How To Clean a Trumpet
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ย. 2024
- A tutorial on how to clean a trumpet! Comment with any questions.
Supplies Needed (support your local 'brick and mortar' music shop and get the supplies there if possible!)
Clean Soft Rags (a clean, old cotton t-shirt ripped into pieces works)
Valve Oil
Slide Grease OR Slide Oil (not necessary for beginners/intermediate players)
Tuning Slide Grease (DIFFERENT THAN REGULAR SLIDE GREASE, it's thicker!)
Cleaning Snake
Mouthpiece Brush
Valve Brush
Dish Soap
Big clean sink/bathtub
Thanks for the video.
One more tip: never do a 'cleaning' the day of a concert or an important rehearsal. It's an old trick, but we sometimes forget it while trying to do the right thing. Besides the fact that it takes some time to 'redo' the interior after a complete cleaning, you may lose a spring or have other problems¨And if you only have one instrument.... you will be annoyed...
(from real life experience...)
I found this out to my cost as an intermediate player - big gig coming up, cleaned trumpet a few days before and dented one of the slide receivers so it couldn't be reassembled. Trumpet had to get sent away to get dent out, mad panic trying to find a hire trumpet in time for gig. Just what you don't want when you're nervous enough about performing.
I really appreciate this video and will use it as part of my lessons for my middle school band. Sometimes kids do not believe you unless they see it on the internet or hear from a second adult.
As a band teacher, I totally understand! Glad this video will be helpful to you.
Karen
@@Repah stop
@@RyanDoesntAnimatelol lol that was a year ago
@@Repah I don’t care
my trumpet hates bathes. when I told her to come she refused and cried
Shaimond ha
Shaimond ahhahahahaha
The cry is the horse whiny sound effect
I appreciate this video to the noobs watching remember to put your valves back correctly or your baby won't play right.
Im pretty sure he said a CLEAN sink, his looks like it went through the war
The Squad no u
Which war
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
I'm just learning how to clean my trumpet so I'm so happy you posted this!THANK YOU!!!!
thank you! new trumpet player here, this was very helpful.
You da best Mr. Schaefers. We’re gonna miss you man.
I would add a large towel in the sink after filling just for extra protection in case you drop it. Nice job!
Your the best band teacher
NO MR TSUI IS THE BEST
Thank you so much for making this video, I have on and off played the trumpet for several years and recently obtained a pawn shop Yamaha that definitely needed a lot of love. This has helped immensely with the know-how of how to take it apart, clean, and put it back together without ruining it. Thankyou.
My one question, the tiny circle of cork on the spit valve\tuning slides, those are water safe? slide are
Glad this video could be of service! The cork is water safe. Depending on the state of your instrument, the cork may need to be replaced. That could be an easy music shop fix or a DIY, although buying the cork in bulk might be less cost effective than having a repair shop doing it.
Lol you used a pool ball as a plug.
Also, I agree about keeping the trumpet underwater when putting the snake through it. I learned this the hard way because when you do it out of the water, the bristles flick gunk everywhere!
Wait tf
Nice to know my old trumpet teacher had a channel
I’m happy you still remember me! I am sure I remember you too, mystery student!
Can I use milk to remove excess valve and slide oil?
I wouldn't recommend it!
Strange, I was just talking in my band classes last week about funny things people comment on this video when asking about cleaning their trumpets...
😁
Tbh I didn’t know instruments needed to be cleaned thx
All hail Señor Schaefers
All hail Señor Schaefers
All hail Señor Schaefers
All hail Señor Schaefers
All hail Señor Schaefers
All hail Señor Schaefers
Could you provide links to the supplies in the description.
Shaun, a great video and very helpful.
Is there a risk of damage to the pads in the water keys when the trumpet is submerged?
Thanks, Peter
Hi Peter, thanks! To my knowledge there is not a risk of damage to the pads. I don't submerge the trumpet for more than 30 minutes, but I've never had any problems with them. Usually I'll have them replaced every so often when I take them into the music shop for a cleaning
@@shaunschaefers Shaun, it's great to hear from you. Ok noted. Thanks for that reassurance. Peter
This is oddly satisfying
I dont know why im watching this...
*I Play Clarinet.*
Better not get it wet
I’m just kidding with you
lmao
Switch to the trumpet
@@HondaOdyessy Actually they are cleaned with water as well.
