Trumpet Care and Maintenance
You want to use a lubricant that has no odor. If you are normally bothered by the smell of most traditional valve oils which are petroleum-based you should definitely give these lubricants a try. These lubricants are widely used by professionals and provide fast and smooth operation.
When cleaning out the trumpet, avoid those trumpet snakes and use a soft brush designed for that specific purpose to avoid scratching your horn.
Your concern for care doesn't stop with your trumpet. Let's not forget care of your lips. You want to use a product that's proven to relieve dryness and soothe chapped, cracked lips, and is fragrance-free.
Hetman synthetic lubricants are carefully formulated to assure fast, positive action and protection against wear and corrosion.
They provide superior lubricating qualities, are longer-lasting than other lubricants, and are completely compatible with conventional petroleum-based lubricants, thereby avoiding potential gumming problems. Use Hetman Lubricant 1 for new instruments with close-tolerance piston valves.
Hetman Synthetic Piston Lubricants provide superior wear and corrosion protection for all types of piston valves.
Designed for instruments with piston valves having average clearance. This is often recommended for older and more worn trumpets.
Hetman Synthetic Classic Piston Lubricants is protection for your classic instrument.
Specially formulated oil helps to seal piston valves that exhibit greater than average clearance. Helps prevent valves from sticking.
This is often recommended for much older trumpets.
A long-lasting slide lubricant of heavier consistency, this premium slide grease keeps slides airtight and moving smoothly.
Better than using the traditional trumpet snake. The HW Brass-Saver® set for trumpet is the easiest and safest* way to clean saliva and corrosive mineral deposits from the inside of your horn. The patented design features a non-metal flexible lead pipe/slide brush (approximately 3/4" diameter and 42" long) that won't scratch or get stuck, and a double-ended valve casing brush for a complete maintenance kit. The special fiber will not shed, shrink, or swell, can be used wet or dry, and stands up to the chemicals in cleaning solutions. *Not recommended for instruments with interior sharp edges.
Aquaphor is the #1 dermatologist recommended lip care brand. It's fragrance-free and Paraben-free. Recommended by a board-certified dermatologist specifically for trumpet players. Proven to relieve dryness and soothe chapped, cracked lips. Seals in moisture and helps prevent dryness. Specially formulated for sensitive lips.
Aquaphor Lip Repair is especially helpful if you find that other lip creams cause you irritation. The small tube is handy to keep in your pocket for quick access. Helpful for people who spend a majority of their day talking, providing relief for dry chapped lips. Get a pack of 4, to keep one in your gig bag, pocket, windbreaker and winter coat.
Shaving facial hair especially around your chops can be tricky for those who don't feel comfortable using a razor. It can also be an irritant to some with sensitive skin especially if you need to shave every day.
The Braun Electric Razor for Men, Series 7 790cc is a good choice. It comes with a Clean & Charge Station.
How much and how often you rest is important. You want to build endurance and that can't be done by tearing yourself down. Trumpet practice needs to be spaced out to give you ample time to rest before your next exercise. Don't wait until you are tired, rest between each exercise or section you practice. You want a method to keep you from getting impatient. By putting a Sand Timer on your music stand, after you've finished an exercise, you simply turn the Sand Timer over and it begins your 30 Second rest period. No batteries, no maintenance and it makes no noise.