Re: red rot


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Posted by Daryl Hickman on January 16, 2001 at 15:44:11:

In Reply to: red rot posted by Zanne on January 16, 2001 at 13:55:43:

If you have red-rot (dezincification) I would replace the slide. For those that don't know...
Brass (an alloy) is a combination of copper and zinc. Yellow brass is usually 70% copper-30% zinc.
Dezincification is an electorchemical breakdown of the zinc in brass leaving only the copper. Some of the causes are trapped mositure, impure brass or highly chlorinated water used to rinse the instrument. It appears as light red/pink spots under the laquer or pin-head sized bumps under silverplating. It can be slowed with chromic acid (Brite Dip) but it is nearly impossible to stop. It is most often found in slide crooks or leadpipes where moisture collects.

Prevention:
Brush your teeth after eating/before playing, clean your horn monthly and have it chemically cleaned by a professional on a yearly basis.


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