That was sooooo helpful ... Thanks for sharing
I have owned my trumpet for 7 years now, never once cleaned it (was scrapping the grime off it a month ago) like this or at all. I might just start now.
I highly recommend it!
nice cleaning video! possibly cover how to silver polish the trumpet because your trumpet is silver plated i assume.
ps what trumpet is that, it looks like some olds trumpet or a bach even?
Thank you, to polish use a silver cream. And this is a Yamaha Xeno
No, that's a Chicago Bach. Lol
Or a Philly Bach depends if it's a star bell or not, def not a Yamaha
Matt Pienkowski whoops, you are correct! I forgot I was cleaning my C trumpet in this video
I’ve been watching ever since I gave my instrument its first bath last year, and I gotta tell ya, THIS HELPED A LOT!!! Cause I’m pretty sure my band director would kill me if I didn’t, he even recommended this video for all the trumpet players
how do you take out the valves carefully? my music teacher said that they are fragile.
Make sure you do not hit them into anything or drop them. Also, be careful not to wipe them down with a paper tower or something that would scratch them - it is a very fine metal. Ask your music teacher to help you out!
the bottom of where my felt tip is that part that is supposed to unscrew (im sorry i have no clue what if its called) to acces the spring is like very dry and its stuck and theres white stuff too. its very hard to open and i dont want to yank it because it is so hard to open that part and i don't want to damage the valve casing. thanks!
I would take your horn into a local music shop to have them take a look at it
@@shaunschaefers okay thank you!
You not holding the valves down when you take off the slides hurts 😂
Not sure where you see this in the video, unless you're talking about the main tuning slide; that one you do not need hold down any valves to remove!
Help my spring won’t twist out I already tried
Good video I learned how to clean it properly but I just need to know if I also need to put the caps on the bottom of the valves in water as well or would I just leave them out then put them on after the trumpet is done
I like to take them out personally as I feel they get clean better. One of my trumpets tends to collect more grime in them compared to the other one
I accidentally put the string in water. Is there anything I can do?
I'm not sure what you mean. Could you please clarify?
Mr, Schaefers, what's the name of your marching band?
Metea Valley Marching Mustangs! See here: th-cam.com/video/yvqNTBWTH0A/w-d-xo.htmlsi=usu6sO-EPtzrln1x
Err my 1st valve slide is stuck. How can I free it without damaging my trumpet?
If you have a leather strap (or something that won't scratch the trumpet) you can make a quick hook and have someone pull on the other end while you hold the trumpet. Really, I just recommend bringing it to a music shop at that point so you don't accidentally bend it!
Be more careful than Shaun. He hits the bell on the faucet at 4:50
Good overall video...might wish to lay a towel down in the bottom of the tub. BtW, valve pistons are hollow, but the metal is not soft. They are plated with nickel alloys {including monel} or entirely stainless steel. The tunnels, generally brass are not so soft as to avoid cleaning with a soft brush. I do not recommend the use of toothpaste on the valves for students {or otherwise} as it is grit, which if not removed 100 %, will cause wear within the valve casing when reassembled.
I fully agree that lint must be avoided and the valves, after soaking in a separate bowl of the same type solution of warm water and non - detergent dish soap ...get wiped down with a microfiber cloth. These are readily available for use with cleaning glasses and are non-scratching and lint free.
Thank you Ma’am
can you make a vedio on how to clean a old trumpet
You can clean an older trumpet the same way, just do not use dish soap if there are cracks in the plating
Hi there Shaun. After I cleaned My trumpet it turned hard to play :s
Do I just have to wait longer, so my trumpet can get fully dry?
What makes it hard to play?
You might have one of the valves turned the wrong way in the trumpet. Make sure the valves are aligned with the guides inside of the horn!
Why do i think there is at least one trumpet player named Sean, Shawn, or Shaun in every band or group
Not ours lol
Nice 👌👌
This is a very good video, but I have a question. How can you damage the valve pistons by wiping them off? I just don’t know how they can be ruined.
Also, is it terrible for the trumpet to use valve oil on the 1st and 3rd tuning slides?
