Piston Brass Instruments

Necessary Tools for all Piston Brass Musicians
Recommended Mouthpieces
  • Trumpet: Bach 7C is a great general mouthpiece for beginners.  More advanced players should invest in a Bach 5C and 3C. 
  • Euphonium: Bach 12C is a great general mouthpiece for beginners.  More advanced players will enjoy the depth and volume of the Bach 6 1/2 AL.  Before buying a mouthpiece, make sure to consult Ms. Mattison about the correct shank size for your instrument (They come in small and large, and are not interchangeable).
  • Tuba: The Bach 24AW is a great general mouthpiece for all tuba players.

The clickable links above are recommended based on quality and value. These links are provided for a starting point--these models may be found for cheaper prices by shopping around.  Some music stores will allow you try out mouthpieces before you buy them.  Instrumentalists with allergies or sensitivities often opt to buy gold plating on mouthpieces, so if you are experiencing rashes, or itching around your embouchure (and your mouthpiece has been kept clean), you may want to look into gold mouthpieces. While used mouthpieces are available, it is recommended to buy new, or to closely inspect used mouthpieces for nicks and/or dents, and to make sure that the finish is not worn off.  Ultimately, these mouthpieces could be a health hazard; of course, old mouthpieces that are worn can always be re-plated at music stores. If you have questions about any mouthpieces or accessories, contact Ms. Mattison or your section coach.
Important to Remember
  • Never use tools on your instrument.  If something is stuck, your band director or local repair shop can get it unstuck for you.  Most costly repairs happen when students use tools on instruments.
  • Don't try to get dents out of an instrument on your own.  Special tools and ball bearings are used to fix dents--take your instrument to a repair shop to remove dents.
  • Never rest an instrument on its bell.  The bell is not structurally sound enough to support the weight of the rest of the instrument, and this can cause warping of the bell, or in the worst case, the instrument will fall and further damage will occur.
  • Dropping the mouthpiece will result in nicks and cuts to the soft metal rim.  These thin crevices are prime locations for bacteria to thrive. Make sure that the mouthpiece is securely in your leadpipe, and refrain from erratic gestures while playing your instrument.
  • Weather affects your instrument--in lower temperatures, your pitch is flat; in high temperatures, your pitch will rise.
Recommended Instruments
  • Trumpet: Bach, Conn-Selmer, Yamaha, Schilke, Getzen, King, Kanstul
  • Euphonium: Yamaha, Wilson, Besson, Kanstul
  • Tuba: Yamaha, King, Conn, Meinl-Weston, Miraphone

Before purchasing an instrument, make sure that you are able to try out the instrument (either used or new).  Most music stores will allow you to do this, and many online suppliers have a reasonable return policy for this reason.  There are many great used instruments out there, but just like purchasing a used vehicle, when purchasing a used instrument directly from another person, it is best to buy locally, as this will allow you to see the instrument in person and allow you to play the instrument as well. 

Musical Societies and Performers
The International Trumpet Guild
The International Tuba/Euphonium Association

Wynton Marsalis (Trumpet)
David Childs (Euphonium)
General Thoughts/Tips
  • A clean instrument will sound better and will help you achieve your musical goals.
  • Never leave your instrument in extreme temperatures for an extended period of time--including in a warm car.
  • Don't let other play your instrument--people who are not trained can easily damage instruments.
  • Brass instruments are made of thin metals, and they can be easily dented or bent.  Any nick in the valve or valve casing can be disastrous for your instrument.  Handle your instrument with care, and never rest the instrument on its bell, or leave the instrument sitting on chairs or locations off the ground.
  • Do not chew gum, eat food, or drink anything (other than water) right before or while playing your instrument.
  • Your case is designed to protect your instrument; a case that is weakened by being used as a seat or footrest is less likely to protect your instrument over time.
  • Keep the inside of your case free from unnecessary or bulky objects; instruments are easily dented and damaged by these objects.

Daily Maintenance
  • Rinse your mouth with water before playing to prevent particles from building up inside your instrument.
  • If your valves are sticky and need oil, unscrew the valve cap and pull the valve out halfway and apply a few drops. Twist the valve back and forth in the valve casing.  When done, re-position the valve and tighten the valve cap.  Most valves will have a guide that will put you back into the correct position; if not, the number stamped on each valve should be facing the mouthpiece.
    • If you need to take the entire valve out to oil it, make sure to keep track of the loose spring that sits below the valve (some instruments will have this spring built into the valve, but this is not always the case).  The valve will not work without a spring. 
  • Make sure that all the water has been drained from your instrument before putting it back into a case.
  • To protect the finish from the dirt and oils on your hands, wipe your instrument with a polishing cloth before putting it back into its case.

Weekly Maintenance
  • To prevent acne and facial infections, wash your mouthpiece in a mix of warm water and antiseptic mouthrinse or rubbing alcohol (mix four parts warm water to one part of the antiseptic agent).  Since most dental mouthrinses contain sugar, it is important that you rinse and dry the mouthpiece immediately.  Use a mouthpiece brush to clean any particles or buildup out of the bore of your mouth piece.  To completely dry the mouthpiece, use your polishing cloth to wipe the inside of the cup.
  • Remove all tuning slides and clean the slides and the receivers with your snake.  Use an old rag to clean off any imperfections from the tuning slide.  Apply grease to each end of the slide and work it back and forth in the receivers of your instrument.  Use the rag to remove any excess grease from the slides.

Long Term Care/Deep Cleaning
Once every few months, it's good practice to carefully disassemble brass instruments and give them a good bath. Many college and professional level players take their horns into music stores or repair shops for a chemical flush and cleaning on an annual basis.  If it's bath time for your instrument, follow the steps below to safely disassemble, clean, and reassemble your instrument. Before staring the process, make sure that nothing on your instrument is stuck--see your director or a music shop for assistance in removing a stuck part.
  1. Use a container large enough to soak your whole instrument-- a bathtub works well; you may place a rubber mat or towel in your bathtub to protect both it and your instrument from scratches.
  2. Carefully remove all slides, valves, and valve caps (and potential loose springs) from your instrument.  Arrange these parts in order so that you can easily remember where they need to be placed in the instrument after cleaning. 
  3. Place all parts EXCEPT FOR THE VALVES in the warm water and allow them to soak for 20-60 minutes--depending on the general cleanliness of the horn.  A small amount of mild soap can be used in the warm water; dishwashing soap works best.
  4. With the instrument submerged in the water, you may use a brush or snake to clean out slides and valve-casing. Don't forget to pay attention to the debris that collects in the valve caps.
  5. While the rest of the instrument is soaking, use a wet valve brush or snake to clean out the holes in your valves.  Again, valves are delicate and should never be placed under water.  It is not recommended to take apart the valve without supervision.  Felts and cork rings are easily lost or damaged, and alignment problems are more apt to happen.  (It is much easier to take a valve apart than to put it back together.)  Shake any excess water from the valves and place them on a clean towel to dry.  Remember, valves are not interchangeable, so don't forget which valve is which.
  6. After soaking, rinse all the parts with clean warm water and let the instrument dry.  Before reassembling the instrument, you must make sure that all of the parts are dry and free from dirt or build-up.
  7. Once everything has dried, reapply slide grease to each tuning slide, and don't forget to oil each valve. Wipe off any excess grease, and polish your instrument before returning it to its case.