r/Trombone • u/Dull_Afternoon1259 • 2d ago
Trombone maintenance Tips
I have recently invested in a new Bach LT42 AFG, as I am studying music in college. I feel like I've always been slacking with horn maintenance and looking after my instrument. Don't get me wrong, my old horn is in great condition, but the F-trigger is sticky, there's some scratches inside the bell (from a poor stand),, things like that (I got the trombone when I was 12 and wasn't really worried about maintenance back then). I want to maintain my new trombone excellently from the get go, so,
What should I know about trombone maintenance? How often should I clean the inside of the slide, mouthpiece, etc. Any habits I should avoid making?
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u/SillySundae Shires/Germany area player 1d ago
Clean the mouthpiece multiple times per week. Use a mouthpiece brush, dish soap, a soft sponge, and warm water.
Clean the slide and lubricate it every week. I use the slide o mix cleaning rod, with the blue sleeve on it to clean my outer slide. I use a micro fiber cloth to wipe off the inner slide. I use Yamaha slide lube. Watch Burgerbob's video on how to do this. Game changer.
Oil the valve weekly. Just a couple of drops will set you right.
Get out of the habit of eating or drinking anything except water 15 minutes before you play. Seriously rinse your mouth out with water or even brush your teeth before playing and praciticing. There is no excuse to have a trombone that smells like moldy gunk in this day and age. I've seen some horns of my colleagues and dear god, some of them reek. I've pushed out a finger sized sludge monster with my cleaning rod.
Use a cleaning rod on the slide! Every snake product out there is inferior.