Trombone Maintenance Guide, provided by Roberson’s Music of Fredericksburg, Virginia

DAILY MAINTENANCE

HANDSLIDE

The handslide (or slide) is THE most important part of the trombone—the tubes (inner and outer) must be perfectly straight, dent free, clean and properly lubricated for the slide to operate as it should. A properly aligned slide will drop to the floor when held vertically, so always make sure that the slide lock is engaged when not playing and assembling the instrument. If the slide is not aligned correctly, Roberson’s professional repair staff can restore it to Good Play Condition (GPC).

Before lubricating the handslide, make sure the inner slide is clean and dry. To clean, carefully remove the outer slide and set it aside on a flat surface. Hold the tube that is to be wiped by the slide brace where it joins the tube and wipe gently from top to bottom with a non-abrasive towel. Be careful not to twist or push the tube. Repeat the process for the other tube, and then reassemble the slide. There are several lubricants available, and every player has his favorite. Beginning students will prefer ‘slide oil’ – it is easy to apply and won’t build up on the stockings (the bottom of the inner slide tubes). Advancing players will prefer a slide cream and water or the new combination products, which last longer but require greater care in application. Slide oil should be applied sparingly every day. Apply a few drops to each tube at approximately 3rd position and then pump the slide to distribute the oil evenly. Roberson’s professional staff will be happy to answer any slide maintenance questions.

TUNING SLIDE

Wipe old grease and dirt from both tubes. Put a thin coat of tuning slide grease on each tube and insert tubes one at a time, rotating them to distribute lubricant evenly. Then assemble slide in its correct position.

MOUTHPIECE

The mouthpiece should be cleaned using warm water and Softsoap. A specially designed Mouthpiece Brush should be used to scrub any foreign matter from inside the shank (the part that fits in the instrument). A quarter twist is all that is necessary to secure the mouthpiece in the instrument.

Should your mouthpiece become stuck, DO NOT attempt to remove it with pliers—bring the instrument in to Roberson’s Music in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Our technicians have the equipment and expertise to remove the mouthpiece without damaging it or the instrument.

LACQUER

The lacquer finish of the instrument should be cleaned with a specially treated lacquer polishing cloth each time after playing to remove dirt and hand acids.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

BORE

To prevent Red Rot (brass corrosion), the bore, or inside of the trombone, should be cleaned (bathed) at least once a month with a specially designed “Snake” cleaning brush. Carefully remove all slides and run the brush through all the tubing. This removes any foreign matter and sanitizes the instrument when used with lukewarm water and a mild liquid detergent. Rinse the parts thoroughly, allow them to air dry, apply slide grease, and carefully reassemble the instrument. A bathtub lined with a rubber mat is ideal for bathing the trombone.

WATER KEYS

Check the water key or ‘spit valve’ for leaks. Leaks here can cause the entire horn to respond poorly. Roberson’s technicians can replace leaky water key corks, usually while you wait.

MAINTENANCE ITEMS YOU SHOULD HAVE

Slide Oil, Tuning Slide Grease, Mouthpiece Brush, “Snake” Cleaner, and Lacquer Polishing Cloth, all of which are available at Roberson’s Music in Fredericksburg, Virginia.