BASIC BRASS MAINTENANCE - FRENCH HORN

Before carrying out maintenance on your horn, Please note that French Horn valves should only be removed and cleaned by a qualified service technician.

Like all Brass instruments, French Horns require regular maintenance. About once a month remove the tuning slides and ensure that any excess grim is cleaned off, then lubricate the slides by applying a small amount of tuning slide grease to the end of the slides and install, working each one in and out several times to distribute the grease evenly. Wipe off any excess on the outside of the slides. Apply a few drops of rotary valve oil down each valve port ensuring that no oil runs down the sides of the tubing (this can carry grime into the valve causing wear and tear). Leave to stand for a couple of minutes to allow the oil to penetrate then turn the valves by hand a few times to work the oil into the valves. If your valves do not move freely or are seized, do not try to force the levers down. Using your thumb and forefinger, gently turn the valves until they move freely. If the valves are still not moving smoothly, repeat the oiling process and allow the instrument to stand for approximately 30 minutes before turning the valves.

HELPFUL HINTS
- Your French Horn should be polished every time you have finished playing to remove any fingerprints. Some people’s fingerprints have a lot of acid in them and this can tarnish or strip the instruments plating. The only way to slow this process is to polish your instrument after every time you have touched it.
- Always remove the valves by pulling them straight up and not at an angle as this bends the valves and causes them to not function properly.
- Never use pliers to remove a stuck mouthpiece this very rarely works without causing more problems. If the mouthpiece becomes stuck either take it to your teacher or a technician. Either one should have the correct tool to remove the mouthpiece
- Your mouthpiece should be cleaned weekly to remove any blockages and to keep it clean. Rinse it in water and gently scrub with your mouthpiece brush.
As most problems are caused by neglect and lack of maintenance, please follow the above directions and always ask someone if you are having any trouble.
Hopefully this helps with the care of your new French Horn.
The most important thing to remember is to have your instrument regularly serviced by a technician to keep the other technical parts of your French Horn in excellent working order. This should be done at least once a year.

HAPPY PLAYING!!