Re: cleaning out the horn


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TubeNet BBS ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by Lee A. Stofer, Jr. on June 02, 2001 at 09:37:23:

In Reply to: cleaning out the horn posted by Kevin on June 01, 2001 at 13:06:35:

Yes, the easiest, safest and best way to clean your horn is to have it professionally done, particularly when the factory left your horn messy inside, or if there is a lot of calcium deposits in the tubing/valves. However, if you live 50 miles from the middle of nowhere this may not be a viable option. Tubas can be safely cleaned by the owner if some care and reasonable precaution is taken. Chris' option of using the coin-op car wash is fine, as long as you have a rubber mat or something to lay the instrument on, and be advised that a BAT full of water is HEAVY, but can be managed. I have done this when necessary in the past without incident or damage. The chemicals there are safe, and the water is not too hot. Remember, a car's finish is similar to a tuba's. Also, if your local high school gym has a shower area with a hose connection, that can also be a good option for a place to clean the horn. The main parts you need to clean are from the receiver through the valves and their tubing, to the main slide. Past the main tuning slide, horns rarely get any more than dusty inside, so getting the smaller tubing and valves clean is the important part. With a good cleaning snake, soap, and water, you can accomplish regular cleaning. If it needs chemical cleaning, leave it to a pro.
Good luck!
-Lee


Follow Ups: