Daily Care
1. Valves on brass instruments need to be lubricated on a regular basis. To do this:
- One at a time, remove the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd slides. When doing this, make sure you are pushing down the on corresponding rotor.
- Tilt the horn up, and as you work the rotor up and down, squeeze a few drops of oil down the slide and into the valve. Continue to work the rotor for several seconds so the oil spreads around the valve area.
- While holding down on the rotor, replace the slide.
2. Occasionally a mouthpiece will become stuck in the horn. If this happens, don't try force—or a pliers or a wrench—to remove it. This can cause major damage to the instrument. Bring it to Mrs. Montour or Mrs. Patch, we have a special tool that removes mouthpieces.
3. After you are finished playing, make sure you remove any excess moisture from the inside of the horn by removing and dumping each valve slide. Carefully wipe off the outside of the instrument to remove oils or perspiration caused by your hands.
4. Always store your French Horn in its case when not in use. Do not place books or folders in the case since this can bend slides and cause valve problems.
Once a week use a mouthpiece brush, lukewarm water and dish soap to clean your mouthpiece. Brush out the inside and the outside to remove all buildup.
Monthly Care
Check all slides to see that they move freely and lubricate them with slide grease if needed.
Yearly Care
Check with Mrs. Montour to see if your French Horn is scheduled for a “chemical clean” during the summer months. Due to the special requirements of the French Horn valves, it should not be cleaned at home.
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