Homeless Horns
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Horn BEFORE chemical clean
The blue/green buildup pictured is minerals that collect
over time and then crystallize in the horn. When this isn't
removed, it acts like sandpaper and wears down the
metal surfaces of the rotors and casing walls. MANY
people have the false idea that using chemicals to clean
the inside of instruments eats away the metal and
causes loss of valve compression. The truth of the
matter is that when the buildup is present, the damage is
already done and metal has been worn away. The
minerals give the false impression the valves are still
tight. Once cleaned and void of buildup, the valves fit
looser and seem to suddenly be leaky, causing the false
conclusion that it was the chemicals that ate the metal
away. This is why it is SO important to have your horn
cleaned on a regular basis!! Not only will the valves stay
quick and smooth, but you will extend the life of them too.
over time and then crystallize in the horn. When this isn't
removed, it acts like sandpaper and wears down the
metal surfaces of the rotors and casing walls. MANY
people have the false idea that using chemicals to clean
the inside of instruments eats away the metal and
causes loss of valve compression. The truth of the
matter is that when the buildup is present, the damage is
already done and metal has been worn away. The
minerals give the false impression the valves are still
tight. Once cleaned and void of buildup, the valves fit
looser and seem to suddenly be leaky, causing the false
conclusion that it was the chemicals that ate the metal
away. This is why it is SO important to have your horn
cleaned on a regular basis!! Not only will the valves stay
quick and smooth, but you will extend the life of them too.
Notice the flat spot here?