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commakozzi · 05-20-2008, 12:08 PM

Welcome and good luck! You could, very cheaply, take that horn to a local music shop (a respectable one - ask around or tell us which area you're in and we'll look one up for you) and have the repair guy do a valve service and cleaning for you. Everyone once in awhile I'll take my horns in for this, but I'm getting pretty good at taking care of my horns. The guys at the shop I take my horns to when I do will guarantee that the horn will not be damaged by anything they do, so try to make sure that you get the same kind of guarantee. On the other hand, if you don't want to spend the $30-$50 to do this, you could just give your horn a good bath. Use COLD water in a CLEAN tub (please make sure the tub is VERY clean) along with some dishwashing liquid. Make sure that the liquid is not a detergent or does not contain a detergent as these types are abrasive!!! So, just let the horn sit in this for several hours and then use a snake and valve brush (found at most local guitar and drum stores... sorry music stores) carefully to clean out the horn (there are many guides for doing this on the internet). Then, very importantly, let the horn sit and dry COMPLETELY before putting back together. And since I'm just mentioning putting the horn back together, you'll need to look into some guides for cleaning the horn in the first place, because you need to take the horn apart safely. You'll need to set the valves aside and be careful to not let the tops get wet. I usually use the same liquid soap in a glass of cold water so that the water only comes up to the very top of the parts of the valves that contain the spring cylinder. Valves are different, so please be sure to check with someone about how to take care of your valves during cleaning!

Anyway, since you're a beginner, I'd just recommend taking it to a good, reputable shop and have them do it. Just don't go to a typical guitar and drum store where some guy that played trumpet in high school (but thinks he's a rockstar on the guitar now) will say "hey, yeah, I think I can take care of that for you, I'll just sand the valves down a little so they fit better". No, you need to find one with a woodwind and brass repairman who has a LOT of experience. And those are easier to find than you might think.

05-20-2008, 12:08 PM	#9 (permalink)
commakozzi Pianissimo User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Georgia, USA Posts: 218	Re: virgin trumpet player! Welcome and good luck! You could, very cheaply, take that horn to a local music shop (a respectable one - ask around or tell us which area you're in and we'll look one up for you) and have the repair guy do a valve service and cleaning for you. Everyone once in awhile I'll take my horns in for this, but I'm getting pretty good at taking care of my horns. The guys at the shop I take my horns to when I do will guarantee that the horn will not be damaged by anything they do, so try to make sure that you get the same kind of guarantee. On the other hand, if you don't want to spend the $30-$50 to do this, you could just give your horn a good bath. Use COLD water in a CLEAN tub (please make sure the tub is VERY clean) along with some dishwashing liquid. Make sure that the liquid is not a detergent or does not contain a detergent as these types are abrasive!!! So, just let the horn sit in this for several hours and then use a snake and valve brush (found at most local guitar and drum stores... sorry music stores) carefully to clean out the horn (there are many guides for doing this on the internet). Then, very importantly, let the horn sit and dry COMPLETELY before putting back together. And since I'm just mentioning putting the horn back together, you'll need to look into some guides for cleaning the horn in the first place, because you need to take the horn apart safely. You'll need to set the valves aside and be careful to not let the tops get wet. I usually use the same liquid soap in a glass of cold water so that the water only comes up to the very top of the parts of the valves that contain the spring cylinder. Valves are different, so please be sure to check with someone about how to take care of your valves during cleaning! Anyway, since you're a beginner, I'd just recommend taking it to a good, reputable shop and have them do it. Just don't go to a typical guitar and drum store where some guy that played trumpet in high school (but thinks he's a rockstar on the guitar now) will say "hey, yeah, I think I can take care of that for you, I'll just sand the valves down a little so they fit better". No, you need to find one with a woodwind and brass repairman who has a LOT of experience. And those are easier to find than you might think.