Krud Kutter

[pattonsj]

If any of you have ever used this cleaner you know that it will clean almost anything and I mean anything. It is non toxic and contains no solvents or harsh chemicals. If you haven't tried it, go by the paint department at The Home Depot and try it. (Walmart carries it also but as The Home Depot pays my salary, I would prefer you buy it at The Home Depot) My question is, would it harm a tuba, or any brass instrument for that matter, whether it be silver, laquered brass, or otherwise? (No, I'm not starting THAT debate) Has anybody tried it or would be willing to offer their opinion on the subject. (Not that Tuba players have opinions)

Let me know what you think...

[geneman06]

it's not that Tuba player don't have opinions, it's just that no one cares what Tuba players have to say. Despite the fact that we (tuba players) are usually right.

[pattonsj]

Usually? I don't understand your terminology in this situation.

[ghmerrill]

I don't recall if I've used Krud Kutter on my tuba or euph. I know I had some around here. But I have found 409 to be somewhat better in general and now use that for similar tasks. I HAVE used 409 on both my tuba and my euphonium, it works WONDERFULLY, and I have seen no sign of any harm. It was recommended to me by a local repair tech specifically for cleaning my old oval euph that arrived extremely crudded up from Bulgaria.

I have also used it on my tuba, for cleaning both the inside and the outside; and I see absolutely no sign of any damage. Both horns are lacquer (the tuba is red brass), but much of the lacquer is off the euph. It does equally well on the lacquer and the raw brass.

So I can't tell you I've used Krud Cutter for this, but I do highly recommend the 409. Rinse thoroughly and re-oil.

[pattonsj]

Thanks. I don't think I've used 409 in years and always figured that it would be too harsh on brass especially silver plated brass. I have seen instrument techs use Mean Green for degreasing but that seems pretty harsh to me.