the handslide.  They are made very precisely and any scratch, dent or defect in either the tubes that fit inside (inner slide) or the tubes that hold the inner slide (outer slide) can cause damage that will require expensive repairs.  Proper oiling and handling can keep away costly repairs.
 
Daily Care:  Lubrication
 
~Oiling the slide daily is important for proper function.
 
Remove the slide lock and gently place the crook of the slide on the floor.  Carefully pull the innerslide up stopping just before the inner and outer slides separate.  Drip oil around the top of each inner slide and allow it to run to the bottom coating the entire tube length.
 
Push the inner slide back down into the outer slide and rehook the slide lock.
 
Using too much oil will not damage the instrument but too little can cause it to become slow.
 
~Grease the tuning slide when it becomes dry or hard to move.
 
Remove the slide and wipe it clean with a soft cloth.
 
Apply a small amount of grease to the bottom inner slide and spread it around the area that will enter into the instrument.
 
Using too much grease will allow the instrument to collect dirt on the outside.
 
 
Bathing - It is essential to bathe your trombone about once a month.
 
First you must disassemble the trombone.  Take the handslide portion and unhook the slide lock.  Carefully pull the inner slide tubes completely out of the outer tubes.  Gently lay them on a soft cloth or towel.  Next take the bell portion and carefully remove the tuning slide from the bell.  Place these on the cloth or towel.
 
Put a towel in the bottom of your bathtub to prevent scratching and fill the tub with about 2 inches of luke warm water and a drop of plain dish soap (without lotion or softeners, etc.)  Place all parts of the siassembled trombone into the water.
 
Carefully run the snake through the tubing to scrub it clean.  Do not force the snake around curves or it may become stuck or break off inside the trombone.  Wash the outside of the inner slide tubes also.  The mouthpiece should be cleaned with the small tapered mouthpiece brush.
 
When you have brushed all the tubing you must thoroughly rinse the trombone, slides, body, mouthpiece and brushes.  The repeat the cleaning process in clear non-soapy water and rinse again.
 
Use the soft cloth to dry the outer portions of the trombone and allow the inside tubing to air dry.  When it is completely dry, apply grease and oil and carefully reassemble the trombone.
 
Mouthpieces should be cleaned more often to avoid buildup.
 
 
Home Repairs
 
Do not try to repair an instrument yourself.  This is a fragile, expensive instrument and can easily be damaged even by well meaning hands.  If your instrument is not working properly, bring it to the Senseney Music Repair Center as soon as possible.
 
Repairs done by anyone but the Senseney Music Repair Center will void any maintenance agreement connected to that instrument.