Instrument cases are not designed to serve as a display area for medals and pins or to carry lesson books and music. (Unless there is a special compartment). This over packing of the case can cause excessive pressure on the instrument when the cover is closed and may bend some of the tubing out of alignment.

Unfortunately there are many cases which do not protect the instrument very well. Check your case to be sure that it is holding the instrument securely. Place the instrument in the case, remove all the accessories, close the cover and latch it. Hold the case handle or handles and shake the case. If you hear the instrument bouncing around inside the case is not providing proper protection and it needs to have padding added.

The quickest and cheapest way to correct the problem is to lay a piece of toweling on top of the instrument. This cloth will fill up the excess space inside and will not damage the instrument. Shake again and add more toweling if necessary. If the cover becomes hard to close, you have added too much toweling. Also check to see if the instrument slides around in the case. Sometimes the blocking in the case is not placed correctly and some padding needs to be added.

You can also remove the lining from the cover of the case, add more padding and then re-glue. Additional blocks can also be added. This will take more time and skill but will look better when finished.

Inspect the case periodically to be certain that it is in good condition. Prompt attention should be given to broken latches, loose handles or hinges. Be certain that the lining is not loose. If the case has straps inside to hold the instrument, have them repaired or replaced as soon as they break. A broken case should be sent to the repair shop or replaced immediately.

CLEANING

Cleaning a brass instrument is extremely important. The moisture accumulating in the instrument from condensation and saliva contain acids and bacteria corrode the brass tubing from the inside unless washes regularly. Corrosion will develop slowly and will not be

noticeable until suddenly little dark tarnish and pit marks appear on the outer finish. At this point the metal has been completely thinned or eaten through and the instrument will soon be in need of replacing. An instrument, which is cleaned regularly, should last for a long time with little problem.

In general, all brass instruments are much easier to clean than woodwind instruments! Clean them frequently for long life.

The Mouthpiece—If the mouthpiece is not cleaned, an accumulation of dirt will begin to plug the bore and hamper the flow of air through the instrument, making it harder to play. A few minutes a week will keep your mouthpiece lean of dirt for a long time. Use a mouthpiece brush and wash the mouthpiece once a week in warm soapy wafer. Be certain that the brush is designed for brass instrument mouthpieces to insure a proper fit.

The Bore--- Flushing out the instrument

Horn Flush Brass Instrument Cleaning System

Horn Flush is the finest system ever developed for cleaning and deodorizing the inside of all sizes of brass instruments. The following

directions are excerpted form the actual direction sheet. The simplicity of use and effectiveness of the system allow anyone to do a cleaning as often as

necessary with superior results

DIRECTIONS:

Install the Horn Blaster Jet Action Flusher Tube Attach the Horn Flusher Jet Action sprayer tube to the sink faucet in your work area. A multi type adapter is included. This adapter will allow the Horn Flusher to work on most standard type faucets.