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You must assemble, clean, and tune your new Trombone prior to playing.
Trombones are delicate instruments and can be damaged easily. Handle
with care. If you have a trombone instructor we recommend you see him
or her to assist you with assembling, cleaning and tuning your
instrument for the first time.
If cannot wait, follow the steps below:
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Remove the main slide from its case. The main slide is delicate so be careful not to bang it
against anything.
- Insert the connecting sleeve into the bell section and tighten the
bell lock to secure in place. Make sure that the spit valve on the main
slide is on the bottom. The slide should be to the right of the bell at
a 90° angle. The bell and slide should not make contact.
- Always hold your trombone by the slide brace while resting and make
sure the slide lock is locked when the trombone is not in use
Mouthpiece
- Hold the trombone vertically with the bell towards the ground.
Gently drop the mouthpiece into mouthpiece receiver letting the weight
of the mouthpiece form the connection. To get an airtight seal twist
the mouthpiece clockwise 1/4 turn
Important
Never force the mouthpiece in place. Avoid knocking or striking the
mouthpiece inward. This can cause the mouthpiece to become permanently
stuck. If your mouthpiece becomes stuck please visit your local repair
shop. They have special tools to remove mouthpieces. Never use pliers
or other gripping tools to remove a stuck mouthpiece.
Tuning
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Pitch is affected by temperature, so be sure to warm up your instrument before playing by blowing air through it.
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Tuning your trombone is done by adjusting the tuning slide until you achieve the desired pitch
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The tuning pitch for the Bb trombone is Bb, played using the 1st slide position in the 3rd partial.
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Fine-tuning of the intonation is done with the embouchure and the main tuning slide
Playing
While playing, saliva accumulates within the instrument. To prolong
the life and playing condition of your instrument this fluid must be
expelled on a regular basis with the water key. The water key is
located on the main slide
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Hold the trombone at a 45 degree angle towards the ground
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Holding the spit-valve open, blow through the instrument to expel excess fluid.
Maintenance
Lubricating the Hand Slide
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Carefully remove the outer slide and lay it on a clean, flat surface.
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Wipe inner slide clean of old cream, dirt, and foreign substances.
- Apply a small amount of slide cream to the stocking of the inner
slides (the part that is slightly thicker than the rest). Spread
evenly, until it is coated with a thin film. Do not apply too much
slide cream as this will hinder the movement of the slides.
-
Use a trombone spray bottle to spray water evenly over the inner slides.
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Replace the outer slide, moving it back and forth to spread the lubricant evenly.
Lubricating the Tuning Slide
Slide grease keeps slides airtight and maintains smooth movement. It
is an essential factor in the care of your horn. To apply slide grease:
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Remove the tuning slide and wipe clean of dirt and foreign substances.
- Apply a thin coating of slide grease to the inner slide surface.
Replace the slide, working it in to ensure that the grease is evenly
and thoroughly spread.
Cleaning the Mouthpiece
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Soak the mouthpiece in a solution of warm soapy water. Using a brass mouthpiece brush scrub the inside and outside
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Rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water.
Cleaning the Water Keys
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A tone hole cleaner may be used to clean and dry the water keys.
Other helpful hints
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Avoid fluids that contain sugar prior to playing. If drinking or eating prior to playing rinse out
your mouth.
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Remove your trombone from its case by lifting it from the lead pipe and bell
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Always remove the mouthpiece from your trombone when not in use
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Always store your trombone in its case when not in use to prevent damage
- Your instrument is a valuable item and should be treated with
respect. By following the guidelines above your instrument should
provide you and your listeners with yours on enjoyment
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