Posted by David on August 27, 2003 at 00:03:56:
In Reply to: Re: rotary valve tuba cleaning posted by Dallas on August 26, 2003 at 09:59:27:
Contrary to the statements about smaller shops, most of them do indeed have capabilities for the big horns. The advantage of the smaller places is actually knowing the repairman who works on your horn. The great big places many times send your horn across town to the slowest shop and literally anybody works on the horn.
A chemical clean is a little more involved than most think.
1. Disassemble instrument totally
2. Remove accessible dents by many smaller shops
3. Dunk in a soap solution to remove grease and excess dirt
4. Rinse in water
5. Immerse in a chemical solution to remove the lime and calcium deposits
6. Rinse the chemicals off with water
7. Use brushes to really clean out the rest of the deposits
8. Dry the instrument inside and out
9. Use the best quality slide lubricants
10. Replace the water key pad(s)
11. Replace needed bumpers with either cork or neoprene
12. Install valves and correctly trim the bumpers so the valve moves just 90 degrees
13. Oil all bearing locations
14. Oil the valve cluster springs
15. Clean all water spots off instrument
16. Deodorize case if needed
I have been a repairman for about 24 years, have done the home job and the above job. I prefer the above job. It's worth the money you spend.