Baritone/Tuba Assembly, Care and Maintenance

 

Assembly

 

Gently twist the mouthpiece into the lead pipe.  Do not hit or pop the mouthpiece into place.  This can lead to a stuck mouthpiece.  Oil the valves every day, or every other day before playing.

 

While/After Playing

 

The moisture that accumulates inside the baritone/tuba is not�spit�.  It is condensation from the player�s breath- just like the moisture from a steaming shower that condenses on windows.  When the moisture accumulates inside the baritone/tuba, it makes it gurgle and has to be released through the water key or �spit� valve.  Open the water key and blow air (don�t buzz) into the instrument.  Watch out for your chair, your leg and your shoe!

 

If your mouthpiece gets stuck while you are playing, carry your baritone/tuba to your teacher (it will not fit into the case) and he or she will remove it with a tool made specially for pulling mouthpieces- do NOT try to yank it out, this can damage the brackets on your instrument.  To prevent stuck mouthpieces, always insert the mouthpiece gently, don�t pop it during rehearsal, and don�t use too much pressure when you play.  Keep the outside of your mouthpiece clean, too, to help avoid stuck mouthpieces! 

 

After playing, wipe the baritone/tuba clean with a clean soft cloth.  This will remove perspiration, which can damage the lacquer and metal.  Do not use polish on lacquered instruments because it can scratch the finish.

 

 

Regular Maintenance

 

Clean the mouthpiece once a week with lukewarm water and a mouthpiece brush.  Help keep the mouthpiece and instrument clean- by avoiding candy, gum and pop before or while playing!  Rinse your mouth if you�ve been eating anything sweet.

 

Once every month or two, give your baritone/tuba a bath.  Take all the slides out and the bottom caps off.  Take the valves out one at a time and lay them in order on a towel.  That will help you to put them back in the correct order when you have finished.  Put the slides and the body of the trumpet into warm soapy water.  Run snake brushes through all the tubes.  Rinse them off in clean lukewarm water.  Wash the valves thoroughly, so that no dirt or lint remains in the ports (holes).  Wipe the water off of the outside of the horn.  Don�t leave the instrument in the water too long or the lacquer finish may peel off.

 

Put the baritone/tuba back together.  Oil the valves and grease the slides.  For slide grease, you can use commercial slide grease, as well as petroleum jelly.  Wipe off excess grease.  Use ONLY valve oil on the valves.

 

Always keep your baritone/tuba in the case when you are not playing it.  Never put anything in your case that it was not designed to hold.  The pressure from music or papers in your case can damage tubing and valves.  Be sure the mouthpiece and accessories are put away properly so they don�t jar loose and cause damage.  Vacuum your case when necessary. 

 

Supplies Needed to Care for the Baritone/Tuba

 

1.  Valve Oil

2.  Slide grease

3.  Soft cloth

4.  Snake brushes/mouthpiece brush

 

Handling the Baritone/Tuba

 

Don�t let anyone but your teacher handle or play your instrument.  If you need to set it down during rehearsal or practice, put it on a stable, flat surface with the keys up.  Never leave your baritone/tuba on the floor on its� bell.  The baritone/tuba will dent easily.  Always put your baritone/tuba away correctly.  Never set it in the case with the bell hanging over the edge (accidentally closing the case on the bell with crinkle the bell). Be careful with your baritone/tuba - accidental dents look ugly, affect the tone of the instrument and are expensive to remove.

 

 

 

Identification

Be sure your instrument has a tag identifying that it belongs to you.  Also, have a record of the serial number of your instrument for insurance purposes.