The tuba is one of the wind instruments that you almost never see being played. Yes, it is quite rare to see someone blowing it. People would rather blow the smaller and less protruding trumpet. Technically, the tuba is the biggest of the wind instrument family and finding people that know how to play it can be similar to searching for a tiny stone in a heap of hay. This is why if you know how to play the tuba, you will be sought after by band and orchestra groups. Now, if you own your own tuba, then you know that like any other instrument, it needs proper maintenance and cleaning on a regular basis. This being said, here are some pointers on how you can care for your bulky tuba.
- Tighten the parts. The tube consists of tiny parts such as valves, slides, and screws which are connected to form the bulky instrument you usually blow on. To care for your tuba properly, it is critical that you check these parts regularly. In fact, it is recommended to do it on a daily basis. Tighten any loosened parts and components that you notice during inspection. Test the valves and the slides to see if they can move without too much effort and hindrance. If these pieces seem to be stuck or have a lot of friction, then there may be something inside that you will need to find and remove.
- Wipe it clean. Every day and every after use, make sure to wipe the whole instrument down with a damp and clean cloth. Dampen the rag with water and start wiping every segment of the tuba. This will effectively remove all the dirt and oil that have attached to the instrument which probably came from your hands.
- Scrub the inside. The inside of the tuba can fill up with all types of dirt and dust not to mention the occasional spit. To scrub this out, use a snake-brush to clean the insides. For your mouthpiece, there is a specific brush for this as well which you will want to use.
- Lubricate. After cleaning the tuba, it is important to always lubricate the brass parts of the tuba most especially the valves and slides. Get a dry rag and pour a few drops of oil. Wipe it on the surface paying attention to the crevices where parts move in and out. Make sure to grease up the slides every so often as well. These lubricating practices will help prevent rust and will ensure that each part will be working well without any form of hindrance.
- Store it wisely. When not in use, it is critical that you store it inside its case and lock it. If there are papers and books inside the case, remove them so as not to cause any of the tuba parts to bend out of shape or loosen. Make sure that the latches of the case work. Finally, place the sealed case in a location that is not prone to excessive moisture.
All these suggestions will help in maintaining the high quality of your tuba in both appearance and sound. It is important to make these caring tips a regular habit to ensure that the next time you blow on it; the sound will blow the audience away.
Add comment