Trombone
Study the picture above to learn the different parts of your trombone.
To assemble your trombone, be sure the slide is locked then remove it from the case and connect it to the side receiver. Position it at a 90 degree angle from the rest of the instrument and tighten the bell lock.
While holding the trombone with your left hand, place the mouthpiece into the mouthpiece receiver and gently twist it. Do not hit it with your hand, as it can become stuck. If this happens, take the trombone to your band director or to the repair shop.
Grease the slide regularly. Pull the slide out, wipe it clean with a soft, lint-free cloth, put a small amount of slide oil on it and insert back into the outer slide. Be careful not to bend the slide or the edges of the tubing. If the slide is bent, it won’t move smoothly or may leak air - making it hard to play!
After playing, press the water key to remove the condensation from the inside of your trombone. This keeps it clean and prevents corrosion.
Since your fingerprints contain acids that will destroy your trombone’s finish, be sure to use a polish cloth to wipe them off. Use a lacquer cloth for gold colored trombones and a silver polish cloth for silver plated instruments.
Grease the tuning slide regularly. Remove it, wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth, apply a small amount of tuning slide grease, and return the slide to the instrument. Be careful not to bend the edges of the tubing.
Return your trombone to it’s case when you’re not playing it. If you must leave it out for short periods of time, get a trombone stand. Most damage occurs to instruments when they are out of their cases. Don’t keep loose items in your case as they can damage your trombone.
It’s a good idea to bring your trombone to the repair shop at least once a year for inspection and routine maintenance. Sometimes we can spot minor problems early and head off expensive repairs. We’re always happy to inspect and test your instrument free of charge, and usually can do it while you wait. And if you have Amro’s Maintenance & Replacement coverage, any adjustments and repair it needs are free of charge. A properly working trombone can actually make you a better player.
Best of luck with your trombone. Take good care of it, and don’t forget to practice!