Good question Joseph. Valve material is often one of the more vulnerable parts of the valve, and by wiping off piston valves with a rough material like a paper towel there is a chance for some damage, depending on the quality and material of the paper towel. If I do any 'wiping' on the valves, I just do a couple of light taps with a pure cotton material, but never vigorous wiping.
2nd question - not at all! In fact, I recommend it for smoother movement IN ADDITION TO a light slide grease.
More reading on valve material here: www.normans.co.uk/blog/2014/05/brass-instrument-valves-differences/
You can’t beat a clean instrument
Hey, do I let the trumpet air dry for 10 minutes after taking it out of the water?
Yes, usually I wait about 20 minutes or so and that does the trick
Good sharing
Would you also put the valve caps in the water?
Yes!
I wish I watched this video before I cleaned my trumpet I always put my trumpet valves in the water with the springs...
It is not the worst thing in the world, as springs can always be replaced. It just might make them rust or decay faster than usual.
Hi I have been wanting to play the trumpet and finally got one for Christmas. Should you clean your trumpet after every time you practice ? How often should you clean it ?
Congratulations on the new trumpet! A full on cleaning like this should be done once or twice a year (you can also take it to a local music shop to get cleaned for a price). Once or twice a week, you should oil your valves. Every two weeks or so you should apply slide cream to the appropriate slides. Hope this helps!
how old is your trumpet?
about 8 years old
How often does this kind of cleaning need to be done?
It depends on how much you pay attention to what you eat and when you play into your trumpet after that (if you do not wash your mouth out or brush your teeth). It also matters how often you play too. I usually clean my trumpet every 6 months to every year.
Dies it matter what valve you put in which valve slot
Yes! Usually it is labeled on the valve.
Noooo
Levi Th Yes it does, they label the valves for a reason
Oh yeah yeah it does
Does this work for mellophone as well
My other players told me to make the water super hot, what are the negatives of hot water?
There’s no true benefit to super hot water - if it’s a matter of material loosening inside of it, temperature combined with time will be helpful, but regular hot or warm water would be able to work. If there’s material inside that won’t come out or an issue that can’t be fixed with a trumpet bath, I would take it into a music shop with an ultrasonic cleaner.
Super hot water damages the lacquer if it has.
Great ..thank you
What’s the name of this song?? Driving me crazy haha
Hummel Trumpet Concerto!
That's it, thanks so much!!
How do you wash the cap if it has a spring attached to it
The spring should be removable, but if it is not then avoid washing that part soaked in water.
Shaun Schaefers ok thanks.
QUESTION TIME: if you have a snake can you just take the slides and clean the inside or no?
You can just clean the slides if you don’t want to clean the whole trumpet, but often letting the trumpet bathe in the water will loosen up any debris
I’ve only played for 2 years and I’m only 13. I’m not sure if I should do this because I’m kinda scared if I break something somehow.. I’m not sure. 🤷♀️
Same
This aged well, I have a question. If I have those black spots on my slides should I do the toothpaste thing on them or no?
It should be alright to do that - make sure the toothpaste has no additives like whitening or anything like that.
How long should it dry for?
Until there is no visible water left on the outside is my rule of thumb. I let it dry for an hour or two.
Shaun Schaefers okay. thank you!
What trumpet is that bc I’m in the market for one and I don’t have much knowledge on the diff brands so if anyone could tell me that would be great😀😀
This is a C trumpet I am cleaning, a Bach Chicago C. You probably would want to get a beginner trumpet, and there are several brands that I would recommend purchasing. A Bach or Yamaha beginner trumpet are usually great. You can also find Olds Ambassadors used, and some models of King trumpets that are also reliable.
Shaun Schaefers oh sorry I meant a more professional trumpet I’ve had a student trumpet since I started playing in the third grade now In ninth and id like to say that I’m pretty good but I rlly don’t have any knowledge of brands or different trumpets that the Jupiter student one I own, sorry should have been more clear😅😅
@@graceholloway5477 I would try some trumpets out at a local music store. There are many great professional brands, and it ultimately comes down to preference of sound/feel/price/etc.
Shaun Schaefers great! Thank you! Sorry, but I don’t know any music stores other than music and arts and I’m not sure that I could go in and ask if I could try out a couple of trumpets. Would you recommend music and arts or another store? Sorry for all the trouble
@@graceholloway5477 Music and Arts should be able to do that for you.
i dont even know why i am watching this, i play the bassoon
My valve caps are stuck. Do you know how to loosen them to remove them?
