Tips on caring for rotary instruments

Part name:rotary instruments

Tips
Three types of oil are used on French horns for different purposes. In addition, slide grease (not slide cream) is used on tuning slides. Make sure to use the lubricant which is correct for each part.

Care before playing

Oiling the rotor

Remove the valve slides and oil with rotor oil as shown.
*Be sure to press down on the levers when removing the valve slides.
*To prevent the oil from mixing with grease or debris adhering to the body interior, insert the tip of the oil applicator so that it does not directly touch the interior of the valve slide.
*The tip of the oil applicator is made of metal. Be careful when inserting it so that it does not touch the rotor directly.

Move the lever so that the oil is spread evenly.

Care after playing

Drying the body interior

Remove the valve slides and dry them.

Oil the rotor in the same manner as before playing the instrument.

Lightly wipe the surface of the instrument with a polishing cloth. If the instrument is very dirty or discolored, clean it using the cleaning products described in the next section.
*Use a silicone cloth to buff the surface and restore a glossy shine.

Weekly care

Cleaning the valve slides

Be sure to press down on the levers when removing the valve slides so that there is no popping sound when they come out.

Wrap polishing gauze around a cleaning rod up to the end so that the metal tip of the rod is not exposed. Next, clean the insides of the valve slides.

Clean the surface of the valve slides with gauze. Next, apply a small amount of slide grease. Move the valve slide back and forth several times so that the grease is spread evenly.

Caring for the rotary

Remove the rotary valve cap, then apply a small amount of rotor spindle oil to the center shaft and the area supporting the shaft.

Also apply small amounts of rotor spindle oil to the bottom of the shaft and bearing. After applying the oil, tighten the cap and move the lever so that the oil works in.

Apply a small amount of lever oil to the shaft bearing on the lever support.
*Wipe off all excess oil.

Washing the mouthpiece

Create a solution from brass soap and water (in a ratio of 10 to 15 parts warm water (30-40ºC) to one part brass soap). Soak the mouthpiece brush in the brass soap-water solution. Next, insert the mouthpiece brush in the mouthpiece throat to clean it. Rinse it with clean water.

Cleaning small spaces

Form polishing gauze into a rope shape for use in cleaning. Be sure to carefully clean even the smallest spaces.

Monthly care

Washing the body interior

Create a solution from brass soap and water (in a ratio of 10 to 15 parts warm water (30-40ºC) to one part brass soap).

Soak the flexible cleaner brush in the brass soap-water solution. Next, insert the brush in the tube to clean it.

Once the interior has been cleaned, rinse in clean water to remove the brass soap. Next, use gauze to completely dry the tube. Apply slide grease to the valve slides.