Caring for your French Horn

To make the french horn last longer and play properly, make sure and do the following things before you put your instrument back in its case after playing.

• Use the water key to remove excess water from the horn. Blowing through the mouthpiece while holding the water key down works well. If the horn is not equipped with a water key, turn the instrument upside down and remove the tuning slides to let water run out.
• Wipe the horn with a soft cloth. Be sure to get the correct cloth (lacquer or silver). Fingerprints contain acids that will destroy the horn's finish.
• Once a week, wash the mouthpiece with warm tap water and a mouthpiece brush.
• Use a small amount of rotor valve oil to keep the valves moving smoothly. Turning slide grease can help the slides move more easily.
• Return the horn to its case when you're not playing it to avoid accidental damage.