Posted by janitor on November 07, 2003 at 12:13:51:
In Reply to: Care of a new tuba posted by Debbie on November 07, 2003 at 11:46:44:
Clean hands is the most significant maintenance for silver plated finishes.
Different brands of valve oils can be endlessly argued and just don't make much difference. However, DUMPING OIL DOWN THE MOUTHPIPE regularly will make it more difficult for mouth-filth and lime deposits to build up on the inside surface of the pipe. Where does this filth go?... out the waterkey!
The pistons should be oiled EVERY DAY if not EVERY TIME the instrument is played. The brass casings are subject to fast wear, and (again) more filth will exit the waterkey when suspended in liquid.