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billako wrote:I have an old Weltklang 4-valve E flat which I keep on a Wenger stand and the tuba is uncovered. I noticed that the valves have a little red on them. Would it help prevent red rot if I kept it in the case?

Would it be better for storage to clean it, dry it, and put it in the case?

Thanks for any reply. Bill.

Red rot occurs from the inside of the tuba to the outside, usually from calcium deposits from saliva leaching out the zinc in brass. By the time you notice it on the outside, it's too late. Most often it occurs in the leadpipe or the tuning slide crooks.

The blush you may get on the surface of an unlacquered tuba isn't red rot.

Keeping the inside of your tuba clean (free from deposits) will reduce the likelihood of red rot. Draining all of the slides after playing will also help. Since a lot of red rot occurs in the leadpipe, some suggest dropping a little oil down the leadpipe from time to time will help to coat the inside.

If you have an unlaquered tuba, it's better to not polish it; the patina that forms on the surface is protective. A coat or two of high-quality museum wax, such as Rennaissance, isn't a bad idea, either.