Trumpet 101: Common Problems & Their Solutions!
A well-maintained trumpet can last up to 60 years, but since it is generally made of brass, you’re bound to encounter a few problems with your instrument occasionally.
A trumpet is one of those instruments, where various components combine to create a beautiful harmony. A slight mishap, and you might be in a challenging situation while performing.
Although these issues are minor and can be avoided when they do tend to stir up, you can always resort to a well-trained trumpet repair technician near you. They will have your instrument up and ready just like that!
However, knowing about the common issues with your musical instrument certainly helps. Continue reading to learn about your instrument and how to fix its common issues.
Before we outline the common problems, it’d be wise for us to answer a basic question:
What problems can arise on a Trumpet?
- Sticky Valves
- Dents
- Broken Water Key
- Stuck Tuning Slides
We won’t get into the specifics in this article though. Let’s highlight the most common problems with Trumpets, ensuring that they’ll last you for generations to come.
Common Trumpet Problems
● Dents on the Body
Trumpets are made of brass. A dent or two is bound to happen no matter how careful you are with your instrument.
A trumpet repair technician can remove almost any dent. Some dents are cosmetic and have no effect on the sound or function, but some dents can be a sign that there might be alignment issues or potential cracks. Always best to consult a trumpet repair technician near you. Don’t try to remove dents on a trumpet by yourself.
● Stuck Slides
Stuck slides are nasty! What’s even worse is they usually aren’t caused by damage, but by the chemical bonding of impurities stuck to them. These stuck slides are easy to repair and can be taken apart with a decent amount of pressure.
Although, we’d advise you to not use any hammer or plyer as that’d be going too hard on your musical instrument. A trumpet repair technician near you can help you with the problem.
● Lack of a Good Carrying Case
People often see trumpets as durable instruments, and they’re partially right too. However, if your trumpet is not in a proper case (that’s at least padded on the inside), a slight fall could damage the brass instrument.
A fall can lead to a dent, a broken spit valve, or worst-case scenario, damage to the valve casing and lead-pipe. What a nightmare.
It’s important to find a good case that will protect your trumpet. Something that doesn’t let the trumpet slide around when traveling and has some storage space for a mouthpiece and trumpet cleaning supplies.
● Broken Solder Joints
Broken solder joints are also common with trumpet repairs. These also tend to happen when a trumpet is twisted or bent. What more? These repairs can’t be done at home as they require special materials and techniques.
However, a trumpet repair technician will know how to solder the joints, without affecting the overall finish of your instrument.
Closing Words
A trumpet can last you for decades (literally) provided it is taken care of properly. If you are mindful of your instrument and follow a basic maintenance routine like applying oil, slide grease, and having it checked regularly by a trumpet repair technician near you, there shouldn’t be any problem.
As they say, the devil’s in the details. If you want your trumpet to have a long life, focus on the details and mend things before they’re beyond repair.
