Trombone

Trombone: Producing Sound

To make the trombone sound, the player makes a buzzing sound by blowing air through closed lips. The mouthpiece amplifies the sound, and it travels through the trombone's tubing and out through its bell. The trombonist moves the slide in and out to make the different notes; increasing the length the sound must travel makes the note lower.

Care and Maintenance

Before you play:

• Check to see that the slide lock is locked, then take the slide from the case. Connect the slide to the slide receiver on the bell section and tighten the slide receiver. 
• While holding the trombone with your left hand, place the mouthpiece into the mouthpiece receiver.
• Unlock the slide, pull the inner slide out, put a few drops of slide oil on each side, and insert it back into the outer slide. 

After you play:

• Lock the slide lock.
• Hold the water key open and blow the moisture out of your trombone.
• Remove the mouthpiece and put it in its compartment in your case.
• Wipe the fingerprints off your trombone with your trombone polish cloth.
• Put your trombone in its case and fasten the latches.
• Check for loose items in your case that could bounce into your trombone and dent or scratch it. 
• Don't store anything on top of your trombone in its case because extra items will push on it and bend it.

Periodically:

• Clean your mouthpiece with a mouthpiece brush, dish soap, and warm water.
• Thoroughly clean your trombone's finish with your trombone polish cloth.
• Apply a little grease to the tuning slide. Pull it out, wipe it clean with a soft cloth, rub a small amount of slide grease on both sides, and carefully insert it back into your trombone.
• Every few months, wash out the insides of your trombone to keep it sanitary and working smoothly.  
• Disassemble your trombone in a large sink or bathtub of warm water and mild dish soap.
• Be very careful with the disassembled parts, as the slightest dent will prevent your slide from moving quickly and smoothly.  
• A soft towel on the counter and at the bottom of the sink or tub will cushion any falls.
• Use your brushes to scrub gently inside the tubes. 
• Rinse thoroughly and dry off the parts.  
• Apply a small amount of grease to the tuning slide and put it back into your trombone.  
• Apply a few drops of slide oil to the slide, put it back together, and lock the slide lock. 
• Bring your trombone to the Amro repair shop at least once a year and whenever you feel it's not playing its best. We'll inspect and test it free of charge, usually while you wait.  If you have Amro’s maintenance & replacement plan, there is no cost for adjustments and repair.