also be wiped clean of all lubricant. To do this you will need a small cleaning rod. Wrap a piece of cloth around the rod and swab the tube until all traces of old lubricant are removed. Place a small amount of lubricant on the end of one slide tube and insert just this one tube into the correct receiver. Slide this tube in and out and rotate around to evenly distribute the lubricant. Repeat the process with the other slide tube, then assemble the slide in is correct position. By doing each tube separately,

The Valves---Valves should be oiled whenever the player begins to sense a slowing down of the valve action. After a few days, the valve oil will dissipate and the valves become dry.

Valve caps should be lubricated every time you lubricate the slides. This helps prevent the beginning of corrosion. Corrosion will freeze the caps and make them difficult to remove. You can use the same lubricant on the valve caps as used on the slides.

Corks and Felts---Check the water key corks regularly and replace them when they appear to be water logged. If you do not have experience in replacing the corks, contact a competent repair shop.

The corks and felts on the valve stem are there to control the alignment of the valve ports. Felts on the valves will last a long time but will eventually become compressed and oil soaked. When this happens they are on longer serving their purpose and should be replaced. The corks inside the valves will last the longest time since the valve oil helps to preserve the cork. Check for crumbling corks caused from breakdown of the cork and replace as needed.

CHECK LIST FOR VALVE BRASS INSTRUMENTS INSPECT THE FOLLOWING MONTHLY

The French Horn

Cleaning the French horn regularly is extremely important. Moisture, which accumulates in the instrument from condensation and saliva, contain acids and bacteria, which corrode the brass tubing from the inside. A French horn, which is cleaned regularly, should last a long time with only minor maintenance, needed.

The Mouthpiece---lf the mouthpiece is not cleaned an accumulation of dirt will begin to plug the bore and hamper the flow of air through the French horn making it more difficult to play. A few minutes a week will keep the mouthpiece free from dirt for a long time.

The Mouth-pipe AKA Lead-pipe---The lead-pipe on a French horn is the first brass tube into which the mouthpiece fits. This tube is the most susceptible to acid deterioration as this is the greatest amount of moisture will collection this area. It is VERY important that the Lead-pipe be cleaned, and flushed, frequently. The Horn Blaster jet action sprayer is he ideally designed to thoroughly power wash this important area. You can spray the inner tubing with water and brush.