Sometimes letting the instrument sit in the water for a little and then using a kitchen grip (like for jars) on them will work. Worst case scenario, take it to a local music shop and see if they would do that part for you.
Thank you. I inherited this trumpet so there is no telling how long since it was cleaned.
You can also heat it up with a hair dryer or steamer, cover it with a cloth, and guve it an extremely light tap with a hammer and then try to unscrew it and it should easily come undone
Rick Croucher WD40 worked for my old trumpet
@@thebigcheese3574 I am not sure that I would personally recommend WD40.
What is the song? Thank you for the video!
The Hummel Trumpet Concerto!
Did he say do it outside of the trumpet for the valve casing
Be more specific and I might be able to help!
no I got it done thank you so much for you help you helped me a lot because I didnt know if there was a specific way to clean my bach stradivarius 50th anniversary but I guess there isnt. But I was making a little joke not making fun of you it's just funny that you said that people like to clean the inside of the valve casing were you hold it outside of the trumpet instead of outside of the water.
Mine is not playing well and it's not the valve alignment. Can cleaning it really improve performance? Right now, it's almost impossible to get smooth playing performance.
What exactly is the problem? Are the valves sluggish? Is the sound stuffy? I just cleaned both of my horns over the weekend, and it really did improve it’s performance. When was the last time the horn was cleaned?
@@shaunschaefers well I've only had this one a month or so I bought it used. It's a pocket trumpet so they call it. It's silver by Cecilio. I've oiled the valves but haven't cleaned it as you've demonstrated. I'm hoping when I do it'll alleviate the problem.
Valves are good they don't stick. Best way I can describe it is like giving a trumpet to someone who's never played before. It's not like blockage from turned valve but it's not smooth. Hard to describe.
@@jimmieroberts4430 That could be the nature of the pocket trumpet due to the compact tubing, or that specific horn judging by the brand. Cleaning it might help, but if you are new to a brass instrument it also might be related to your embouchure, as starting out on a brass instrument does take time to develop a clearer sound. Let me know if you have any questions or if there is anyway I can help.
@@shaunschaefers ok thank you. I am experienced although it's been awhile since I've played regularly. Nevertheless I feel I haven't lost it or am at beginner level again. I'll try cleaning hopefully that will make a difference. I'll let you know. Thank you again Shaun cheers
Is there anything I need to add after the trumpet is out of the tub? For example a polishing equipment or anything? I have a silver trumpet and do not want to damage the silver. Will it affect the silver if there is no polishing after a deep clean wash? Any answers please?
After the instrument is dry, I usually use an old soft clean t-shirt and I will use my breath to fog it up and then "polish" it. If you don't polish it, nothing bad will happen. I know there are some players that prefer to polish it and several different ways, but I don't know enough about it to recommend you a specific answer. There should be some ideas online regarding some ways to do it, drum corps players are especially good at shining their horns!
Shaun Schaefers thank you for the response, I just didn’t want to damage the silver. Just got the trumpet.
@@EzequielMorales14 No problem, congratulations on the new horn!
What do i do about the tarnish on the main tuning slides? it doesn’t come off when i clean it regularly. it only comes off once i do a chemical bath, but i don’t want to have to bring it to the music shop to get it removed. I heard brasso was an option but it seems controversial, and I don’t know if it’s fully safe to use on an expensive horn
I know what you are referring to in regards to tarnish. The main question is, do you think the tarnish is affecting the movement of the slide? I personally don’t mind it as long as it’s not affecting the playability. I have not used brasso before, but I know some who have.
@@shaunschaefers I just mainly think it looks ugly so if there is a way to get rid of it, I would like to know. For me, I just like my horn to look nice but if you can’t really do anything about the tarnish than it wouldn’t be a big problem
Every when are you Supposed to do this
I recommend twice a year
I’m wondering why they never include slide oil in cleaning kits.
Good question. Slide oil is sometimes sold at music stores, sometimes not. Honestly, slide grease with a few drops of valve oil works just fine, but I remember being taught to only use slide grease (without the valve oil) as a younger student and that just doesn’t work as well.
