TubeNet

I finally got a slide un-stuck by using WD40. While cleaning it I noticed that there where several brown spots on the slide. Should I use some kind of polish or cleanser to remove these spots or just apply new grease.

Ie your crook works well, leave it alone.

You can always clean it lightly with a scotch-brite pad. Just don't get too excited...

Tim

trseaman wrote:You can always clean it lightly with a scotch-brite pad. Just don't get too excited...

I love those things! Sprinkle a little Bar Keepers Friend on there for good measure, but don't get any inside the horn! On second thought, you probably shouldn't get any on the slide either...
Seriously, if it's just discolored, don't worry about it. If there's some sort of deposit or build-up on it, you want to clean that stuff off. There have been some good threads here in recent weeks about chem cleaning, both at home and the professional variety.
MF

Doc wrote:I use them without fear

Aw, c'mon! I thought you weren't afraid of anything, so what does that say!?

I tend to avoid Scotchbrite pads for musical instrument cleaning, but instead like to use a super-fine steel wool pad, #0000. These are available in the paint section at home-improvement and hardware stores (Lowe's, Home Depot, Menard's, Tru-Value, Ace, etc.).

If you wrap the steel wool around the slide tube and turn the slide, it will soon remove dirt and corrosion and leave a clean, polished appearance, causing no scratches whatsoever. I'd then suggest cleaning the slide with a strong degreaser detergent (diswashing liquid, I like to use Dawn), rinsing, drying, then use plenty of a really good grease. I apply the slide grease to one inner tube, then work it in the outer tube several times to make sure that all parts are well-coated, then repeat with the other side.
This seems to give the best-possible slide action while preventing further problems.