Frequently clean your mouthpiece with soap, warm water as dirt and deposits tend to collect there. Eating and drinking should be avoided immediately before playing, if not residue will collect inside the instrument. Don't force the mouthpiece into the instrument - a mild rotation is all that is required when inserting. If the mouthpiece becomes stuck, don't try to remove it yourself.
Tuning slides need to be kept clean and lubricated. If they become difficult to move, then remove them, clean them with a soft cloth and then apply new tuning slide grease sparingly. If they are stuck or will not move smoothly, perhaps is time to send instrument to our shop.
Piston/rotor valves are precision machined to very close tolerance. Any dirt or foreign particle that finds its way between the valve and valve casing has the potential to make the valve action sluggish or can stop the valve from functioning altogether. Lubrication of the valves is recommended before use.
If a brass instrument is in good condition but won't be played for a very long period of time and is stored, it is advised to remove tuning slides and wipe off grease. Once the instrument is used again, apply new tuning slide grease sparingly and assemble. This can avoid stuck/frozen slides.