@@shaunschaefers Oil will only dilute the grease. Although it will make the slides a bit faster, it's not their purpose. Slides need to maintain their position for stable tuning. It will do its job better if you don't dilute the grease with oil. 1st and 3rd slides are a different story of course. It needs oil without grease.
I have a question
So my friend is somewhat new with the trumpet and asked me to clean it
His slides have a green and blackish tint and there are green things in his piston caps (the bottom caps)
Is there any way to clean them and why are they there?
I don't know exactly what the green stuff is (my guess would be build up from food eaten before playing), but I would suggest using a Q-tip and some warm water after the bottom caps have been soaked.
How does one get the water out after washing the instrument? Please be careful to not scape the trumpet on the sink spout, which could cause a nasty scratch!
After draining the bathtub/sink, I would let it air dry and use a soft towel/clean t-shirt to get any large areas of water dry.
What if you dont have a brush for mouth piece or valves? Would a snake be alright?
I would avoid a snake for the mouthpiece, that's too large for them. Just run water through them and make a note to get a mouthpiece brush (they are cheap and great). A valve brush is not as vital, and submerging the trumpet should take care of most of the grime.
@@shaunschaefers ohh ok. You see... I didnt see this comment until now so I used the snake and it went through nearly all the way. But it took some/most of the stuff on the side out. Anyway.. thank you. I'll keep the mouth piece brush in mind
I don’t play trumpet but it looks complicated to clean
Raina Lyles try cleaning a french horn
Hi, how do you know what order to out the valves back in? Thanks
When I clean, I keep them in order. Most brands will have a marking of 1, 2, or 3 on the valve to solve this problem. If not, take your best guess and try playing the trumpet afterwards. All of the valve combinations will only work if the valves are in the right spot.
Do I place the valve caps in the water?
That is okay to do!
Mr.Schaefers how often should I clean the trumpet and oil the valves?
I am a 17 year old beginner
Oiling the valves and greasing the slides: at least once or twice a week when you are actively practicing. This type of long cleaning you only need to do once or twice a year if you take good care of your instrument and refrain from eating/drinking before playing
Thank you very much sir.
Can you use vinegar in the water too?
I would not recommend this. I have never heard of it, and while I’m not a chemist, I don’t think a particularly acidic substance would have a good effect on the metals!
I don’t have the snake.can I still clean it without it
I would recommend picking up a snake at your local music shop. They are usually around $10.
you are epic
Can you use a paper towel to wipe off the grease
I would highly recommend against that. Paper towels can scratch the soft metals of the instrument. I would use an old (clean) cloth
Shaun Schaefers Can wipe the grease off on the slides
Shaun Schaefers could you use a clean t shirt
Could I use brasso or flitz on my valves
Using those materials on your valves could cause some harm. If your valves are dirty/have build up, I would use a regular crest toothpaste (no whitening or fancy stuff) and a Q-tip and gently apply the toothpaste to any spots that might be on it. Then, make sure to give the valves a good rinse off.
@@shaunschaefers NEVER use any kind of toothpaste on them. Either leave it alone and have a tech to clean them, or use denatured alcohol or break cleaner and some non-scratchy cloth.
My band teacher sent this to everyone on google classroom in December
Woo! Hopefully it could be of some help getting some trumpets cleaner
@@shaunschaefers yeah
I have a trumpet just like. You
Can you use Vaseline
I would not use Vaseline
Something clear came off my trumpet. Help
Be more specific and maybe I can help
@@shaunschaefers I went to clean my trumpet the other day in barely warm water and note how i have done this multiple times with no problem but this time something clear came off like it was laminated or something
@@stankbagel1265 I would bring it into a local music shop/repair person for more instruction. If it was lukewarm water it shouldn’t have done anything
i dont have a snake thing ):
They are pretty cheap at your local music shop!
Hey um does anyone know how often should one do this?
Depends on how much time you put into when you play your trumpet after eating or drinking. Some people can get by with once a year, or once every 6 months.
Shaun Schaefers thanks!
The part were you put your thumb won’t come off...
DId you put slide grease on before or after (or not at all?) you put your first valve slide on?
Crazy's. Wrong thing 's to give a sink dive...wet became bad ...
What?
bro please whatever you do don't put valve oil on your mail tuning slide
mario... lol
I play tuba why am I here